The Kia Forte is a compact car manufactured from 2008 to 2024. Using the correct engine oil capacity, viscosity, and type ensures proper engine protection and performance. This guide provides complete oil specifications for every model year and engine option.

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2024 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.2 L (4.4 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.9 L (4.1 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2024 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that requires 4.2 liters of full synthetic oil. Using SAE 0W-20 viscosity provides optimal fuel economy and cold-start protection.
2023 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.2 L (4.4 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.9 L (4.1 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, K&N HP-1004, Wix 51394 |
The 2023 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that requires 4.2 liters of full synthetic oil. Using SAE 0W-20 viscosity provides optimal fuel economy and cold-start protection.
2022 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.2 L (4.4 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.9 L (4.1 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2022 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that requires 4.2 liters of full synthetic oil. Using SAE 0W-20 viscosity provides optimal fuel economy and cold-start protection.
2021 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.2 L (4.4 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.9 L (4.1 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, K&N HP-1004, Wix 51394 |
The 2021 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that requires 4.2 liters of full synthetic oil. Using SAE 0W-20 viscosity provides optimal fuel economy and cold-start protection.
2020 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.2 L (4.4 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.9 L (4.1 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2020 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that requires 4.2 liters of full synthetic oil. Using SAE 0W-20 viscosity provides optimal fuel economy and cold-start protection.
2019 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Nu MPI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.2 L (4.4 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.9 L (4.1 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, K&N HP-1004, Wix 51394 |
The 2019 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that requires 4.2 liters of full synthetic oil. Using SAE 0W-20 viscosity provides optimal fuel economy and cold-start protection.
2018 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Nu GDI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2018 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L gasoline direct injection engine that requires 4.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Using SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity provides proper protection in all operating conditions.
2017 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Nu GDI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, K&N HP-1004, Wix 51394 |
The 2017 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L gasoline direct injection engine that requires 4.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Using SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity provides proper protection in all operating conditions.
2016 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L Nu MPI I4 or 2.0L Nu GDI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 3.8 L (4.0 qt) / 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.5 L (3.7 qt) / 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2016 Kia Forte offers two engine options. The 1.8L engine requires 3.8 liters of synthetic blend oil. The 2.0L engine requires 4.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Both use SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity.
2015 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L Nu MPI I4 or 2.0L Nu GDI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 3.8 L (4.0 qt) / 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.5 L (3.7 qt) / 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, K&N HP-1004, Wix 51394 |
The 2015 Kia Forte offers two engine options. The 1.8L engine requires 3.8 liters of synthetic blend oil. The 2.0L engine requires 4.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Both use SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity.
2014 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L Nu MPI I4 or 2.0L Nu GDI I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 3.8 L (4.0 qt) / 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.5 L (3.7 qt) / 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25-30 lb-ft (34-41 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2014 Kia Forte offers two engine options. The 1.8L engine requires 3.8 liters of synthetic blend oil. The 2.0L engine requires 4.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Both use SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity.
2013 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Beta II I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Synthetic Blend or Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 26-29 lb-ft (35-39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2013 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L Beta II engine that requires 4.0 liters of synthetic blend or conventional oil. Using SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity provides proper protection under normal driving conditions.
2012 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Beta II I4 or 2.4L Theta II I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 L (4.2 qt) / 4.5 L (4.8 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 L (3.9 qt) / 4.2 L (4.4 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Synthetic Blend or Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 26-29 lb-ft (35-39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, K&N HP-1004, Wix 51394 |
The 2012 Kia Forte offers two engine options. The 2.0L engine requires 4.0 liters of synthetic blend oil. The 2.4L engine requires 4.5 liters of synthetic blend oil. Both accept SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 viscosity.
2011 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Beta II I4 or 2.4L Theta II I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 L (4.2 qt) / 4.5 L (4.8 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 L (3.9 qt) / 4.2 L (4.4 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Synthetic Blend or Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 26-29 lb-ft (35-39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2011 Kia Forte offers two engine options. The 2.0L engine requires 4.0 liters of synthetic blend oil. The 2.4L engine requires 4.5 liters of synthetic blend oil. Both accept SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 viscosity.
2010 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Beta II I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Synthetic Blend or Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 26-29 lb-ft (35-39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2010 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L Beta II engine that requires 4.0 liters of synthetic blend or conventional oil. Using SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity provides proper protection under normal driving conditions.
2009 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Beta II I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Synthetic Blend or Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 26-29 lb-ft (35-39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, K&N HP-1004, Wix 51394 |
The 2009 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L Beta II engine that requires 4.0 liters of synthetic blend or conventional oil. Using SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity provides proper protection under normal driving conditions.
2008 Kia Forte Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Beta II I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 L (4.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 L (3.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Synthetic Blend or Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 26-29 lb-ft (35-39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 26300-35505, Mobil 1 M1-104, Fram PH9688 |
The 2008 Kia Forte uses a 2.0L Beta II engine that requires 4.0 liters of synthetic blend or conventional oil. Using SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity provides proper protection under normal driving conditions.
Oil Maintenance & Service Tips
Check oil level monthly when the engine is cold and the vehicle is on level ground. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again to read the level. Add oil if the level is below the minimum mark.
Change engine oil and filter according to the interval specified for your model year. Use only manufacturer-approved oil filters to ensure proper oil flow and filtration. Inspect the drain plug gasket during each oil change and replace if damaged or worn.
For severe driving conditions, including frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, or towing, reduce the oil change interval by 30-40%. Always reset the oil life monitoring system after each service.
FAQs Section
What kind of oil does a Kia Forte use?
The Kia Forte uses full synthetic, synthetic blend, or conventional oil depending on model year. Third-generation models (2019-2024) require full synthetic 0W-20 oil. Earlier models typically use synthetic blend or conventional 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil.
How much oil does a Kia Forte take?
Most Kia Forte models with 2.0L engines require 4.0 to 4.2 liters (4.2 to 4.4 quarts) of oil with filter. The 2.4L engine takes 4.5 liters (4.8 quarts), while the 1.8L engine takes 3.8 liters (4.0 quarts).
What is the recommended oil type for a Kia Forte?
Third-generation Forte models (2019-2024) require API SN PLUS/SP or ILSAC GF-6 full synthetic oil. Second-generation models (2014-2018) specify API SN full synthetic or synthetic blend. First-generation models (2008-2013) can use API SM synthetic blend or conventional oil.
What is the oil change interval for a Kia Forte?
Third and second-generation models (2014-2024) have a 7,500-mile or 12-month interval. First-generation models (2008-2013) require more frequent changes every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Severe driving conditions necessitate shorter intervals.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my Kia Forte?
Using 5W-30 in third-generation models (2019-2024) is not recommended as it may affect fuel economy and engine protection. Second-generation models (2014-2018) can use either 5W-20 or 5W-30. Always follow the viscosity grade indicated on the oil cap and in the owner’s manual.
What oil filter fits a Kia Forte?
The standard oil filter for most Kia Forte models is OEM part number 26300-35505. Equivalent filters include Mobil 1 M1-104, K&N HP-1004, Fram PH9688, and Wix 51394. Verify the correct filter for your specific model year and engine.
Conclusion
The Kia Forte requires different oil specifications across its three generations. Third-generation models need 4.2 liters of 0W-20 full synthetic oil. Second-generation models need 4.0 liters of 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. First-generation models need 4.0 liters of 5W-20 or 5W-30 conventional or synthetic blend oil. Always use manufacturer-approved oil and filters to maintain engine warranty coverage and ensure long-term reliability. Follow the recommended oil change intervals and check oil levels regularly for optimal engine performance.

