Market Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Hyundai Tucson
Vehicle Appeal:
Affordable pricing, practical interior, available all-wheel drive (AWD), comfortable ride for its class
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, significantly reducing labor costs at dealerships or independent shops.
Empowerment:
Provides the knowledge and step-by-step guidance necessary for DIY enthusiasts to confidently maintain and repair their Sportage.
Primary Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT), Transfer Case, Drive Axles, CV Joints
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering Gear, Power Steering System
Brake System:
Front Brakes (Disc), Rear Brakes (Disc/Drum depending on configuration), ABS System, Parking Brake
Electrical System:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Wiper/Washer, Power Windows, Door Locks, Audio System, Cruise Control, Body Control Module (BCM)
HVAC System:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Climate Control
Body Exterior Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Seats, Trim, Glass
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based troubleshooting, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine tune-ups, Overheating diagnosis and repair, Fuel system cleaning and repair, Transmission overhaul and replacement, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper and rotor replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repairs, Body panel repair and alignment
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Engine Options:
2.0L Inline-4 (G4GC), 2.7L V6 (G6BA/G6CU)
2.0L I4 Horsepower:
138-140 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market/year)
2.0L I4 Torque:
136-139 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies slightly by market/year)
2.7L V6 Horsepower:
173-175 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market/year)
2.7L V6 Torque:
173-176 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (varies slightly by market/year)
Fuel Delivery System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Common Engine Codes:
G4GC (2.0L), G6BA/G6CU (2.7L)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific engine and climate)
Oil Change Interval:
7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (often with Shiftronic/manual mode)
AWD System:
Electronically controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) system available, often with a lock mode for low-traction situations.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia/Hyundai SP-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check specific manual for exact spec)
Length:
Approx. 170.0 - 173.8 inches (4318 - 4414 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.0 - 71.7 inches (1803 - 1821 mm)
Height:
Approx. 65.0 - 66.1 inches (1651 - 1679 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,700 lbs (1497 - 1678 kg) depending on engine and drivetrain
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 22.7 cubic feet (643 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 65.4 cubic feet (1852 liters)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
5-Star (for specific models/years)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
5-Star (for specific models/years)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for specific models/years)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) available on later models within this range
Anti Lock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard or optional depending on trim/year
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags available depending on trim level.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers. Higher trims may feature an upgraded Infinity audio system, subwoofer, and steering wheel audio controls.
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Cruise control is typically standard or widely available.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack available on some models for connecting external music players.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or as recommended based on wear.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) thereafter (for the original coolant type).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Approx. 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.7L V6:
Approx. 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (verify specific requirement)
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia/Hyundai Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF (check manual for exact specification)
Transfer Case Fluid AWD:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (verify specific requirement)
Differential Fluid Rear AWD:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (verify specific requirement)
Common Wear Items:
Struts, shock absorbers, ball joints, control arm bushings, wheel bearings, exhaust components, catalytic converter.
Engine Related Concerns:
Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets. Potential for timing belt replacement (if applicable, though many used chains) or tensioner issues on some engines.
Transmission Related Concerns:
Harsh shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions can indicate internal wear or low fluid. Clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Electrical Concerns:
Window regulator failures, interior light issues, minor sensor failures.
Body Rust:
Susceptible to rust in areas with harsh winters, particularly around wheel wells and rocker panels.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its rapid growth and expanding global presence.
Sportage Generation Details:
The 2005-2008 Sportage represents the second generation (JE/KM), a significant redesign from the first generation. It moved to a unibody construction (monocoque chassis) shared with the Hyundai Tucson, offering a more car-like driving experience compared to its body-on-frame predecessor.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea, with potential assembly in other global locations.
Mid Cycle Refresh:
The second generation Sportage received a minor facelift around 2007, with updated styling elements and potentially new features.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The Sportage achieved 'Good' ratings in frontal offset crash tests by IIHS for this generation, contributing to its overall safety perception.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance:
Consistently scored well in NHTSA crash testing, particularly in frontal impacts, often earning 4 or 5 stars.
