Segment:
Compact Crossover / Minivan
Positioning:
Affordable, versatile, family-oriented vehicle offering a blend of hatchback utility and minivan practicality.
Key Competitors:
Dodge Journey, Mazda 5, Ford C-Max, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V
Body Styles:
5-door compact crossover/MPV
Seating Capacity:
5 or 7 passenger options
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, fuel efficiency, and value for money.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle efficiently, saving time and money.
Engine:
2.4L GDI (Theta II G4KC)
Transmission:
6-Speed Automatic (A6GF1)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering (Electric Power Steering - MDPS), Brakes (Front Ventilated Disc, Rear Solid Disc)
Electrical:
ECU, BCM, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Wipers, Horn, Power Accessories, Audio System, HVAC Controls
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Climate Control System
Safety:
Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS, ESC, Traction Control
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, DTC interpretation, Component testing, Electrical circuit diagrams
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuild, Suspension component replacement, Brake system service, Body panel repair, Electrical component replacement
Installation:
Accessory installation, Component replacement procedures
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, Alignment data, Component specifications
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Tools:
References GDS (Global Diagnostic System) or equivalent diagnostic tools
Engine Code:
G4KC (Theta II)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2359 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 Valves, Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
Horsepower:
166 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
156 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (minimum, 89 recommended for optimal performance)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors (O2S), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Engine Mounting:
Transverse
Cooling System:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling System
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic (A6GF1)
Drive Wheels:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.55, 2nd: 2.17, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.72, 6th: 0.59, Reverse: 2.54)
Transmission Fluid:
Kia ATF SP-IV (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Refer to manual (approx. 7.0-7.5 liters for dry fill)
Length:
4480 mm (176.4 in)
Height:
1610 mm (63.4 in)
Wheelbase:
2650 mm (104.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
150 mm (5.9 in) (approx.)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 96.4 cu ft (5/7 seater configuration variations)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 9.1 cu ft (7-seater)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 33.0 cu ft (5/7-seater with 3rd row folded)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 60.4 cu ft (5/7-seater with all rear seats folded)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1600 kg (3300-3500 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard (GVWR)
Standard Wheel Size:
16-inch alloy
Optional Wheel Size:
17-inch alloy
Standard Tire Size:
205/60R16
Optional Tire Size:
215/55R17
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 (5x4.5 inch)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4-Star (2014 model, varies by specific test and configuration)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
N/A (generally not a TSP recipient for this generation)
ABS:
Yes (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System)
Esc:
Yes (Electronic Stability Control - ESC)
Traction Control:
Yes (Traction Control System - TCS)
Brake Assist:
Yes (Brake Assist System - BAS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Yes (Electronic Brake-force Distribution - EBD)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (for first and second rows)
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, Rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Head Unit Options:
Standard AM/FM/CD/Satellite Radio with USB/Aux inputs, optional touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio System:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker audio system.
Display Technology:
Optional 4.3-inch or 7-inch color touchscreen display.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated with the infotainment display.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry, optional push-button start with smart key.
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Ports:
Standard USB and auxiliary input jacks for media playback.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning or optional automatic climate control.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors (heated on some trims).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under severe driving conditions, or as per manual recommendation.
Coolant Replacement:
First change at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km).
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.9 U.S. quarts (4.6 liters) with filter change
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Kia ATF SP-IV
Coolant Specification:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Yellow), Prediluted 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual, typically uses specific Kia/Hyundai PSF or Dexron III ATF.
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of minor interior rattles, potential for premature brake wear on some units, and some HVAC system issues. Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) in the manual for more specific common issues and their remedies.
Manual Utility For Issues:
The manual provides diagnostic procedures and repair instructions to address many common and uncommon issues, including electrical glitches and mechanical wear.
Brand Origin:
South Korea
Brand Reputation:
Known for value, reliability (improving), and extensive warranties.
First Generation:
2005 (as Kia Spectra ~5)
Second Generation:
2010 (rebranded as Rondo)
Third Generation:
2013 (as the JG chassis, the subject of this manual)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea (Kia Hwaseong Plant)
Production Years Jg Chassis:
2013-2018
Ii Hs Crash Test Performance:
The 2014 Rondo achieved 'Good' ratings in moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests from the IIHS, though not a Top Safety Pick designation.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance:
Received 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
EPA estimated fuel economy: ~20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for automatic transmission (varies slightly by configuration).
Initial Quality Studies:
Kia consistently scores well in initial quality surveys, indicating a good build quality from the factory.
Long Term Dependability:
While not a segment leader in long-term dependability, Kia's warranty coverage compensates for potential minor issues.