One of the Major Kia Parts You Should Know About: The Transmission

It used to be a standard question when buying a car: do you want manual or automatic transmission? Now there are even more options available on your Kia parts list, and Folsom Lake Kia in Folsom, CA, is here to help you sort them out. 

The Importance of a Transmission

Your engine creates the power and torque necessary for the wheels on your auto to move and set the car in motion. In between the engine and the wheels is your transmission, which, through a series of gears or pulleys, helps make sure the right amount of power is transmitted, so you can drive at the speed desired.

Manual vs. Automatic Transmission

With a manual transmission, the driver decides which gear to use, and manually shifts between those gears. An automatic transmission has the same gears, but will automatically determine what gear the vehicle needs to be in, and will switch them as needed.

Continuously Variable Transmission

While manual transmissions have been dwindling, the automatic transmission has been evolving, via the continuously variable transmission, or CVT.

The CVT still offers the same results as an automatic transmission, but uses a different system. Instead of gears, it uses two pulleys-one connects to the engine, and one to the wheels. The pulleys mimic gear shifts, but because the set-up is a more fluid system, it offers an unlimited number of gear ratios, resulting in a smoother ride.

The intelligent variable automatic transmission (IVT) is a subset of the CVT, and refines the system even further, helping to maximize fuel efficiency.

Your Favorite With The Kia Parts You Want

Here at our Kia dealership in Folsom, CA, we have multiple Kia models available with both automatic and intelligent variable automatic transmission options, and even some manual transmission options.

The 2021 Kia Forte, for instance, offers various transmission options based on the trim. The Kia Forte FE has a six-speed manual transmission, while the Kia Forte LXS has an IVT. The Kia Forte GT-Line and Kia EX have IVT with Sportmatic, the option to switch to manual shifting mode.

The 2022 Kia Soul LX has an IVT, and the Kia Soul Turbo has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. The 2022 Kia Sorento LX, S, and EX offer an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Kia Sorento SX is equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

No matter which type of transmission you want in your Kia, or if you're not sure which will work for you, Folsom Lake Kia is here to help you every step of the way!