What type of oil is used in new Kias? Synthetic or Conventional?

Discussion Forum
1

I bought a 2022 Sportage (LX) in May (not the new 2022, the old 2022). I need an oil change, but I’m curious about what oil type these come with.

2

The manual for my Stinger says to use ‘API SM/ILSAC GF-4 or above’ for the 3.3L turbo engine and API SN for the 2.0L turbo.

SM is still a current classification for gasoline engines, but ILSAC GF-4 has been updated to GF-6A. You can find more information about these classifications here. These classifications should be clearly marked on the oil label when you purchase.

I have only used Mobil 1, which is full synthetic, for my oil changes with no issues.

3

I have a Kia Forte and I use good old conventional oil. Low operating costs ftw.

4

Addison said:
I have a Kia Forte and I use good old conventional oil. Low operating costs ftw.

I’d be careful. I just checked the manual for my '22 Forte LXS, and it specifies full-synthetic for both the 1.6L and 2.0L engines.

You wouldn’t want to give them a reason to deny the warranty.

5

@Fin
Wow, interesting. The '22 owner’s manual now says synthetic, whereas the '21 didn’t.

6

Addison said:
@Fin
Wow, interesting. The '22 owner’s manual now says synthetic, whereas the '21 didn’t.

Holy crap, you’re right. That’s really strange.

There are no mechanical changes as far as I know for the Nu engine that would require synthetic oil.

You lucked out!

7

I would be surprised if any engine is designed with conventional oil in mind.

8

Full synthetic. Always. K&N high flow oil filter as well. I change it every 5-7k miles (I do it in Spring and Fall). Mobil 1 was my go-to, but after some research, I switched to Walmart Super Tech 5W-30 in summer and 5W-20 in winter. Regardless of OEM, I recommend looking into an oil catch can (not from Mishimoto) for around $20-50 USD. It will protect the GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) system.

9

@Sky
So, just to clarify, it comes with synthetic? I don’t have to request a change?

10

Quincy said:
@Sky
So, just to clarify, it comes with synthetic? I don’t have to request a change?

Honestly, I am not sure it comes with conventional oil (for cost savings), but I will get 5 quarts and immediately dump the factory oil. I traded in my 02 Mazda P5 at 190k for a Hamie, and my 11 Toyota Prius at 141k (my wife’s daily).

11

@Sky
Thanks. My dealership offered me 2 years of free oil changes. I’ll have to ask them if that includes switching to synthetic.

12

Quincy said:
@Sky
Thanks. My dealership offered me 2 years of free oil changes. I’ll have to ask them if that includes switching to synthetic.

Definitely ask for full synthetic. I got the same package as you for my '21 Turbo Soul, and I found out it was a synthetic blend, which is half dinosaur oil and half synthetic. While it’s not bad, it was clearly a cost-saving measure. I would personally pay the difference between the blend and full synthetic for long-term engine reliability.

13

@Hayden
These days, it probably doesn’t matter as much, but there were some issues with misleading labels. A blend could lead to partial failure. I don’t know how much cheaper you could go. It’s about $28 for oil and $16 for a filter, so around $100 a year for peace of mind.