Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking a versatile, practical vehicle for everyday use and light off-roading.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Nissan Xterra
Vehicle Attributes:
Affordability, available 4WD, compact size for maneuverability, practical interior space.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with knowledge for basic upkeep, understanding vehicle features, and safe operation, potentially reducing reliance on professional service for simple tasks.
Engine And Powertrain:
Basic operation, fluid checks, warning lights, minor troubleshooting
Transmission:
Operation of automatic transmission, gear selection, fluid level checks
Brakes:
Brake system warnings, fluid checks
Electrical System:
Fuse box locations, light operation, battery care basics
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, climate control settings
Safety Features:
Airbag operation, seatbelt usage, child safety seat installation
Instrumentation And Controls:
Dashboard layout, indicator lights, warning symbols, control functions
Exterior Features:
Door locks, windows, mirrors, lighting, wipers, tires
Interior Features:
Seating adjustments, interior lighting, storage compartments, audio system operation
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure information, spare tire location and usage
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire inflation, bulb replacement (basic)
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights, basic responses to common vehicle alerts
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire
Depth Level:
Owner-focused, covering operation, basic checks, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine Code:
F20A (Common in early models, variations may exist)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower Est:
Approximately 120-130 hp
Torque Est:
Approximately 130-140 lb-ft
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Capacity Est:
Approximately 15.3 Gallons (58 Liters)
Length:
Approximately 167.7 inches (4259 mm)
Width:
Approximately 68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Height:
Approximately 65.0 inches (1651 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
Approximately 3,000 - 3,300 lbs (1360 - 1497 kg), depending on drivetrain and options
NHTSA Rollover Rating Est:
Likely 4-star for FWD, 3-star for AWD (based on similar vehicles of the era)
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Available on some trims, particularly with AWD
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player, 4-6 speakers.
Climate Control Interface:
Manual rotary knobs for temperature and fan speed, push buttons for air direction.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped with standard AUX or USB inputs.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for this era, check manual for exact specification).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
If equipped with a timing belt (common for this engine), recommended replacement interval is typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km).
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
API Service SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, consult manual).
Engine Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze coolant (typically green) with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (bushings, struts), exhaust system, catalytic converter, front CV axles.
Engine Related Concerns:
Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket; potential for timing belt failure if not replaced at recommended intervals.
Transmission Related Concerns:
Automatic transmission shift quality degradation with age/mileage; occasional leaks from seals.
Kia Introduction To Us Market:
Kia entered the US market in 1994.
Sportage Launch Year:
1995 (North America introduction for the 1995 model year).
First Generation Period:
1995-2004 (Global production, North America ended earlier for this generation).
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (primarily), potentially other international assembly plants.
