I just got a 2025 Sportage Hybrid and I’m loving how it drives and handles. I’ll be driving it a lot and I’m a bit concerned about the turbo. Would it be too much to change the oil every 4k miles? I’ve also heard some people say having a turbo with a hybrid system could cause issues. I’m just trying to stay on top of the maintenance, so I was wondering if anyone here had thoughts or experience on this?
I would follow the severe use schedule for any Kia.
WhisperingWillow said:
I would follow the severe use schedule for any Kia.
True, I guess I should stick with that schedule.
What does the user’s manual say about service intervals?
Zachary said:
What does the user’s manual say about service intervals?
It says to change the oil every 5k miles for severe use. It also mentions replacing the hybrid starter belt every 30k miles.
@Brynn
There’s your answer. If Kia says 5k, you should follow that. They know what’s best since they built it. You can always change it more often if you want, but there’s no need to waste time or money doing it too much. Just follow the manual for severe use, but be aware that driving a lot alone doesn’t necessarily count as severe use.
@Zachary
I’ll be using it for courier deliveries, so it’ll involve a lot of stop-and-go driving and short trips, which the manual mentions as severe use. But you’re right, I’ll probably be fine with the 5k interval.
@Brynn
Okay, that qualifies as severe use then.
@Brynn
Make sure you have commercial insurance for deliveries.
@Brynn
It says to inspect for cracks, not to replace it.
@Brynn
This is why I’m hesitant about Kia Hybrids. The belt-driven system could be problematic.
Cole said:
@Brynn
This is why I’m hesitant about Kia Hybrids. The belt-driven system could be problematic.
It’s actually just the serpentine/normal engine belt, Kia calls it the HSG belt, but it’s nothing special. Thankfully, the engine timing is a chain.
@renatahilda
Oh, I didn’t know it had a timing chain. I sometimes wonder if I should have just gone with a RAV4, but I was really impressed with the Sportage and enjoy driving it.
Brynn said:
@renatahilda
Oh, I didn’t know it had a timing chain. I sometimes wonder if I should have just gone with a RAV4, but I was really impressed with the Sportage and enjoy driving it.
Not sure about the Toyota models in the US, but in Australia, they’re pretty basic. The Sportage should be fine. The radio is probably the most annoying issue. Haha.
@renatahilda
Ugh, the radio keeps turning on by itself even when I turn off the sound system. It’s driving me crazy. I hope they fix it in an update.
@renatahilda
The RAV4 does have a reputation for being reliable and lasting long-term. People buy it for that reliability, especially if they plan on keeping it for 10+ years. It’s not flashy, but it just keeps going.
@renatahilda
It’s not just a serpentine belt, you’re spreading misinformation.
rsquarles said:
@renatahilda
It’s not just a serpentine belt, you’re spreading misinformation.
I work in a Kia parts department. The HSG belt is an external drive belt that gets replaced at 45,000 km or 30,000 miles. It needs a special tool for the tensioner, but the belt itself is basic.
Cole said:
@Brynn
This is why I’m hesitant about Kia Hybrids. The belt-driven system could be problematic.
Yeah, it’s not ideal like Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, but I think I’ll be okay as long as I get it inspected and replaced when needed. I will say that Kia’s hybrid system drives so smoothly, I hardly even notice when the engine kicks in.
I drive 50 to 60 miles daily. I change my oil every 3500 to 4000 miles. My driving mostly involves going up and down long hills at 65 mph. I bought my 2022 Nightfall in May with 8600 miles on it, and I’m currently at 24,644.