Vehicle Class:
Mid-size SUV
Segment:
Body-on-frame SUV, often competing with models like the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota 4Runner.
Key Competitors 2003 2006:
Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Seating Capacity:
Typically 5 or 7 passengers (optional third row).
Engine Service:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications for all engine variants.
Transmission Service:
Coverage for automatic and manual transmissions, including overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid information.
Drivetrain Service:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, axles, and driveshafts.
Braking System Service:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, hydraulic components, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension Steering Service:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications, and power steering.
Electrical System Service:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostics for lighting, charging, ignition, and accessories.
HVAC System Service:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system diagnostics and repair.
Body And Chassis Service:
Body panel repair, interior trim, glass replacement, structural components, and corrosion protection.
Emission Control Systems:
Diagnosis and repair of emissions-related components and systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Explanation of DTCs and associated diagnostic steps.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code V6:
G6CU (3.5L V6)
Engine Displacement V6:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Engine Configuration V6:
SOHC V6
Horsepower V6 Early:
Approx. 195 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque V6 Early:
Approx. 217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Horsepower V6 Later:
Approx. 205 hp @ 5500 rpm (minor revisions)
Torque V6 Later:
Approx. 227 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (minor revisions)
Engine Code 4Cyl:
G4CS (2.7L 4-Cylinder, less common, primarily for certain markets/trims)
Engine Displacement 4Cyl:
2.7 Liters (2656 cc)
Engine Configuration 4Cyl:
DOHC 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 4Cyl:
Approx. 138-149 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm
Torque 4Cyl:
Approx. 174-180 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
0 60 Mph V6:
Approx. 8.5 - 9.5 seconds
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 17.7 gallons (67 liters)
Transmission Type V6 Early:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type 4Cyl:
5-Speed Manual (less common in US market)
Transmission Type V6 Later:
5-Speed Automatic (introduced around 2005/2006 for some models)
Transmission Type 4Cyl Auto:
4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Length:
Approx. 188.7 inches (4793 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.2 inches (1885 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.7 - 68.1 inches (1720 - 1730 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.7 inches (195 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 106-110 cubic feet (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 33.0 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 70.0 - 80.0 cubic feet (with 2nd & 3rd rows folded)
Curb Weight V6 Rwd:
Approx. 4200 - 4400 lbs (1905 - 2000 kg)
Curb Weight V6 4Wd:
Approx. 4400 - 4600 lbs (2000 - 2090 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5700 - 6000 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Driver Side:
4 Stars (2003 models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side:
4 Stars (2003 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (2003 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars (2003 models)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Available on some models/trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Generally not available on early models, potentially introduced later
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Front Passenger)
Airbags Side Curtain:
Available (Side-impact airbags for front and sometimes rear occupants)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Generally not standard; aftermarket solutions likely required for modern connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles (6,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial: 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.
Timing Belt Replacement V6:
Crucial! 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil V6:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for temperature variations and specific API classification).
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.2 quarts (4.9 liters) with filter change.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) for drain and fill.
Engine Coolant:
Propylene Glycol-based (Asian Red/Pink) or Ethylene Glycol-based (Green) antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent.
Common Complaint Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts leading to vibration.
Common Complaint Rear Main Seal:
Oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.
Common Complaint Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators.
Common Complaint ABS Sensors:
Faulty ABS wheel speed sensors leading to ABS warning lights.
Common Complaint Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracking of the exhaust manifold, particularly on the V6 engine.
Common Complaint Transfer Case Actuator:
Issues with the 4WD actuator system on AWD models.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Generation Introduction:
First generation (JC) introduced for the 2001 model year globally, with North American debut in 2002 for the 2003 model year.
Facelift Mid Cycle:
Minor styling updates and feature enhancements occurred during its production run, especially for 2005/2006 models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily South Korea (Kia Hwaseong Plant)
Production Span:
2001-2006 (First Generation)