Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious SUV buyers seeking utility, practicality, and a capable powertrain.
Key Competitors 2006:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester
Powertrain Highlight:
2.7L V6 engine offering a good balance of power and smoothness for its class.
Design Philosophy:
Rugged yet functional design, characteristic of many Korean automakers of the era.
Value Proposition:
Offered a compelling package of features and capability at a competitive price point.
Engine:
Complete Engine Mechanical and Electrical Systems, including Engine Control Module (ECM), Fuel Delivery, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Emissions Control
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4-speed), including Hydraulic Controls, Torque Converter, Transmission Control Module (TCM), Gear Ratios, and Fluid Service
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) Systems, including CV Axles, Differential, Transfer Case (if applicable for AWD), and Driveshafts
Suspension:
Front Independent Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Multi-link Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, and Alignment Specifications
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Components and Diagnostics, Parking Brake System
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion Steering System, Steering Column, Power Steering Pump, Fluid Requirements, and Troubleshooting
Electrical:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Lighting Systems, Power Distribution, Fuses and Relays, Battery, Charging System, Starter, Horn, Wiper/Washer System, Power Accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System, Refrigerant, Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Blower Motor, and Controls
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Glass, Seals, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, and Paint Information
Chassis:
Frame Structure, Underbody Components, Fuel Tank, Exhaust System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil and Filter Changes, Fluid Level Checks and Replenishment, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides based on Symptoms, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Wiring Diagram Analysis, Component Testing Procedures
Repair:
Engine Overhaul and Rebuild, Transmission Repair and Overhaul, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair
Installation:
Component Removal and Installation procedures for all major systems
Specifications:
Torque Specifications for all Fasteners, Alignment Specifications, Diagnostic Data Values, Electrical Resistance Values
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory-Level Repair and Maintenance Information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams, illustrations, and photos for all procedures
Engine Family:
Kia V6 Alpha Engine
Configuration:
60-degree V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
2656 cc (2.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 75.0 mm
Valve Train:
24 Valves (4 per cylinder)
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
174 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Induction:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (Recommended)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant - Pink)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US qts)
Oil Type:
API SJ/SL or higher, SAE 5W-30
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US qts) with filter change
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Kia/Hyundai 26300-35056 (Verify with VIN)
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2006:
4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2006:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver 2006:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Passenger 2006:
5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset 2006:
Good
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc ABS)
Traction Control:
Available on some trims
Airbags Standard:
Front Driver and Passenger Airbags
Airbags Optional:
Available Front Side-Impact Airbags on some trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval Normal Service:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)
Oil Change Interval Severe Service:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (e.g., frequent short trips, dusty conditions, towing).
Service Intervals Filters
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace every 15,000 miles or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles (or as per severe service schedule).
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Flush and replace coolant every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Long-life coolant may extend this interval, refer to manual.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Replace brake fluid every 24 months or 30,000 miles, regardless of mileage.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement 2.7L V6:
Replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles. Recommended: Iridium-tipped spark plugs (e.g., NGK IFR5A11).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear or failure of engine mounts can lead to increased vibration.
Cv Joints:
Front CV joint boots can tear, leading to joint failure if not addressed.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail over time.
Evaporative Emissions Control System:
Issues with the EVAP system, such as a faulty purge valve or charcoal canister, can trigger check engine lights.
Standard Tire Size:
235/60R16 (Base models), 235/55R18 (Optional/Higher Trims)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Recommended Tire Pressure:
30-32 PSI (refer to door jamb sticker for specific values)
Kia History:
Founded in 1944, Kia started as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. It entered the automotive industry in the 1960s, initially producing trucks and later cars through licensing agreements before developing its own models.
Sportage Generation 1 Je:
The first-generation Sportage (JE) was launched in 1993 as a compact SUV based on Kia's Bongo light truck platform. The 2006 model represents the latter part of this generation's lifecycle, with styling updates and improved powertrains.
Sportage Generation 2 Km:
The second-generation Sportage (KM) was introduced for the 2005 model year globally, and this manual covers the later phase of the first generation that was still in production in some markets or the transition to the second generation in others, depending on region. The 2006 2.7L V6 is a key offering of this generation's platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Kia's primary manufacturing base), with potential assembly in other regions.