Who makes KIA engines?

The South Korean car brand Kia is renowned for its affordability and reliability. However, is it accurate that not all Kia models feature engines manufactured by Kia?

You’re absolutely right! That’s a common misconception. Here’s the deal with Kia engines:

  • Sharing is Caring: Kia is part of the giant Hyundai Motor Group, along with its sister company Hyundai [Wikipedia Kia Motors]. This means they share a lot of resources, including engines! You’ll find many Hyundai engines (often named with Greek letters) ticking under the hood of Kia models, like the popular Kappa, Gamma, and Theta engines.
  • Kia’s Own Power: Kia does build some of its own engines too. For instance, they have a unique 1.7-liter diesel engine, and some older Kias might have GEMA engines [Car Part Kia Engines].

So, while Kia definitely partners with Hyundai for a lot of their engines, they also have some homegrown power under the hood!

Kia Motors, the South Korean automaker, is known for producing a wide range of reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles.
The engines for Kia vehicles are primarily sourced from their in-house production facilities.
Kia has dedicated engine manufacturing plants located in South Korea, China, Slovakia, Mexico, and the United States.
These plants utilize advanced technologies and systems to ensure high-quality standards and innovation in engine production.
In addition to in-house production, Kia also has partnerships with other manufacturers. For example, some Kia engines are made by the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) or Hyundai, as Kia is a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group. GEMA is a consortium of automotive brands that includes Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler, which develops a line of shared engines
While Kia designs and produces its engines, not all Kia models indeed feature engines manufactured solely by Kia. Some models may have engines developed in partnership with other manufacturers, such as Mazda.
This collaborative approach allows Kia to offer a diverse range of engines to suit different vehicle models and customer needs.

Now you know.

From my own experience and what I’ve gathered, it’s true that not all Kia models feature engines are manufactured solely by Kia. In fact, Kia has been known to collaborate with other reputable companies to power some of their vehicles.

For instance, Hyundai, Kia’s sister company, shares technology and platforms with Kia, so you might find Hyundai engines in certain Kia models. And let’s not forget about Kia’s partnership with Mitsubishi, which has also led to some shared engine technologies.

But before you start worrying, let me assure you that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. These collaborations often bring together the best of both worlds - Kia’s renowned design and engineering, coupled with the expertise of their partners in engine manufacturing.

In fact, many Kia owners have reported excellent performance and longevity from their vehicles, regardless of who made the engine. So, while it’s true that not all Kia models feature engines manufactured exclusively by Kia, I wouldn’t let that deter you from considering one for your next ride. After all, affordability and reliability are still at the core of what Kia stands for.