Kia Service Advisor Study Guide

Every model, powertrain, and maintenance interval — organized for quick reference.

Quick Facts

Total Models

Current

Discontinued

CVT Models

Turbo Models

Hybrid/EV

Transmission Types in Lineup

6-Speed Automatic7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)IVT (Intelligent Variable / CVT)8-Speed Automatic8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT)Single-Speed (EV)6-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

Key Things to Know

•All current Kias use electric power steering — no PSF service needed.
•IVT = chain-belt CVT (has_cvt=true). Fluid spec is SP-CVT1.
•Turbo GDI spark plugs at 45K, not 60K. The 1.6T and 2.5T both need earlier replacement.

All Kia Models

24models — sorted alphabetically. Every year range and powertrain variant is listed.

Carnival

Current

GDITurboHybrid

2025–present

Carnival Hybrid — 1.6T + electric + 6AT

TurboHybridGDI

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI + PMSM (hybrid)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

2022–present

Carnival — 3.5L V6 (gas)

GDI

○ Researched

Engine

3.5L — Lambda III 3.5L V6 DI (G6DK)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

EV6

Current

EVAWD

2025–present

EV6 refresh (2025+)

EVAWD

○ Researched

Engine

Permanent magnet synchronous motor(s)

Fuel

electric

Transmission

Single-Speed (EV)

Drivetrain

RWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

N/A (EV)

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

2022–2024

EV6 1st gen (CV)

EVAWD

○ Researched

Engine

Permanent magnet synchronous motor(s)

Fuel

electric

Transmission

Single-Speed (EV)

Drivetrain

RWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

N/A (EV)

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

EV9

Current

EVAWD

2024–present

EVAWD

○ Researched

Engine

Permanent magnet synchronous motor(s)

Fuel

electric

Transmission

Single-Speed (EV)

Drivetrain

RWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

N/A (EV)

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Forte

Current

TurboGDIDCTCVT

2020–present

4th gen Forte GT — 1.6T

TurboGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI (G4FP, CVVD) (201hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

7-speed dry dual-clutch. has_cvt=false. Prone to shudder if fluid neglected.

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2019–present

4th gen Forte — 2.0L MPI base

CVT

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Smartstream G2.0 MPI (Nu family)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

IVT (Intelligent Variable / CVT)

IVT = Intelligent Variable Transmission (chain-belt CVT). has_cvt=true.

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2014–2018

3rd gen Forte — 2.0L NA base

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Nu 2.0L MPI (G4NA)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2014–2018

3rd gen Forte5 SX — 1.6T hatch trim

TurboGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Gamma 1.6 T-GDI (G4FD) (201hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

Trim-Specific Transmissions

2014–2018

base 6MT: 6-Speed Manual

K4

Current

CVT

2025–present

CVT

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Smartstream G2.0 MPI

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

IVT (Intelligent Variable / CVT)

IVT = chain-belt CVT. has_cvt=true.

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

K5

Current

AWDGDITurboDCT

2021–present

K5 base — 2.5L NA (LX/LXS/EX)

AWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2.5L — Smartstream G2.5 GDI+MPI (G4KN)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2021–present

K5 GT-Line — 1.6T

TurboAWDGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI (G4FP, CVVD) (180hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT)

8-speed wet dual-clutch. Requires wet DCT fluid service. Different from Forte GT's 7DCT dry.

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2021–present

K5 GT — 2.5T

TurboGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

2.5L — Smartstream G2.5 T-GDI (G4KP) (290hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT)

8-speed wet dual-clutch. Performance application — wet DCT fluid service critical.

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

K5 Hybrid

Current

TurboHybridGDI

2021–present

TurboHybridGDI

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI + PMSM (hybrid)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

6-speed automatic for hybrid. NOT dual-clutch.

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

K5 Plug-In Hybrid

Current

TurboHybridPHEVGDI

2022–present

TurboHybridPHEVGDI

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI + PMSM (PHEV)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Niro EV

Current

2023–present

2nd gen Niro EV (SG2 EV)

○ Researched

Engine

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (150 kW)

Fuel

electric

Transmission

Single-Speed (EV)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

N/A (EV)

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

2019–2022

1st gen Niro EV (DE EV)

○ Researched

Engine

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (150 kW)

Fuel

electric

Transmission

Single-Speed (EV)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

N/A (EV)

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Niro Hybrid

Current

HybridGDIDCT

2023–present

2nd gen Niro Hybrid (SG2)

HybridGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Kappa II 1.6L GDI Atkinson + PMSM (hybrid)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

2017–2022

1st gen Niro Hybrid (DE)

HybridGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Kappa II 1.6L GDI Atkinson + PMSM (hybrid)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

6-speed dual-clutch transmission for hybrid — different from 6AT used in most other Kia hybrids. Niro/Elantra Hybrid use 6DCT.

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Niro Plug-In Hybrid

Current

HybridPHEVGDIDCT

2023–present

2nd gen Niro PHEV (SG2)

HybridPHEVGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Kappa II 1.6L GDI Atkinson + PMSM (PHEV)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

2018–2022

1st gen Niro PHEV

HybridPHEVGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Kappa II 1.6L GDI Atkinson + PMSM (PHEV)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Optima

Discontinued

GDITurboDCT

2016–2020

Optima — 2.4L NA (LX/EX trims)

GDI

○ Researched

Engine

2.4L — Theta II 2.4L GDI (G4KJ)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2016–2020

Optima — 1.6T (LX Turbo trim)

TurboGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Gamma 1.6 T-GDI (G4FD) (178hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2016–2020

Optima — 2.0T (SX / SXL trims)

TurboGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Theta II 2.0 T-GDI (G4KH) (245hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

Optima Hybrid

Discontinued

HybridGDI

2017–2020

HybridGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Theta II 2.0L GDI Atkinson + electric motor

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Seltos

Current

CVTAWDTurboGDIDCT

2024–present

Seltos SX Turbo — 2.0T + 8AT (2024 refresh)

TurboAWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Smartstream G2.0 T-GDI (195hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

8-speed conventional automatic. Smoother daily drive than 7DCT. Different fluid service than DCT.

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2021–present

Seltos base — 2.0L MPI (all years)

CVTAWD

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Smartstream G2.0 MPI (Nu family)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

IVT (Intelligent Variable / CVT)

IVT chain-belt CVT. has_cvt=true.

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2021–2023

Seltos SX Turbo — 1.6T + 7DCT (pre-refresh)

TurboAWDGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI (G4FP) (175hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

7-speed dry dual-clutch. Replaced by 8AT for 2024+.

Drivetrain

AWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

Sorento

Current

AWDGDITurboDCT

2021–present

4th gen Sorento — 2.5L NA (LX/S/EX)

AWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2.5L — Smartstream G2.5 GDI+MPI (G4KN)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2021–present

4th gen Sorento SX — 2.5T

TurboAWDGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

2.5L — Smartstream G2.5 T-GDI (G4KP) (281hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT)

8-speed wet dual-clutch. Same unit as K5 GT and Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5T. Wet DCT fluid service required.

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2016–2020

3rd gen Sorento — 2.4L GDI (base)

AWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2.4L — Theta II 2.4L GDI (G4KJ)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2016–2020

3rd gen Sorento — 3.3L V6 (EX/SX trims)

AWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

3.3L — Lambda II 3.3L V6 GDI (G6BH)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

75K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

Trim-Specific Transmissions

2016–2020

EX 6AT: 6-Speed Automatic

Sorento Hybrid

Current

TurboHybridAWDGDI

2021–present

TurboHybridAWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI + PMSM (hybrid)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Current

TurboHybridPHEVAWDGDI

2022–present

TurboHybridPHEVAWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI + PMSM (PHEV)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

AWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Soul

Current

CVTTurboGDIDCT

2020–present

3rd gen Soul — 2.0L MPI base

CVT

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Smartstream G2.0 MPI (Nu family)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

IVT (Intelligent Variable / CVT)

IVT = chain-belt CVT. has_cvt=true.

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2020–2023

3rd gen Soul Turbo — 1.6T (2020-2023 only)

TurboGDIDCT

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI (G4FP, CVVD) (201hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

7-speed dry dual-clutch. Prone to shudder if fluid neglected beyond 60K.

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2014–2019

2nd gen Soul — 2.0L (base trims)

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Nu 2.0L MPI (G4NA)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2014–2019

2nd gen Soul — 1.6L (base 4-cylinder, pre-turbo)

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Gamma 1.6L MPI (G4FC)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

Trim-Specific Transmissions

2014–2019

base 6MT: 6-Speed Manual

Soul EV

Discontinued

2020–2023

2nd gen Soul EV (SK3)

○ Researched

Engine

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (150 kW)

Fuel

electric

Transmission

Single-Speed (EV)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

N/A (EV)

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

2015–2018

1st gen Soul EV

○ Researched

Engine

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (81.4 kW)

Fuel

electric

Transmission

Single-Speed (EV)

Drivetrain

FWD

Spark Plugs

N/A (EV)

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Sportage

Current

AWDGDI

2023–present

5th gen Sportage — 2.5L NA

AWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2.5L — Smartstream G2.5 GDI+MPI (G4KN)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2017–2022

4th gen Sportage — 2.4L GDI

AWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2.4L — Theta II 2.4L GDI (G4KJ)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

60K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

Sportage Hybrid

Current

TurboHybridAWDGDI

2023–present

TurboHybridAWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI + PMSM (hybrid)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Current

TurboHybridPHEVAWDGDI

2023–present

TurboHybridPHEVAWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

1.6L — Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI + PMSM (PHEV)

Fuel

gasoline + electric

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

AWD

Spark Plugs

120K miles

Drive Belt

N/A (EV)

Stinger

Discontinued

TurboAWDGDI

2022–2023

Stinger 2.5T (final gen, 2022-2023)

TurboAWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2.5L — Smartstream G2.5 T-GDI (G4KP) (300hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

RWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2018–2021

Stinger 2.0T (base, CK gen 1)

TurboAWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

2L — Theta II 2.0 T-GDI (G4KH) (255hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

RWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2018–2021

Stinger 3.3T V6 (GT2/GT-Line, CK gen 1)

TurboAWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

3.3L — Lambda II 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 (G6DP) (365hp)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

RWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

45K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

Telluride

Current

AWDGDI

2026–present

Telluride 2026+ refresh — powertrain needs_confirmation

AWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

3.8L — Lambda II 3.8L V6 GDI (G6DC) — or hybrid replacement TBD

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

75K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

2020–2025

Telluride — 3.8L V6 (all 2020-2025)

AWDGDI

○ Researched

Engine

3.8L — Lambda II 3.8L V6 GDI (G6DC)

Fuel

gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD, AWD

Spark Plugs

75K miles

Drive Belt

75K miles

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Kia models are currently in production?

Kia currently has 20 models in production, plus 4 discontinued models covered in this guide. This includes 4 fully electric models. There are also 10 hybrid or plug-in hybrid models.

What transmission types does Kia use?

Across the Kia lineup, transmission types include: 8-Speed Automatic, 6-Speed Automatic, Single-Speed (EV), 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT), IVT (Intelligent Variable / CVT), 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT), 6-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT). Each model section above lists the exact transmission for every year range and trim. 4 models in the lineup use a CVT or CVT variant.

What are the key service differences across the Kia lineup?

The biggest service differences come down to powertrain type. Turbocharged models typically need spark plugs sooner (often 40K-60K miles vs. 75K-105K for naturally aspirated). CVT-equipped models require manufacturer-specific CVT fluid and should never receive conventional ATF. EVs eliminate spark plugs, drive belts, and transmission fluid entirely but still need brake fluid, cabin filter, and tire service. AWD and 4WD models add differential and transfer case fluid services. Specifically for Kia: All current Kias use electric power steering — no PSF service needed.

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