From 1995 to 2021 the Kia Sportage either has an engine with a timing belt or with a timing chain depending on the model and trim level. However, all of its engines are interference from 1995 to 2021.
A combustion engine relies on either a timing belt or timing chain to maintain the proper timing and distance between its pistons and the intake valves and exhaust valves in the combustion chamber.
An old or damaged timing belt is prone to failure, which could lead to catastrophic engine damage and an expensive repair bill. A timing chain is less prone to failure but should still be inspected by a licensed mechanic once the engine has 60,000 or more miles.
It is generally recommended to change the timing belt starting at 60,000 miles, whereas a timing chain is usually good for the life of the vehicle.
Scroll down for the timing belt data for your particular Kia Sportage.
| Year | Engine | Belt Or Chain | Interference | Service Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 240 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2021 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 181 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 240 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2020 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 181 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 240 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2019 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 181 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 240 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2018 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 181 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 240 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2017 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 181 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 260 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2016 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| Year | Engine | Belt Or Chain | Interference | Service Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 260 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2015 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 260 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2014 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 260 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2013 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 176 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 260 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2012 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 176 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 256 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2011 | 2.4L 4 Cyl. 176 hp (Theta II) | timing chain | interference | lifetime miles |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 140 hp (Beta II) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2010 | 2.7L V6 173 hp (Delta) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2009 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 140 hp (Beta II) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2009 | 2.7L V6 173 hp (Delta) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| Year | Engine | Belt Or Chain | Interference | Service Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 140 hp (Beta II) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2008 | 2.7L V6 173 hp (Delta) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2007 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 140 hp (Beta II) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2007 | 2.7L V6 173 hp (Delta) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2006 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 140 hp (Beta II) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2006 | 2.7L V6 173 hp (Delta) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2005 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 140 hp (Beta II) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2005 | 2.7L V6 173 hp (Delta) | timing belt | interference | Inspect at 60K, Replace at 80K miles |
| 2002 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (FE DOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| 2001 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (FE DOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| Year | Engine | Belt Or Chain | Interference | Service Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (FE DOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| 1999 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (FE DOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| 1998 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (FE DOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| 1997 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (FE DOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| 1996 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 94 hp (FE SOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| 1996 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (FE DOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| 1995 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 94 hp (FE SOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
| 1995 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (FE DOHC) | timing belt | interference | 60K Exc. CA, 105K CA miles |
MyBestVehicle.com is a website designed to quickly find data and specs on your particular vehicle.
Consult with the vehicle's owner's manual or a licensed mechanic to confirm the engine type in your car.
Timing belt replacements can be expensive, but if a timing belt fails it will leave you stranded on the road and could damage your engine beyond repair.
When replacing a timing belt, it is normal to replace the water pump and belt tensioner while they are easily accessible.