Market Segment:
Mid-size SUV, often positioned as a versatile family vehicle with both on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Trailblazer
Vehicle Type:
Body-on-frame SUV (early models), later models may have adopted unibody construction depending on market. The 2003-2006 models are predominantly body-on-frame.
Seating Capacity:
Available in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations.
Drivetrain Options:
Available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.
Coverage Continents:
Global
Coverage Regions:
North America, Europe, Asia, Australia
Estimated Page Count:
~2500-3000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition, emission control systems, turbocharging (if applicable)
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case, differentials (front, rear, center), driveshafts, CV joints, axles
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD, ESC), wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
Body control module (BCM), power distribution, lighting, instrument cluster, airbags, anti-theft, infotainment, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, climate control, interior trim, corrosion protection
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations and pinpoint tests, component testing procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, component measurements, engine timing, electrical resistance values
Technical Information:
Component identification, system operation descriptions, assembly and disassembly procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages or sections
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Code:
G6A (V6 3.5L SOHC), later models may include V6 3.8L and 4-cylinder options depending on market. Focus here is on the most common global configurations for this era.
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Configuration:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Bore X Stroke:
91.4 mm x 89.0 mm
Horsepower:
Approximately 195-200 hp @ 5500 rpm (V6 3.5L)
Torque:
Approximately 217-220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (V6 3.5L)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane Rating 87 recommended)
ECU Type:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities (OBD-II)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-speed OD)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (available on select trims/markets)
AWD System:
Electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive system with torque-sensing center differential (on AWD models)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
KIA Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Length:
Approximately 4675 mm (184.1 inches)
Width:
Approximately 1845 mm (72.6 inches)
Height:
Approximately 1730 mm (68.1 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2730 mm (107.5 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1850-2000 kg (4079-4409 lbs) depending on configuration (RWD/AWD, engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 2500-2600 kg (5512-5732 lbs)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 960 liters (33.9 cubic feet)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 200 liters (7.1 cubic feet)
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
4 Stars (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
4 Stars (for models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (for models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) - often standard or available
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - may be optional or standard on later models within this range
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, optional side-impact airbags, optional curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters in all seating positions
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for child seats
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD player, often with cassette player on early models. Premium audio systems may have included more speakers and a subwoofer.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack on later models within this range.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for iridium/platinum.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) under normal driving conditions; more frequently under severe use. Consult manual for specifics.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SM or ILSAC GF-4 certified.
Engine Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, P-HOAT type (Purple), 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
KIA Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.
Engine Oil Sludge:
Potential for oil sludge buildup if oil changes are neglected, especially with the 3.5L V6. Regular maintenance is crucial.
Cv Joint Boots:
Wear and tear on CV joint boots leading to eventual failure, especially in older or high-mileage vehicles. Check for tears/grease leaks.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Some reports of cracked exhaust manifolds on V6 engines, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
ABS Sensor Failure:
ABS warning lights can illuminate due to faulty wheel speed sensors.
Transfer Case Leaks:
Potential for leaks from the transfer case seals, particularly on AWD models.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation (South Korea)
First Generation Launch:
2001 (South Korea), 2003 (North America)
Facelift:
A minor facelift occurred during this generation, typically around 2004-2005, with styling updates and potential feature enhancements.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (primary), also assembled in other international locations depending on market demand.
Production Years:
2003-2006 (North American market focus for this manual)