Segment:
Mid-size sedan, competing in a highly contested segment.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu.
Strengths:
Stylish design, comfortable interior, good value proposition, strong warranty.
Weaknesses:
Less refined driving dynamics compared to some rivals, base engine performance can be modest.
Design:
Sleek, European-inspired exterior styling.
Interior:
Spacious cabin, quality materials, user-friendly dashboard layout.
Powertrain Options:
Choice of efficient and powerful engines.
Warranty:
Kia's industry-leading powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Engine:
All engine variants, including diagnostics, repair, and overhaul.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmissions, including diagnostics, fluid service, and rebuild procedures.
Brakes:
Hydraulic and ABS brake systems, including component replacement, bleeding, and diagnostics.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering components, wheel alignment, and shock/strut replacement.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, ECUs, and sensor diagnostics.
Body:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, and chassis structure.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics, repair, and refrigerant service.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, and fuel tank service.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, and cooling fan service.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe replacement.
Driver Assistance:
Features like parking sensors, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning system diagnostics and calibration.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation).
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Detailed repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures.
Component Replacement:
Removal and installation of parts like alternators, starters, brake calipers, and more.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all systems.
Depth Level:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Detail Format:
Step-by-step instructions with accompanying high-quality diagrams and exploded views.
Engine Code 1:
G4FJ (1.6L Turbo GDI)
Engine Type 1:
Inline-4, Turbocharged, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Displacement 1:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Horsepower 1:
178 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 1:
195 lb-ft @ 1500-4500 rpm
Bore X Stroke 1:
77.0 mm x 85.5 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
10.0:1
Engine Code 2:
G4NB (2.4L GDI)
Engine Type 2:
Inline-4, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Displacement 2:
2.4 Liters (2359 cc)
Horsepower 2:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Bore X Stroke 2:
88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
11.3:1
Engine Code 3:
G4KH (2.0T GDI)
Engine Type 3:
Inline-4, Turbocharged, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Displacement 3:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower 3:
245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3:
260 lb-ft @ 1350-4000 rpm
Bore X Stroke 3:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio 3:
9.5:1
Fuel Requirement:
Premium unleaded gasoline recommended for turbo models, regular unleaded for naturally aspirated.
Injection Type:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Transmission Type 1:
6-Speed Automatic with Sportmatic Shifting
Transmission Applications 1:
Available on 2.4L GDI and 1.6L Turbo GDI models.
Transmission Type 2:
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Sportmatic Shifting
Transmission Applications 2:
Standard on 2.0T GDI models, optional on some 1.6T models.
Transmission Fluid Type:
SPIII or N/A compatible ATF (refer to specific vehicle owner's manual for exact specification and capacity).
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star Overall Safety Rating (when equipped with specific safety features)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Top Safety Pick+ (for models with specific front crash prevention and headlights)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Brake Assist:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS)
Driver Assistance Optional:
Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Airbags:
Advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system.
Display Size:
Available in 4.3-inch, 7-inch, and 8-inch touchscreen displays depending on trim level.
Features:
AM/FM/Satellite Radio, CD/MP3 player, USB/Auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, navigation system (optional).
Smartphone Integration:
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Suite:
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available, including advanced adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist (in some markets/trims), blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance.
Connectivity Options:
UVO Infotainment system with telematics services (e.g., remote start, diagnostics) available on certain trims.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry and push-button start on most trims.
Seats:
Available heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically 15,000-30,000 miles depending on driving conditions).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for 2.4L GDI; 75,000 miles (120,000 km) for 1.6T GDI and 2.0T GDI (check manual for specific type, e.g., Iridium).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, replace if conditions warrant (refer to manual; often considered 'lifetime' but service is recommended).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-20 (synthetic)
Coolant Type:
Long-life antifreeze coolant (Asian Pink) - Kia Genuine Part No. 00200-00120 or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
N/A (Electric Power Steering - EPS)
Engine Knock Sensor:
Intermittent knocking or stalling due to faulty knock sensor in some GDI engines.
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional hesitation or rough shifts in the automatic transmission, sometimes addressed by software updates.
Dct Shudder:
Some owners reported occasional shuddering with the 7-speed DCT, potentially related to clutch wear or mechatronics.
Led Headlight Condensation:
Minor condensation inside LED headlight housings, typically not affecting performance but can be unsightly.
Infotainment Glitches:
Sporadic issues with the infotainment system freezing or becoming unresponsive, often resolved by software updates.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automotive manufacturer.
Generation Start Year:
2008 (First Generation JF)
Second Gen Start Year:
2013 (Second Generation TF)
Third Gen Start Year:
2016 (Facelifted Second Generation TF)
Fourth Gen Start Year:
2017 (Third Generation CK)
Production Locations:
Hwaseong, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market).