Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Hyundai Tucson
Strengths 2008 Model:
Affordable pricing, decent practicality, available AWD, comfortable ride
Weaknesses 2008 Model:
Base engine power, interior material quality, less engaging driving dynamics compared to some rivals
Engine Variant:
2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (G4GC)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Trim Levels:
Base, LX, EX (typically)
Engine:
Full engine service, diagnostics, rebuild procedures, timing belt/chain, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control system
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4-speed), Manual Transmission (5-speed), clutch service, gearbox overhaul, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum (or disc on AWD models), ABS system, hydraulic circuits, brake fluid, parking brake
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion, steering column, tie rod ends, steering angle sensor
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, power windows, mirrors, locks, wipers, horn
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant recharge procedures
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass replacement, body sealant application
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, exhaust system, fuel tank, driveshafts, differential (AWD)
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, specific system troubleshooting guides
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, specific symptom analysis
Installation:
Accessory installation (e.g., trailer hitch), component upgrades
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4-Speed F4A51)
AWD Integration:
Electronically controlled AWD system
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact spec and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia SPIII ATF or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec and capacity)
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
5-Star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
TCS:
Traction Control System (on some trims/AWD)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (optional on some trims)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 1 year
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium type)
Timing Belt:
This engine (G4GC Theta II) uses a timing chain, not a belt. No periodic replacement is typically required unless issues arise.
Engine Oil:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, compatible with Hyundai/Kia specifications (e.g., Zerex Asian Vehicle Blue) - refer to manual for part number and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine:
Occasional reports of oil consumption in higher mileage units, potential for catalytic converter failure, some issues with the Variable Intake System (VIS) if equipped.
Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings, strut mounts, and rear shock absorbers can lead to noise and alignment issues.
HVAC:
Blend door actuator failure, AC compressor clutch issues.
Electrical:
Intermittent power window failures, issues with the Body Control Module (BCM) potentially causing various electrical gremlins.