Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV (first generation, often referred to as the Sportage KM).
Target Demographic:
Individuals and families seeking an affordable, versatile, and capable SUV for everyday use and light off-roading.
Key Competitors 2007:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan X-Trail (Qashqai in some markets), Hyundai Tucson.
Sportage Advantages:
Often offered at a more aggressive price point, V6 engine option provides more power than many competitors' base 4-cylinder engines, robust body-on-frame construction in some earlier generations (though the 2007 is unibody, it retained a rugged feel).
Powertrain Options:
Available with a 2.0L 4-cylinder and the 2.7L V6 engine; primarily FWD or AWD.
Design Philosophy:
Rugged and utilitarian styling, aiming for a balance between urban practicality and off-road capability.
Interior Versatility:
Folding rear seats for increased cargo capacity, elevated driving position.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable, though not for 2.7L), engine diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission operation, removal, installation, internal components, clutch system.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission operation, removal, installation, hydraulic system, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), Rear suspension (Multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering wheel, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
Electrical System Basic:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor).
Electrical System Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, bulb specifications.
Electrical System Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, wipers, horn.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, trim, exterior seals.
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, upholstery, interior trim panels, carpeting, HVAC controls.
HVAC System:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pre-tensioners.
Diagnostic Systems:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, fault codes (DTCs), diagnostic tools.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation.
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually every component of the vehicle.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake repair, etc.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Specifications Torque Values:
Precise torque specifications for all fasteners to ensure proper assembly and prevent damage.
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools and equipment for specific repairs.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic information, including sensor data interpretation and signal tracing.
Rebuild Capability:
Complete instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilding.
Structural Repair:
Body repair guidelines, welding procedures, frame straightening (if applicable).
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams for accurate electrical troubleshooting.
Length:
Approx. 4,350 mm (171.3 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1,795 mm (70.7 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1,755 mm (69.1 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,630 mm (103.5 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 195 mm (7.7 inches)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 2.6 m³ (92.2 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 666 Liters (23.5 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1884 Liters (66.5 cu ft) with rear seats folded
Curb Weight AWD V6:
Approx. 1,600 - 1,700 kg (3,527 - 3,748 lbs), depending on trim and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Approx. 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) when properly equipped.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (2007 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (2007 model year)
IIHS Front Offset Safetyscore:
Acceptable (for vehicles of similar class, specific Sportage ratings vary by year and test).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims.
Airbags:
Standard front dual-stage airbags, optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, 3-point seatbelts for rear passengers.
Rollover Protection:
Designed with a focus on structural integrity for its class.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Inspect every 3,750 miles (6,000 km).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions (e.g., dusty environments).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium spark plugs (recommended).
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
This V6 engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, so no scheduled replacement is required, but inspection for wear and noise is recommended.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 API SM or higher.
Transmission Fluid Atf:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based, meeting Kia's specifications (often a pink or orange coolant).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check owner's manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Oil Leaks:
V6 engine can sometimes develop oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket over time.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some instances of rough shifting in the automatic transmission may occur, often related to fluid condition or solenoids.
Cv Joint Wear:
Front CV joints can wear, leading to clicking noises when turning, especially with AWD models.
Wheel Bearing Noise:
Front wheel bearings can be a point of wear, causing humming or grinding noises.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Some V6 engines of this era can experience hairline cracks in the exhaust manifolds, leading to ticking noises.
Kia Founding:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Kia Global Expansion:
Kia has experienced significant global growth and modernization, particularly since its acquisition by Hyundai Motor Group in 1998.
First Generation Sportage:
The Sportage debuted in 1993 as Kia's first SUV, initially built on a body-on-frame chassis shared with the Mazda B-series pickup.
Second Generation Sportage Km:
The 2007 model year belongs to the second generation (JE/KM), which was a significant departure. It adopted a unibody chassis shared with the Hyundai Tucson, moving towards a more car-like ride and handling.
Design Collaboration:
The second-generation Sportage's exterior design was led by Tom Kearns, under the design direction of Peter Schreyer.
Production Period Gen2:
2004-2010 (with a facelift in 2007).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily South Korea, with assembly also occurring in other international locations.