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Kia Seltos: Specifications, Consumer Information and Reporting Safety Defects / Recommended lubricants and capacities

Contents:

To help achieve proper engine performance, powertrain durability, and long-term reliability in the Kia Seltos, use only lubricants and fluids of the recommended quality and specification.

Using the correct lubricants helps reduce engine friction, supports fuel efficiency, and protects important mechanical components from premature wear.

The following lubricants and fluids are recommended for use in your Kia Seltos.

Lubricant

Volume

Classification

Engine oil*1 (drain and refill) Recommends

Kia Seltos recommended engine oil lubricants and capacities

Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi

5.07 US qt. (4.8 L)

Full synthetic SAE 0W-20, API SN PLUS/SP or ILSAC GF-6

(Gasoline) 2.0 MPI

4.23 US qt. (4.0 L)

Full synthetic SAE 0W-20, API SN PLUS/SP or ILSAC GF-6

Automatic transmission (AT) fluid*2

Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi

6.87 US qt. (6.5 L)

SK ATF SP4M-1, MICHANG ATF SP4M-1, S-OIL ATF SP4M-1, Kia Genuine ATF SP4M-1

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) fluid*2

(Gasoline) 2.0 MPI

7.08 US qt. (6.7 L)

MICHANG SP-CVT1, Kia genuine oil ATF SP-CVT1

Coolant*3

Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi

7.4 US qt. (7.0 L)

Phosphate-based ethylene glycol coolant

(Gasoline) 2.0 MPI

6.34 US qt. (6.0 L)

Brake fluid*4

Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi

0.74 US qt. (0.7 L)

SAE J1704 DOT-4 LV, FMVSS 116 DOT-4, ISO 4925 CLASS-6

(Gasoline) 2.0 MPI

Fuel

13.2 US gal. (50 L)

-

Rear differential oil (AWD)

0.53 US qt. (0.5 L)

HYPOID GEAR OIL API GL-5, SAE 75W/85 (Recommended: SK HCT-5 GEAR OIL 75W/85 or equivalent)

Transfer case oil (AWD)

0.42 US qt. (0.4 L)

*1 Refer to the related engine oil specification information for additional details.

*2 Use only the specified genuine transmission fluid. Using non-specified fluid, even if it is labeled as compatible with genuine fluid, may cause shift quality deterioration, vibration, and eventual transmission failure.

*3 Using a different type of coolant or improper water may damage electrical or cooling system components.

*4 To maintain the best brake, ABS, and ESC performance in the Kia Seltos, use Kia genuine brake fluid that meets the specified requirements.

Always confirm fluid type, capacity, and specification before servicing the Kia Seltos. If you are unsure which lubricant or fluid to use, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Kia Seltos recommended SAE viscosity number caution before checking lubricants

CAUTION

Always clean the area around any filler plug, drain plug, or dipstick before checking or draining lubricant in your Kia Seltos. This is especially important in dusty or sandy areas and when the vehicle is used on unpaved roads. Cleaning these areas helps prevent dirt and grit from entering the engine or other mechanisms that could be damaged.

Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, affects fuel economy, cold-weather starting, and engine oil flow. Lower-viscosity engine oils can improve fuel economy and cold-weather performance, while higher-viscosity oils may be needed for proper lubrication in hot operating conditions.

Using engine oil with a viscosity other than the recommended specification may result in engine damage.

Kia Seltos engine oil additive notice for recommended SAE viscosity

NOTICE

Never add aftermarket additives to the engine oil. Engine oil additives can change the properties of the oil and may cause serious engine failure.

When choosing oil for your Kia Seltos, consider the temperature range in which the vehicle will be operated before the next oil change. Select the recommended oil viscosity from the chart.

Temperature Range for SAE Viscosity Numbers

A: Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi & (Gasoline) 2.0 MPI

Kia Seltos SAE viscosity temperature range chart for engine oil Kia Seltos API certification mark for recommended engine oil

An engine oil displaying the American Petroleum Institute (API) Certification Mark conforms to International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC) standards. It is recommended to use only engine oils that carry this API Certification Mark for your Kia Seltos.

Other information:

Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual: Fuel requirements

The Kia Seltos is engineered to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 87 ((R+M)/2), which is equivalent to Research Octane Number 91, or higher. Methanol-blended fuels should not be used, as they can affect proper drivability and may damage important fuel-related components. For the best balance of performance, reliability, fuel economy, and emissions control, your Kia Seltos should always be filled with high-quality unleaded fuel.

Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual: All Wheel Drive (AWD) system

The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Kia Seltos distributes engine power to the front and rear wheels to help provide improved traction when driving conditions require extra grip. AWD can be useful when additional traction is needed, such as on slippery, muddy, wet, or snow-covered roads. It helps the Kia Seltos maintain more stable driving performance when road surfaces become difficult.