🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Year:

2008

Generation Code:

JE/KM

Oem Manual Code:

Not specified, but typically found on cover/title page

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Compact SUV, positioned as a practical and affordable option in its segment.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Chevrolet Equinox. The 2008 Sportage offered a value proposition with a good feature set for its price point.

Key Features:

Available All-Wheel Drive, robust interior space for its class, comfortable ride, decent fuel economy for its powertrain options.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All vehicle systems, maintenance, troubleshooting, specifications, and basic repairs

Page Count:

Estimated 400-600 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical System, Lighting, Body and Interior, Safety Restraint Systems, Audio System, Driver Information System, Maintenance Procedures, Tire and Wheel Information, Troubleshooting

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Replenishment, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Bulb Replacement, Fuse Replacement, Jump Starting, Basic Troubleshooting, Operation of Vehicle Features, Safety Precautions

Technical Depth:

User-level diagnostics and maintenance, operational guidance, general component information; not a comprehensive service or repair manual for in-depth mechanical procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.7L V6 (G6BA), 2.0L Inline-4 (Beta II)

2.7L V6 Horsepower:

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

2.7L V6 Torque:

174 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

2.0L I4 Horsepower:

140 hp @ 6000 rpm

2.0L I4 Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Emission Control Systems:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual (2.0L engine only)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic (2.7L V6 and 2.0L engines)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

173.4 inches (4405 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

65.0 inches (1650 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches (2619 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches (191 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 96.7 cu ft (2738 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 23.1 cu ft (654 L)

Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:

Approx. 66.5 cu ft (1883 L)

Curb Weight FWD:

Approx. 3384 lbs (1535 kg)

Curb Weight AWD:

Approx. 3549 lbs (1609 kg)

Towing Capacity:

2000 lbs (907 kg) with trailer brakes

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact Rating:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact Rating:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Driver Protection Rating:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Passenger Protection Rating:

4 Stars

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety Features:

Dual front airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side-curtain airbags (optional or standard depending on trim), Pretensioners for front seatbelts, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio system and satellite radio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise Control, Power windows and locks, Remote keyless entry.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Platinum-tipped spark plugs: 105,000 miles (169,000 km)

Coolant Replacement:

First at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Transmission Fluid Specification Automatic:

Kia ATF SP-III or equivalent

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based, meeting KSM 2142 standard (typically Asian-red or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Known Issues:

Minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, potential for wheel bearing wear, occasional HVAC blower motor issues, some reports of early transmission failures (though less common than some competitors).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia, a South Korean automaker, has grown significantly since its inception in 1944, evolving from a manufacturer of bicycle parts to a global automotive player known for value and improving quality.

Model Evolution:

The 2008 Sportage is part of the second generation (JE/KM), which debuted in 2004. This generation saw a significant departure from the rugged, body-on-frame first generation, adopting a more car-like unibody construction, improving ride comfort and handling.

Production Years For Generation:

2004-2010

Manufacturing Locations:

South Korea, Slovakia, Malaysia

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2008 model year are not widely prominent, Kia as a brand began receiving increasing recognition for value, reliability improvements, and design innovation during this period.