Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Positioning:
Family-oriented, versatile SUV offering three rows of seating and a range of engine options.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe.
Seating Capacity:
Available in 5-passenger and 7-passenger configurations.
Design Philosophy:
Styled with Kia's 'Tiger Nose' grille and a more European-influenced design for the third generation.
Trim Levels:
Typically offered in LX, EX, SX, and SX Limited (or similar designations) with varying feature sets.
Engine Coverage:
2.4L GDI, 3.3L GDI V6, 2.0L Turbo GDI
Transmission Coverage:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (6AT)
Drivetrain Coverage:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Body Style Coverage:
All available body styles for the specified model years.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as complete)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic), powertrain control module (PCM).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic, ABS, ESC), wheels and tires, driveline (FWD, AWD).
Electrical:
Starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, audio system, HVAC controls, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, body control module (BCM), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, liftgate, bumpers, glass, seats, airbags, seatbelts.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, system repairs, diagnostics and troubleshooting, component testing, torque specifications.
Diagnostics:
Trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, scan tool usage.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to detailed component-level repairs and advanced diagnostics, including wiring diagrams.
Engine 1 Code:
Theta II 2.4L GDI
Engine 1 Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Engine 1 Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Engine 2 Code:
Lambda II 3.3L GDI
Engine 2 Type:
V6, Naturally Aspirated
Engine 2 Displacement:
3342 cc (3.3 Liters)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 290 hp @ 6400 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 252 lb-ft @ 5300 rpm
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Engine 3 Code:
Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDI
Engine 3 Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, Turbocharged
Engine 3 Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 260 lb-ft @ 1450-4000 rpm
Engine 3 Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) with Turbocharger
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 AKI for 2.4L/3.3L, 91 AKI recommended for 2.0T for optimal performance.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.4 inches (2780 mm)
Length:
Approx. 189.1 inches (4802 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
Approx. 66.1 inches (1679 mm) (without roof rails)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 10.0 cubic feet (282 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 31.7 cubic feet (898 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 73.5 cubic feet (2082 L)
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, generally 3,800 - 4,300 lbs (1724 - 1950 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with V6 engine and proper towing package.
IIHS Rating 2015:
Top Safety Pick (when equipped with optional forward collision warning)
NHTSA Rating:
Overall 5-Star Safety Rating (for most configurations)
Standard Electronic Stability Control:
Yes
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Yes
Airbag System:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Standard on front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Available Driver Assistance
Forward Collision Warning:
Optional
Lane Departure Warning:
Optional
Blind-Spot Detection:
Optional
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Optional
Display Sizes:
Available 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens depending on trim and options.
Features:
UVO infotainment system, navigation (optional), rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB/Auxiliary input.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trims.
Autonomous Emergency Braking:
Optional.
Apple Carplay Android Auto:
Not standard on 2015-2016 models. Available on later model years or aftermarket upgrades.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available with push-button start.
Power Liftgate:
Optional on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Use synthetic oil.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (under normal driving conditions).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual for severe service intervals or specific mileage/time recommendations (often around 60,000 miles for severe use).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or higher, SAE 0W-20 (for 2.4L & 2.0T), SAE 5W-30 (for 3.3L V6 - check manual for confirmation).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, long-life (e.g., HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), typically pink or orange. Refer to manual for specific Kia specification (e.g., MS-9770).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Manual will specify exact requirement.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., SP-IV for 6AT).
Common Complaints 2015-2016:
Occasional reports of infotainment system glitches, minor electrical issues, and potential for carbon buildup in direct-injection engines (requiring periodic cleaning as per service bulletins).
Recall Information:
Refer to official NHTSA or Kia recalls database for specific VIN-related recalls. Common areas can include potential issues with certain electrical components or engine parts depending on manufacturing batches.
Brand Origin:
South Korea
Brand Strategy:
Kia has grown from a manufacturer of basic transportation to a globally recognized brand known for value, style, and technology.
First Generation Start:
2004
Second Generation Start:
2009
Third Generation Start:
2015
Generation 3 Redesign Highlights:
All-new platform, updated styling, expanded engine options, available turbocharged engine, more premium interior, increased focus on technology and safety features.
Manufacturing Plant:
Hwasung, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market).
IIHS Award:
Top Safety Pick for 2015.
Kbb Consumer Ratings:
Generally high consumer satisfaction ratings for value and features.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Mixed to good ratings; often praised for value and features, but sometimes noted for average reliability in certain areas compared to segment leaders.