Free 2021 Kia Sportage VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2021 Kia Sportage VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2021 Kia Sportage VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, including details such as the country of manufacture, vehicle type, and even specific facilities. For instance, Kia Corporation utilizes the WMI code “KND” for its multipurpose passenger vehicles, including models like the 2021 Kia Sportage. These vehicles are manufactured in Seoul, South Korea, specifically in the Seocho-Gu area. The WMI indicates the broader category of vehicles, pointing towards their design as versatile options for passengers. It serves as a crucial first element in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), guaranteeing a standard method to identify motor vehicles in the global automotive market.

List of WMI Codes for a 2021 Kia Sportage

WMI: KND

• Model Years Covered: 1995, 1997-2002, 2005-2024
• Example VIN: KNDPR3A60M7847350
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Seoul
• State or Province: Seocho-Gu
• Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2021 Kia Sportage VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2021 Kia Sportage:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2021 Kia Sportage VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2021 Kia Sportage VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2021 Kia Sportage VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2021 Kia Sportage Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2021 Kia Sportage

The final 6 characters in a 2021 Kia Sportage’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2021 Kia Sportage VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2021, providing insights into the age and potential features of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Details such as the engine model (T-GDI Theta-II), displacement (2.0 L), and horsepower (235 hp) are typically encoded, offering a peek into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: A comprehensive list of standard safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), can be deduced which highlights the vehicle’s focus on passenger safety.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type, for example, gasoline, coupled with engine specifications, allows for an estimation of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Type: The VIN can reveal the body class, such as Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), providing insight into the vehicle’s design and intended use.
• Transmission and Drive Type: Details like the transmission style (Automatic) and drive type (4x2) are often encoded, shedding light on the driving experience and performance.
• Manufacturing Details: The plant city (Gwang-Ju) and country (South Korea) can be identified, offering clues about the manufacturing origin and potentially the build quality.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2021 Kia Sportage

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