I also have a complete set of service manuals for 1998 - 2000 Sportage. It does not have the SOHC engine since it was discontinued in 1995. This later version of the FSM makes no mention of whether the DOHC engine is interference or not. However, you can INFER that it's non-interference just by looking at the timing belt change procedure. It states that you can turn the camshafts and pistons INDEPENDENT of each other to line up the timing marks with the timing belt removed. If the engine were an interference design you would not be able to do that. And we have lots of experience with folks who have busted a belt and no damage occurred. And I also asked an experienced Kia Tech and he stated it was non-interference.

But your info just further reinforces what we figured we knew. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />