Depending on the engine it is equipped with—either a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder—the 2020 Kia Forte has a total oil capacity of either 4.2 quarts or 4.75 quarts, respectively. Both engine types require you to use SAE 5W-30 motor oil.
In order for your Forte’s engine to function properly, it must be supplied with a reservoir of motor oil to lubricate any and all moving parts. Over time, this oil collects contaminants and becomes less and less efficient, at which point it will need to be replaced with clean oil—failure to do so can result in severe engine damage.
Of course, you’ll need to know how much oil to purchase before you can replace your Kia’s oil—that’s why we’ve assembled the following article detailing all there is to know about the 2020 Kia Forte’s oil capacity, the type of oil it requires, and how to change it.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers 2020 Kia Forte engine oil capacity
A 2020 Kia Forte’s engine oil capacity largely depends on the type of engine it has underneath its hood—and for the 2020 model year, the Kia Forte was offered with either a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine.
If your 2020 Kia Forte is equipped with the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, you have an oil capacity of exactly 4.2 quarts, or roughly 4 liters.
In the event that you upgraded to the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, your 2020 Kia Forte’s oil capacity is 4.75 quarts, or 4.5 liters.
As you can see, oil capacity is not the same as engine displacement, or the space occupied by the engine cylinders—the two numbers are not interchangeable, so filling your engine with only 1.6 or 2.0 liters of oil could wreak havoc on your engine.
What type of oil does the 2020 Kia Forte use?
Regardless of engine type, the 2020 Kia Forte requires SAE 5W-30 motor oil, though it’s up to you whether you go with a conventional or synthetic oil—the Forte can handle either. If you’re not sure what those numbers mean, here’s a crash course on how to read oil ratings:
The first number refers to the oil’s winter rating and tells us how thin or thick the oil will be when exposed to extremely cold conditions—the lower the number, the thinner the oil is going to be. Oils with a winter grade of "5" are rather thin and perform well in the cold, which makes starting your engine on cold mornings that much simpler.
The second number in an oil rating, on the other hand, refers to the oil's viscosity at extremely high temperatures of 216°F or above—a.k.a the normal operating temperature of an engine. Oils with a "30" rating will become incredibly thin at these temperatures.
How often does a 2020 Kia Forte need an oil change?
If you use conventional motor oil, Kia recommends changing your Forte’s oil once every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, which amounts to roughly twice per year—but if you use synthetic motor oil, you can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
It should be noted, however, that driving habits and/or conditions can influence how often your oil needs to be changed—for example, you’ll need to change your oil more frequently if you regularly drive on dusty roads or routinely idle your Kia for long periods of time.
In the interim, you should be still checking your Kia’s oil condition/level at least once a month to ensure it is still in good health and doing its job correctly. During these inspections, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the following signs that an oil change is needed:
The oil feels gritty or granular, as though there were sand in it
There is a smoky, oily, or burning smell in the vehicle’s cabin
The oil color has changed from a rich amber to a very dark brown or black
Abnormal noises can be heard coming from the engine
The oil pressure warning light is illuminated
How to change your oil and oil filter
Draining and replacing your 2020 Kia Forte’s engine oil is pretty easy—all you’ll need is an oil drain pan, a socket wrench set, and a filter wrench to remove the old filter, as well as five quarts of 5W-30 motor oil and a new filter.
After you've gathered your tools, turn on the ignition and let the engine run for four to five minutes or until it reaches its typical operating temperature. Once the engine is hot, turn it off, open the hood, and then perform the following steps.
Find the oil reservoir and take off the oil fill cap. Place the cap in a secure spot.
Position your oil drain pan directly underneath the reservoir’s drain hole.
Use your socket wrench and the appropriate size socket to remove the drain bolt and washer—oil will begin to drip into the drain pan after the bolt is removed.
As the oil drains, remove the old filter using the filter wrench and replace it with a new one.
Once the oil stops flowing, thread a new washer into position and reinstall the drain bolt.
Fill the reservoir with fresh oil and screw the oil cap back on.
Once you’ve added the new oil, start your vehicle and let it run for roughly 30 seconds before turning it off. Use a dipstick to check whether the oil reaches the "MAX FILL" line and add more if necessary. Keep in mind that too much or too little engine oil can cause harm, so it's crucial to check that your fill level is precise.
When the reservoir is full, start the engine a final time and let it run while you inspect for leaks. It may be necessary to manually switch off the oil pressure warning light on the dashboard of your 2020 Kia Forte.
Lastly, it’s important that you properly dispose of the old oil. Instead of pouring the drain pan into the trash, empty the oil into a sealable container and bring it to your local recycling facility or an automotive parts store that accepts spent oil.
"After I bought my new car, the insurance companies tried charging me $315/month. Jerry
, on the other hand, found me full coverage for only $220/month. Thank you!” —Mari E.
We value your privacy
