Kia

2.4L inline-4 with 138hp. 2.5L V6 with 168hp. 2.7L V6 optional. 4-speed automatic standard. 5-speed manual available. 4720mm length. Weight 1400kg. Budget-focused design. Basic features but affordable. Rebadged Hyundai Sonata platform.

2.4L inline-4 with 161hp. 2.7L V6 with 185hp. 4-speed automatic. 5-speed manual on base. 4795mm length. Wheelbase 2700mm. Weight 1440kg. Improved quality and features. Still value-oriented positioning. Optional leather and sunroof.

2.4L GDI with 200hp. 2.0L turbo with 274hp. Hybrid with 206hp combined. 6-speed automatic. 4845mm length. Wheelbase 2795mm. Weight 1495kg. Peter Schreyer's revolutionary design. Tiger nose grille debut. European-influenced styling. Major brand transformation. NBA sponsorship boost.

2.4L GDI with 185hp. 1.6L turbo with 178hp. 2.0L turbo with 245hp. Hybrid and Plug-in hybrid options. 6-speed automatic. 4855mm length. Wheelbase 2805mm. Weight 1465kg. Refined tiger nose design. Sportback-like roofline. Driver assistance features. Wireless phone charging.

1.6L turbo with 180hp. 2.5L turbo with 290hp (GT). 8-speed automatic. Wet dual-clutch on GT. 4905mm length. Wheelbase 2850mm. Weight 1440kg. 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds (GT). Fastback design. K5 name globally. Heartbeat LED daytime lights. Mood lighting. Highway Driving Assist. Remote Smart Park Assist.

2.0L inline-4 with 156hp. 2.4L with 173hp. Koup coupe variant. 5-speed manual standard. 4-speed automatic optional. 6-speed manual on SX. 4530mm length. Wheelbase 2650mm. Weight 1280kg. First Forte nameplate. European design influence. Value leader in segment.

2.0L GDI with 173hp. 1.6L turbo with 201hp. Forte5 hatchback variant. 6-speed manual or automatic. 7-speed dual-clutch on turbo. 4560mm length. Wheelbase 2700mm. Weight 1295kg. More refined interior. UVO infotainment system. Ventilated seats available.

2.0L with 147hp. 1.6L turbo with 201hp (GT). CVT standard. 6-speed manual GT option. 7-speed dual-clutch GT. 4640mm length. Wheelbase 2700mm. Weight 1305kg. 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds (GT). Fastback-inspired design. Tiger nose evolution. 10.25-inch touchscreen. Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Forward collision avoidance.

1.6L inline-4 with 122hp. 2.0L with 142hp. 5-speed manual standard. 4-speed automatic optional. 4105mm length. Wheelbase 2550mm. Weight 1205kg. Iconic box design. Hamster TV commercials. Sound-responsive mood lighting. Customization options. Youth-targeted marketing.

1.6L with 130hp. 2.0L with 164hp. 1.6L turbo with 201hp. Soul EV electric variant. 6-speed manual or automatic. 7-speed DCT on turbo. 4140mm length. Wheelbase 2570mm. Weight 1225kg. Refined box shape. LED mood lighting. UVO infotainment. Soul EV with 93-mile range.

2.0L with 147hp. 1.6L turbo with 201hp (GT-Line). Soul EV with 201hp. CVT or IVT standard. 7-speed DCT on turbo. 4195mm length. Wheelbase 2600mm. Weight 1315kg (EV: 1682kg). Soul EV with 64kWh battery. 243-mile EPA range. Booming audio system. LED headlights. Driver attention warning. Discontinued in US 2023.

2.0L inline-4 with 128hp. 2.0L diesel with 63hp. Part-time 4WD available. 5-speed manual standard. 4-speed automatic optional. 4240mm length. Wheelbase 2410mm. Weight 1440kg. Rugged body-on-frame construction. Convertible soft-top version. Basic off-road capability.

2.0L inline-4 with 140hp. 2.7L V6 with 173hp. 2.0L diesel with 140hp. AWD with electronic clutch. 5-speed manual. 4-speed automatic. 4350mm length. Wheelbase 2630mm. Weight 1505kg. Unibody construction. More car-like handling. Improved interior quality.

2.4L GDI with 176hp. 2.0L turbo with 256hp. Dynamax AWD system. 6-speed automatic. 6-speed manual on base. 4440mm length. Wheelbase 2640mm. Weight 1595kg. Peter Schreyer design revolution. Bold styling statement. Quality leap. Panoramic sunroof available. First SX Turbo variant.

2.4L GDI with 181hp. 2.0L turbo with 237hp. Mild hybrid diesel in Europe. 6-speed automatic. 8-speed on turbo. AWD with lock mode. 4480mm length. Wheelbase 2670mm. Weight 1615kg. Ice cube LED fog lights signature. Harman Kardon audio. Wireless charging. Advanced driver aids.

2.5L with 187hp. 1.6L turbo with 180hp. 1.6L turbo hybrid with 227hp. 2.5L turbo X-Pro with 281hp. PHEV with 261hp. 8-speed automatic. 6-speed auto on hybrid. 4660mm length. Wheelbase 2755mm. Weight 1715kg. Dramatically bold boomerang DRL design. Dual curved displays. Sustainable interior materials. Terrain modes. X-Pro off-road package.

2.4L inline-4 with 139hp. 3.5L V6 with 192hp. 3.3L V6 with 235hp later. 3.8L V6 with 262hp. Part-time or full-time 4WD. 5-speed automatic. 4660mm length. Wheelbase 2700mm. Weight 1905kg. Body-on-frame construction. Actual towing capability. Third row option.

2.4L GDI with 175hp. 3.5L V6 with 276hp. 2.2L diesel with 197hp. AWD with torque vectoring. 6-speed automatic. 4685mm length. Wheelbase 2700mm. Weight 1750kg. Unibody construction. More crossover-like. 7-passenger seating. Improved fuel economy.

2.4L GDI with 185hp. 2.0L turbo with 240hp. 3.3L V6 with 290hp. AWD standard on V6. 6-speed automatic. 8-speed on turbo. 4780mm length. Wheelbase 2780mm. Weight 1785kg. 7-passenger standard. Dynamax AWD. UVO telematics. Around view monitor. Smart power liftgate.

2.5L with 191hp. 2.5L turbo with 281hp. 1.6L turbo hybrid with 227hp. PHEV with 261hp. 8-speed automatic. 8-speed DCT on hybrids. 4810mm length. Wheelbase 2815mm. Weight 1840kg. 32-mile EV range PHEV. Bold tiger face design. Quilted Nappa leather. Digital key. Multi-collision braking. X-Line rugged variant. Remote Smart Park.

3.8L V6 with 291hp and 262 lb-ft. 8-speed automatic. AWD with center locking differential. 5010mm length. Wheelbase 2900mm. Weight 2070kg. Towing capacity 5000 lbs. 8-passenger seating. Nappa leather available. 10.25-inch touchscreen. Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio. Heads-up display. Highway Driving Assist Level 2. Captain's chairs option. Built in West Point, Georgia. World Car of the Year 2020. Multiple award winner.

2.0L turbo with 255hp (300hp after 2022). 2.5L turbo with 300hp (2022+). 3.3L twin-turbo V6 with 365hp (GT). RWD standard. AWD optional. 8-speed automatic. 4830mm length. Wheelbase 2905mm. Weight 1755kg (RWD). 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (GT AWD). Brembo brakes on GT. Electronic limited-slip differential. Nappa leather. Harman Kardon audio. Designed by Peter Schreyer and Albert Biermann. Track-tuned at Nürburgring. Discontinued 2023 after disappointing sales despite critical acclaim.

Single motor RWD 168hp. Dual motor AWD 320hp. GT with 576hp and 545 lb-ft. 77.4kWh battery (58kWh base). Single-speed reduction gear. 4695mm length. Wheelbase 2900mm. Weight 2090kg (AWD Long Range). 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds (GT). 310 miles EPA range (RWD Long Range). 800V architecture. 350kW fast charging. 10-80% in 18 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load bidirectional charging. Augmented reality head-up display. Dual 12.3-inch curved displays. Meridian premium audio. Remote Smart Parking. World Car of the Year 2022. GT drift mode. Boomerang LED design theme.

Single motor RWD 201hp. Dual motor AWD 379hp. GT-Line AWD 379hp. 99.8kWh battery. Single-speed reduction gear. 5010mm length. Wheelbase 3100mm. Weight 2585kg. 6 or 7-passenger configurations. 304 miles EPA range (RWD). 800V architecture. 350kW fast charging. 10-80% in 24 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load. Triple 12.3-inch display setup. Digital side mirrors option. Relaxation seats. 360-degree camera. Highway Driving Pilot Level 3 capable. Premium Nappa leather. Bose 14-speaker audio. Bank-vault build quality.

2.5L V6 with 150hp. 2.9L diesel with 126hp. 4-speed automatic. FWD only. 4890mm length. Wheelbase 2920mm. Weight 1890kg. 7-passenger seating. Basic features. Value-oriented family hauler. Sold as Sedona in North America.

2.7L V6 with 189hp. 3.5L V6 with 271hp. 3.8L V6 later. 2.9L diesel with 185hp. 5-speed automatic. 6-speed automatic later. 4810mm length. Wheelbase 2890mm. Weight 2015kg. 7 or 8-passenger options. Dual sliding doors. Stow-n-go seats. Improved refinement.

3.3L V6 with 276hp. 2.2L diesel with 202hp. 6-speed automatic. FWD standard. AWD on diesel. 5115mm length. Wheelbase 3060mm. Weight 2035kg. 7, 8, or 11-passenger options. Lounge seating. Smart power sliding doors. UVO infotainment. Rear seat entertainment. European design influence.

3.5L V6 with 290hp. 2.2L diesel with 202hp outside US. 8-speed automatic. FWD standard. AWD available on some markets. 5155mm length. Wheelbase 3090mm. Weight 2070kg. 7, 8, or 9-passenger options. Carnival name globally. SUV-inspired design. VIP Lounge seats. Dual sunroof. 12.3-inch dual displays. Harman Kardon audio. Highway Driving Assist. Multi-purpose table. Power sliding doors and liftgate. Best family hauler credentials.

The workhorse four-cylinder that established Kia's reputation for durability and refinement. This 1,975cc DOHC inline-four featured aluminum block and head with multi-point fuel injection, representing Kia's first fully in-house engine design. The valve train employed shim-under-bucket adjusters with hydraulic tensioner for the timing belt, while the crankshaft used nodular cast iron with eight counterweights running in five main bearings. The cylinder head featured cross-flow design with 38° included valve angle and sodium-filled exhaust valves. The intake system used a variable-length manifold with dual-runner design that switched from long to short runners at 4,250 RPM. With 9.7:1 compression and Mitsubishi-derived ECU programming, it produced 143 hp at 6,000 RPM and 140 lb-ft at 4,500 RPM. The cooling system employed a belt-driven water pump with thermostatic control, while the oiling system used a gear-type pump with replaceable cartridge filter. This engine's robust construction and conservative engineering made it legendary for achieving 300,000-mile service life with basic maintenance.

The sophisticated V6 that announced Kia's arrival in the premium segment. This 3,778cc 60° V6 featured gasoline direct injection with 2,175 psi fuel pressure and dual continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The block used aluminum construction with cast-in iron liners, while the cylinder heads employed a 32.5° valve angle with roller finger followers. The crankshaft was forged steel running in four main bearings with micro-polished journals, while connecting rods were fracture-split powdered metal. The intake system used a dual-stage variable-length manifold that switched from long to short runners at 3,800 RPM. With 11.5:1 compression and Atkinson-cycle operation at part throttle, it produced 290 hp at 6,300 RPM and 264 lb-ft at 5,100 RPM. The oiling system employed a variable-displacement vane pump that reduced parasitic losses by 22%, while the cooling system featured a dual-thermostat design with separate circuits for cylinder heads and block. This engine demonstrated Kia's mastery of high-compression direct injection technology while delivering V8-level refinement.

The global platform engine that powered millions of Kia vehicles to worldwide acclaim. This 2,359cc DOHC inline-four featured gasoline direct injection operating at 2,175 psi with dual continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts. The block used aluminum construction with cast-in iron liners, while the cylinder head employed a 33.5° valve angle with hydraulic lash adjusters. The crankshaft was forged steel running in five main bearings, while connecting rods were cracked-cap design for perfect big-end roundness. The intake system used a dual-stage variable-length manifold with composite construction for thermal isolation. With 11.3:1 compression and multi-hole piezoelectric injectors, it produced 185 hp at 6,000 RPM and 178 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM. The cooling system employed an electric water pump that provided precise thermal management independent of engine speed, while the oiling system used a variable-displacement vane pump with oil-to-water cooler. This engine's combination of efficiency, refinement, and reliability made it the cornerstone of Kia's global success throughout the 2010s.

The tiny but technologically advanced three-cylinder that redefined small-displacement efficiency. This 998cc DOHC inline-three featured a single-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate and integrated exhaust manifold. The block used aluminum construction with cast-in iron liners, while the cylinder head employed dual continuously variable valve timing with 40° of phasing range. The crankshaft was forged steel running in four main bearings with a Lanchester-type balancer shaft, while connecting rods were fracture-split powdered metal. The fuel system used direct injection operating at 2,900 psi with solenoid injectors. With 10.0:1 compression and a low-inertia turbocharger spooling below 1,500 RPM, it produced 118 hp at 6,000 RPM and 125 lb-ft from 1,500-4,000 RPM. The cooling system used a dual-circuit design with separate cooling for cylinder head and turbocharger, while the oiling system employed a variable-displacement vane pump. This engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency through extensive friction reduction measures including diamond-like carbon piston coatings and rollerized valve train.

The next-generation turbocharged four-cylinder featuring Kia's most advanced efficiency technologies. This 1,353cc DOHC inline-four featured a low-inertia single-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate and water-cooled bearing housing. The block used aluminum construction with aluminum-silicon alloy plasma-sprayed cylinder bores, eliminating the need for iron liners. The cylinder head employed continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) technology that could vary intake valve opening duration by 30%, combined with 50° of cam phasing. The fuel system used direct injection operating at 3,625 psi with multi-hole injectors, while the thermal management system employed a fully electric water pump and computer-controlled thermostat. With 10.5:1 compression and Miller-cycle operation at part load, it produced 138 hp at 6,000 RPM and 179 lb-ft from 1,500-3,200 RPM. The oiling system used a variable-displacement vane pump with electronic pressure control, while the cooling system featured split-circuit design with separate cooling for cylinder head, block, and turbocharger. This engine achieved 41% thermal efficiency through a combination of CVVD, high-pressure direct injection, and comprehensive thermal management.

The flagship V8 that powered Kia's premium sedans and established their luxury credentials. This 4,627cc 90° V8 featured gasoline direct injection with 2,175 psi fuel pressure and dual continuously variable valve timing on all four camshafts. The block used aluminum construction with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, while the cylinder heads employed a 34.5° valve angle with roller finger followers. The crankshaft was forged steel running in five main bearings with a dual-mass torsional damper, while connecting rods were forged steel. The intake system used a dual-stage variable-length manifold with velocity control valves that switched from long to short runners at 4,500 RPM. With 11.5:1 compression and multi-hole piezoelectric injectors, it produced 365 hp at 6,500 RPM and 333 lb-ft at 3,500 RPM. The oiling system employed a variable-displacement vane pump with dual-stage oil cooler, while the cooling system featured a dual-circuit design with separate cooling for each cylinder bank. This engine demonstrated that Kia could compete with established luxury brands in powertrain refinement and performance.

The common-rail diesel that brought European-level efficiency to Kia's global lineup. This 1,396cc DOHC inline-four featured a variable-geometry turbocharger with electronic actuation and water-cooled bearing housing. The block used compacted graphite iron construction with bedplate reinforcement, while the cylinder head employed dual overhead cams with 25° of variable timing on both intake and exhaust. The fuel system used common-rail direct injection operating at 26,100 psi with piezoelectric injectors. The combustion chambers featured a re-entrant bowl design in the piston crowns for optimal air-swirl, while the cylinder head incorporated glow plugs with after-glow capability. With 17.3:1 compression and a variable nozzle turbine with 360° swivel vanes, it produced 89 hp at 4,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft from 1,500-2,750 RPM. The balancing system employed a Lanchester-type balancer shaft, while the oiling system used a gear-type pump with oil-to-water cooler. This engine achieved 43% thermal efficiency through high-pressure injection and sophisticated turbocharging, making it one of the most efficient engines in its class.

The high-performance turbocharged four-cylinder developed for the Stinger and K5 GT. This 1,998cc DOHC inline-four featured a twin-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate and ball-bearing cartridge for minimal lag. The block used aluminum construction with closed-deck design and cast-in iron liners, while the cylinder head employed continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) on the intake side with 50° of cam phasing. The fuel system used direct injection operating at 3,625 psi with multi-hole injectors, while the thermal management system employed a fully electric water pump and computer-controlled thermostat. The forged steel crankshaft ran in five main bearings, while connecting rods were forged steel designed for combustion pressures exceeding 130 bar. With 10.5:1 compression and the twin-scroll turbo spooling below 1,400 RPM, it produced 245 hp at 6,200 RPM and 260 lb-ft from 1,400-4,000 RPM. The oiling system used a variable-displacement vane pump with electronic pressure control, while the cooling system featured a dual-circuit design with separate cooling for cylinder head, block, and turbocharger. This engine's combination of CVVD technology and twin-scroll turbocharging delivered both immediate response and high-rpm power.

The sophisticated hybrid powertrain that powers Kia's electrified models. This 1,580cc DOHC inline-four featured the Atkinson cycle through late intake valve closing, achieving 40% thermal efficiency. The cylinder head employed dual continuously variable valve timing with 50° of phasing range, while the block used aluminum construction with aluminum-silicon alloy plasma-sprayed cylinder bores. The hybrid system employed a 32 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted between the engine and transmission, with a lithium-ion polymer battery pack providing 1.56 kWh of energy storage. The engine used cooled EGR to reduce pumping losses and employed a high-13.0:1 compression ratio. The cylinder head featured laser-clad valve seats and ultra-smooth intake ports, while the block used offset crankshaft design to reduce friction. Total system output reached 139 hp with instantaneous electric torque fill, while achieving exceptional real-world fuel economy. The thermal management system used a heat pump for cabin heating that reduced winter fuel economy penalty by 35% compared to conventional PTC heaters.

The torquey diesel that became the backbone of Kia's European and SUV lineup. This 2,199cc DOHC inline-four featured a variable-geometry turbocharger with electronic wastegate and water-cooled bearing housing. The block used compacted graphite iron construction with bedplate reinforcement, while the cylinder head employed dual overhead cams with 30° of variable timing on both intake and exhaust. The fuel system used common-rail direct injection operating at 29,000 psi with piezoelectric injectors. The combustion chambers featured a omega-shaped bowl design in the piston crowns for optimal air-swirl and combustion efficiency, while the cylinder head incorporated glow plugs with multi-stage pre-heating. With 16.0:1 compression and a variable nozzle turbine with electronically controlled vanes, it produced 197 hp at 3,800 RPM and 325 lb-ft from 1,750-2,750 RPM. The balancing system employed twin counter-rotating balance shafts, while the oiling system used a variable-displacement vane pump with oil-to-water cooler. This engine's combination of power, refinement, and efficiency made it ideal for both passenger cars and SUVs.

The flagship twin-turbocharged V6 developed for the Genesis and Kia's premium models. This 2,995cc 60° V6 featured twin turbochargers mounted in hot-V configuration with electronic wastegates and water-cooled bearing housings. The block used aluminum construction with compacted graphite iron main bearing caps and plasma-sprayed cylinder bores. The cylinder head employed continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) on all four camshafts, with 55° of cam phasing range. The fuel system used both direct injection (3,625 psi) and port injection (58 psi) for optimal combustion across the operating range. The forged steel crankshaft ran in four main bearings, while connecting rods were forged steel designed for combustion pressures exceeding 140 bar. With 10.5:1 compression and the twin turbos spooling below 1,300 RPM, it produced 365 hp at 5,800 RPM and 376 lb-ft from 1,300-4,500 RPM. The oiling system used a variable-displacement vane pump with dual-stage cooling, while the cooling system featured a triple-circuit design with separate cooling for cylinder heads, block, and turbochargers. This engine represented the pinnacle of Kia's internal combustion engine technology before the full transition to electrification.

The efficient naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that powered Kia's global small cars. This 1,368cc DOHC inline-four featured multi-point fuel injection with aluminum block and head construction. The valve train employed roller rocker arms with hydraulic lash adjusters, while the crankshaft used nodular cast iron with eight counterweights running in five main bearings. The cylinder head featured cross-flow design with 36° included valve angle, while the intake system used a fixed-length tuned manifold. With 10.5:1 compression and sequential fuel injection, it produced 107 hp at 6,300 RPM and 104 lb-ft at 4,200 RPM. The cooling system employed a belt-driven water pump with thermostatic control, while the oiling system used a gear-type pump with replaceable cartridge filter. This engine's simplicity, light weight (just 87 kg complete), and efficiency made it ideal for emerging markets and entry-level vehicles, demonstrating that advanced technology wasn't necessary for achieving competitive efficiency and reliability.

The revolutionary electric powertrain that established Kia as an EV leader. This system featured front and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors producing combined 576 hp, with the rear motor delivering 215 kW and the front motor 160 kW in normal operation. The motors used hairpin winding technology with direct oil cooling, allowing sustained high-power output. The power electronics employed silicon carbide inverters operating at 800 volts with efficiency exceeding 97%. The 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack used nickel-cobalt-manganese chemistry in pouch cell format, with peak discharge capability of 640 kW. The battery management system featured cell-level monitoring with active balancing and thermal runaway prevention. The thermal management system used a heat pump that could capture waste heat from the power electronics and battery, improving winter range by 25%. With system voltage of 800V, the vehicle could DC fast charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. The complete powertrain enabled 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.4 seconds while delivering EPA-rated range of 206 miles, demonstrating that high performance and practical range could coexist in an electric vehicle.

Kia's in-house developed 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, designed for longitudinal (Stinger) and transverse (K5 GT) applications with higher torque engines like the 2.5L and 3.3L Turbo GDI. This transmission uses wet multi-plate clutches for robust thermal management, making it suitable for spirited driving and light track use. It features an integrated electric oil pump that maintains hydraulic pressure during auto start-stop events. Shift times are calibrated for a blend of quickness and smoothness, with the transmission control unit offering multiple drive modes that alter shift character from relaxed to aggressive. In the Stinger, it is a key component of the car's grand-touring character, providing both effortless highway cruising and rapid-fire shifts during aggressive driving.

Kia's marketing name for their advanced Chain-type Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The IVT goes beyond a standard CVT by incorporating an actual first gear, either via a dog clutch or a planetary gearset. This 'Launch Gear' provides the crisp, direct feel of a geared transmission from a standstill, eliminating the traditional CVT rubber-band effect during initial acceleration. Once underway, it seamlessly transitions to the steel chain and pulley system for infinitely variable ratios, optimizing the engine for both power and efficiency. The control software mimics stepped shifts under acceleration to provide a more natural, conventional feel that many drivers prefer. It is widely used in models with naturally aspirated engines, prioritizing smoothness and fuel economy above all else.

A modern, longitudinally-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission developed in-house by Hyundai-Kia for their front-wheel-drive based, large SUV and MPV platforms. Used in flagships like the Telluride and Carnival, this transmission is engineered for refined, smooth, and quiet operation under heavy load. It features a wide gear spread and utilizes a multi-plate torque converter clutch that can engage early and often to improve fuel efficiency. The shift logic is adaptive and works in concert with the vehicle's drive mode system (Comfort, Sport, Smart), significantly altering shift points and firmness. It includes a dedicated tow/haul mode that adjusts shift patterns for heavy loads and provides enhanced engine braking. Its robust design and smooth character have been critical to the success and premium feel of Kia's largest vehicles.

An efficient and cost-effective 6-speed dry dual-clutch transmission used in Kia's smaller, global market vehicles. This transmission prioritizes fuel efficiency and reduced weight by using dry clutches instead of oil-bathed wet clutches. It is best suited for lower-torque applications. The shift action is quick under normal acceleration, but its programming is carefully calibrated to provide smooth, creep functionality in low-speed traffic to mimic a traditional automatic. While it offers a more engaging drive than a conventional automatic or CVT, its thermal limitations make it less suitable for repeated hard launches. It represents Kia's effort to bring the efficiency and shift speed of dual-clutch technology to the economy car segment.

The standard 6-speed manual gearbox offered as a base option in many Kia models, including the Forte, Rio, and even the 4-cylinder Stinger in some markets. This transmission is designed for reliability, smooth operation, and good fuel economy. The shift action is typically light and precise, if not particularly sporty, making it well-suited for daily commuting. In the Stinger GT Line, its presence was a nod to driving enthusiasts who wanted a more engaging, rear-wheel-drive experience, offering a direct mechanical connection that contrasted with the more common automatic. While not a high-performance unit, it provides a straightforward and dependable driving experience.

A transversely-mounted 8-speed automatic used in Kia's midsize SUVs, including the conventional Sorento and the hybrid versions of the Sportage and Sorento. In hybrid applications, this is not a traditional planetary automatic but an electrified transmission, often a Transmission Mounted Electric Device (TMED). It integrates a powerful electric motor within the transmission housing, replacing the torque converter. This allows for engine disconnect, pure electric drive, and seamless power blending. The six or eight physical gears provide a more familiar and direct feel compared to a CVT, especially under hard acceleration. This transmission is key to delivering the responsive, refined, and efficient performance of Kia's latest hybrid SUVs.