Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson
Features 2009:
Available AWD, Practical interior space, Affordable pricing, Comfortable ride
Strengths 2009:
Value proposition, Fuel efficiency for its class, Decent build quality
Weaknesses 2009:
Less refinement than some competitors, Base engine performance can be adequate but not exciting, Interior materials could be improved.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Engine management, Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Transmission (Automatic & Manual)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS/EBD), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power accessories, HVAC controls, Audio system, Anti-theft system, ECU diagnostics
Body:
Body structure, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior trim, Exterior trim, Paint
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, Fluid changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug service, Belt replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper overhaul, Electrical component repair, Body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, Symptom-based troubleshooting, Fault code interpretation, Component testing
Diagnostics:
OBD-II scanning, Sensor testing, Actuator testing, Wiring diagrams interpretation, Special tools usage
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and component specifications.
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1975 cc)
Configuration:
Inline-4 (I4)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Horsepower:
139 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Coolant Type:
HOS (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT coolant (e.g., Kia Genuine Coolant - Yellow)
Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic or equivalent, supporting OBD-II diagnostics.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-85 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Front AWD Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 hypoid gear oil
Rear AWD Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 hypoid gear oil
Length:
170.1 inches (4320 mm)
Width:
70.9 inches (1800 mm)
Height:
66.3 inches (1685 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches (2630 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 93.6 cu ft (2650 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approximately 23.2 cu ft (657 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 66.3 cu ft (1877 liters)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 3285 lbs (1490 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 3483 lbs (1579 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4760 lbs (2160 kg)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for AWD models)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Traction Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Traction Control System (TCS) - may be standard or optional depending on trim.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, Side-curtain airbags (optional or standard depending on trim), Front side-impact airbags (optional or standard depending on trim).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack for external music players.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require shorter intervals (e.g., 3,750 miles / 6,000 km).
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 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (iridium type).
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial flush at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, especially if used for towing or in severe conditions.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.4 US quarts (4.2 Liters) with filter change (for 2.0L engine).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 US quarts (6.6 Liters).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
CV axles, struts/shocks, brake pads and rotors, sway bar links.
Engine Peripherals:
Occasional failure of crankshaft position sensor, alternator issues, oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan.
Transmission Quirks:
Some reports of rough shifting in older automatics, though generally reliable if fluids are maintained.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can experience minor electrical issues like faulty window regulators or interior lighting failures.
Brand Established:
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors Corporation is a South Korean automobile manufacturer.
First Generation Sportage:
Launched in 1993, built on a robust body-on-frame platform, shared underpinnings with Mazda Bongo Friendee.
Second Generation Sportage:
Introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. This generation (KM) transitioned to a unibody construction, sharing the platform with the Hyundai Tucson. The 2009 model is part of this second generation, receiving minor updates for its lifecycle.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea (primarily Gwangmyeong Plant)
Production Years Km Generation:
2004-2010
Safety Awards Generation 2:
The second-generation Sportage received good ratings in IIHS crash tests for its time, contributing to its appeal as a safe family vehicle.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Historically, Kia's reliability has improved significantly. Specific year ratings vary, but for 2009, it was generally considered average to above average for its segment.