Kia Forte— Transmission Guide

Complete transmission type, fluid specification, and service interval data for every Kia Forte generation.

2014–2018

3rd gen Forte — 2.0L NA base

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Code: 6AT

Fluid Specification

ATF (check OEM spec — many require brand-specific)

Service Interval

Every 30,000 miles

Engine

Nu 2.0L MPI (G4NA) — 2L

Drivetrain Options

FWD

Trim-Specific Transmissions

  • base 6MT: 6-Speed Manual

2014–2018

3rd gen Forte5 SX — 1.6T hatch trim

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

Code: 7DCT

Fluid Specification

Dual-clutch fluid (dry clutch — Kia/Hyundai DCT oil)

Service Interval

Every 40,000 miles

Engine

Gamma 1.6 T-GDI (G4FD) — 1.6L (Turbo) — Direct Injection

Drivetrain Options

FWD

2019–present

4th gen Forte — 2.0L MPI base

Transmission

IVT (Intelligent Variable / CVT)

Code: IVT

Fluid Specification

CVT fluid (Kia/Hyundai SP-CVT1)

Service Interval

Every 30,000 miles

Engine

Smartstream G2.0 MPI (Nu family) — 2L

Drivetrain Options

FWD

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

2020–present

4th gen Forte GT — 1.6T

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)

Code: 7DCT

Fluid Specification

Dual-clutch fluid (dry clutch — Kia/Hyundai DCT oil)

Service Interval

Every 40,000 miles

Engine

Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI (G4FP, CVVD) — 1.6L (Turbo) — Direct Injection

Drivetrain Options

FWD

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What transmission does a Kia Forte have?

The Kia Forte uses a 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) (7DCT). Depending on the model year and trim level, the exact transmission may vary — see the year-by-year breakdown above for full details.

What fluid does a Kia Forte transmission take?

The recommended transmission fluid is Dual-clutch fluid (dry clutch — Kia/Hyundai DCT oil). Always verify with your owner's manual or dealership, as the correct fluid can vary by production year and transmission variant.

How often should I service the Kia Forte transmission?

The recommended service interval is every 40,000 miles. Severe driving conditions (towing, frequent stop-and-go, extreme temperatures) may require more frequent service. Regular transmission maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent costly repairs.

Use our transmission lookup tool to search by year, make, and model for any vehicle.

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