2021 Kia Forte Oil Type & Capacity
The 2021 Kia Forte oil type depends on the engine: the EX takes 5W-20 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the FE, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-20 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the FE, Standard Trans takes 5W-20 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the GT Line takes 5W-20 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the GT, Automatic DCT Trans takes 5W-30 (4.75 quarts qt with filter); the GT, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (4.75 quarts qt with filter); the LXS takes 5W-20 (4.2 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- EX: 5W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- FE, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- FE, Standard Trans: 5W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- GT Line: 5W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- GT, Automatic DCT Trans: 5W-30, 4.75 quarts with filter
- GT, Standard Trans: 5W-30, 4.75 quarts with filter
- LXS: 5W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX — 2.0L Eng | API-Latest (ILSAC Latest) GF-4 or above SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil of a viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API Service SM / ILSAC GF-4). Approximate capacity. |
| FE, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.0L Eng | API-Latest (ILSAC Latest) GF-4 or above SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil of a viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API Service SM / ILSAC GF-4). Approximate capacity. |
| FE, Standard Trans — 2.0L Eng | API-Latest (ILSAC Latest) GF-4 or above SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil of a viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API Service SM / ILSAC GF-4). Approximate capacity. |
| GT Line — 2.0L Eng | API-Latest (ILSAC Latest) GF-4 or above SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil of a viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API Service SM / ILSAC GF-4). Approximate capacity. |
| GT, Automatic DCT Trans — 1.6L Eng | SAE 5W-30 API-Latest (ILSAC Latest) or ACEA A5/B5 | 4.75 QTS. | — | Approximate capacity. |
| GT, Standard Trans — 1.6L Eng | SAE 5W-30 API-Latest (ILSAC Latest) or ACEA A5/B5 | 4.75 QTS. | — | Approximate capacity. |
| LXS — 2.0L Eng | API-Latest (ILSAC Latest) GF-4 or above SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil of a viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API Service SM / ILSAC GF-4). Approximate capacity. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Forte
🛞 2021 Kia Forte Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2021 Kia Forte Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2021 Kia Forte Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2021 Kia Forte Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.0 quarts (6.62 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water. Approximate capacity.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2021 Kia Forte take?
It depends on the engine: EX uses 5W-20; FE, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-20; FE, Standard Trans uses 5W-20; GT Line uses 5W-20; GT, Automatic DCT Trans uses 5W-30; GT, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; LXS uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2021 Kia Forte?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: EX holds 4.2 quarts with filter; FE, Automatic CVT Trans holds 4.2 quarts with filter; FE, Standard Trans holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GT Line holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GT, Automatic DCT Trans holds 4.75 quarts with filter; GT, Standard Trans holds 4.75 quarts with filter; LXS holds 4.2 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2021 Kia Forte?
Most 2021 Kia Forte owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Kia recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2021 Kia Forte?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2021 Kia Forte. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.