2011 Kia Forte Oil Type & Capacity
The 2011 Kia Forte oil type depends on the engine: the EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts with filter); the EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts with filter); the EX, 4D Sedan takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts with filter); the LX, Automatic takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts with filter); the LX, Standard takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts with filter); the SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter); the SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter); the SX, 4D Sedan takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- EX, 4D Sedan: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- LX, Automatic: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- LX, Standard: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SX, 4D Sedan: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| EX, 4D Sedan — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| LX, Automatic — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| LX, Standard — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| SX, 4D Sedan — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Forte
2011 Kia Forte factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.3 quarts (5.96 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water. The engine coolant should be compatible with aluminum engine parts.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2011 Kia Forte take?
It depends on the engine: EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic uses 5W-20; EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard uses 5W-20; EX, 4D Sedan uses 5W-20; LX, Automatic uses 5W-20; LX, Standard uses 5W-20; SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic uses 5W-20; SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard uses 5W-20; SX, 4D Sedan uses 5W-20.
How much oil does a 2011 Kia Forte take?
Capacity depends on the engine: EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic holds 4.1 quarts with filter; EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard holds 4.1 quarts with filter; EX, 4D Sedan holds 4.1 quarts with filter; LX, Automatic holds 4.1 quarts with filter; LX, Standard holds 4.1 quarts with filter; SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SX, 4D Sedan holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 Kia Forte?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 Kia Forte. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.