Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Value Proposition:
Affordable, practical, and capable SUV offering good value for its class.
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson
Design:
Rugged yet stylish SUV appearance, available in 2WD and AWD configurations.
Interior:
Spacious interior for its class, good cargo capacity, comfortable seating.
Performance:
Balanced ride and handling, adequate power from available engines for everyday driving.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L Theta II, 2.7L Delta), Transmission (5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD, AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering (Power Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Disc/Drum), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Audio System, Climate Control, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System, Anti-theft System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Seals
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor service, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit diagrams, component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., head gasket, timing belt), transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component installation procedures (e.g., starter, alternator, sensors), accessory installation
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, detailed diagnostics, and full mechanical/electrical system overhauls. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code 1:
G4GC (2.0L DOHC)
Engine Type 1:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement 1:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 1:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
10.1:1
Horsepower 1:
139 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
G6BA (2.7L DOHC V6)
Displacement 2:
2656 cc (2.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 2:
86.7 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
10.0:1
Horsepower 2:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
175 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
ECU:
ECU/ECM controlled (specific part number varies)
Transmission Type 1:
5-Speed Manual (M5CF1/M5AF3)
Transmission Type 2:
4-Speed Automatic (45RFE / H-MATIC)
AWD System:
Electronically controlled Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with lock mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
SPII-ATF (Kia Genuine ATF or equivalent like Dexron III/Mercon)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 7.3 liters (7.7 US Quarts) for initial fill
Manual Transmission 1St Gear:
3.960 (M5CF1)
Automatic Transmission 1St Gear:
2.832 (45RFE)
Length:
4350 mm (171.3 in)
Height:
1705 mm (67.1 in)
Wheelbase:
2630 mm (103.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 190 mm (7.5 in)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 2760 liters (97.5 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 667 liters (23.5 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1954 liters (69.0 cu ft)
Curb Weight 2Wd:
Approx. 1560 kg (3439 lbs)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 1650 kg (3638 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 2100 kg (4630 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
1000 kg (2200 lbs) (when properly equipped with trailer brakes)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (5-star rating for 2008 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (5-star rating for 2008 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2008 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Esc:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on some trims/models.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), available front side-impact airbags, available side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters in all seating positions, LATCH child seat anchor system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer on higher trims.
Optional Navigation:
Available integrated navigation system on select higher trims, often DVD-based.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Rear Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking assist sensors
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning standard, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with each oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (use Iridium type spark plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.7L V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (use Iridium type spark plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine utilizes a Timing Chain, not a belt, therefore no replacement is scheduled under normal maintenance.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 API SM or higher (or SAE 5W-30 for severe conditions). Check Owner's Manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L V6:
Approx. 4.7 liters (5.0 US Quarts)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Kia Super Long Life Coolant (PS800) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF (check manual)
Engine Potential Issues:
Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Some instances of catalytic converter failure reported.
Transmission Potential Issues:
Occasional rough shifting or transmission solenoid issues in automatic transmissions. Clutch wear in manual transmissions.
Suspension Potential Issues:
Worn control arm bushings or ball joints leading to noise or alignment issues. Strut wear.
Electrical Potential Issues:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues, occasional sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor).
Body Potential Issues:
Rust accumulation in wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels, particularly in corrosive climates.
Front Brakes:
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes:
Disc (on most models) or Drum (on some base models)
Standard Tire Size:
215/65R16 (most models), 235/60R17 (higher trims/optional)
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Offset:
ET+45 to ET+50 (typical)
Brand Focus:
Kia, a South Korean manufacturer, has grown from a producer of trucks and buses to a global automotive player known for value and reliability.
First Generation Launch:
The first generation Sportage was introduced in 1993 as a compact SUV.
Second Generation Launch:
The second generation (JE/KM) Sportage was launched in 2004 globally, and for the 2005 model year in North America, featuring a larger, more car-like unibody platform.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2008 model year, introducing updated styling, revised interior features, and powertrain enhancements.
Production Period:
2004-2010 (Second Generation)
Assembly Plants:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea; Mexico; Russia; Ukraine