Owner's Manual lists a few ATFs that can be used as an example and tells owner to use SP-III ATF, that's all you need to use, an ATF which is SP-III.
As I said before, MaxLife is SP-III rated and is actually Full Synthetic as opposed to OEM ATF, and cost $18 a gallon in US, I dunno what else to tell the OP.
I did full ATF replacement (myself) on both cars with 30K mi on one and 20K mi on the other after I dove brand new cars off dealer lot, and doing 30K mi drain and fills since, all with MaxLife.

 

UPDATE: I have decided to go with the Idemitsu type HK, as it was $6.60/quart and formulated specifically for SP-III. I will likely be doing the fluid change (2X drain/fill) next week and I will update this thread if I find any change in transmission behavior.

 

80 bucks is extremly expensive?! Really? What about other service issues?

Hyundai and Kia oil ARE the same, it's one firm, what is a sense of making different oils for the same cars? And Kia wants ATF oil with SP-III norm, why are you wondering about not being exact match for other oil meeting this norm?

 

Since mine went off warranty in 2017, I’ve been using Valvoline Maxlife for the last two fluid changes starting at 78k miles. Shifts like new at 115k miles.

 

I started using MaxLife well within warranty period on both cars and am very confident with MaxLife.
Also used MaxLife in daughter's Honda and now Acura with no ill effects.

 

Thank you all very much for all the feedback. I will likely give a call to the Kia/Hyundai dealers in my area today or tomorrow to check the prices of atf. If I can get it for around $8-$9/quart then I will go OEM. If not, then I will go with the type HK Idemitsu fluid. Valvoline Maxlife seems like a good bargain, but I have heard too many stories of transmission issues due to universal fluid. Also, I believe that 5 quarts are required for a change in the 5 speed transmission. Am I correct?

 

Thank you all very much for all the feedback. I will likely give a call to the Kia/Hyundai dealers in my area today or tomorrow to check the prices of atf. If I can get it for around $8-$9/quart then I will go OEM. If not, then I will go with the type HK Idemitsu fluid. Valvoline Maxlife seems like a good bargain, but I have heard too many stories of transmission issues due to universal fluid. Also, I believe that 5 quarts are required for a change in the 5 speed transmission. Am I correct?

That is most likely because the wrong ATF was used - so many folks believe they're all the same - the two Fords we own take different transmission fluids that are disastrous if swiched.

5 quarts is the capacity, but if you want to do a drain & fill you'll need to do that a few times and still not have a total fluid replacement - I drain& fill three times, but would do more if the last drain didn't look too good.

 

Just please don't do flush or full ATF replacement at this car age and mileage. Do a drain and fill.

 

I am planning on doing a single drain fill. ATF was last changed at 60k according to carfax.

That is most likely because the wrong ATF was used - so many folks believe they're all the same - the two Fords we own take different transmission fluids that are disastrous if swiched.

5 quarts is the capacity, but if you want to do a drain & fill you'll need to do that a few times and still not have a total fluid replacement - I drain& fill three times, but would do more if the last drain didn't look too good.

The fluid is a light brown, so I am only planning on doing a single drain/fill. If it still looks bad then I will do a second one by the next oil change. I am also planning on adding a magnefine filter after the transmission cooler.

I used AMSOIL signature and did a drain and refill twice a few thousand miles apart. It shifts soo smooth even after the first drain and refill. Better than when I had it new. I’ll never have to change it again. Did the drain and refill around 50k miles.

I would be cautious about the "smooth" shifting. This could be the result of the clutch packs taking slightly longer to engage, which makes the shifts feel smoother but will result in increased clutch pack wear. Also, how many miles do you currently have?

 

I used AMSOIL signature and did a drain and refill twice a few thousand miles apart. It shifts soo smooth even after the first drain and refill. Better than when I had it new. I’ll never have to change it again. Did the drain and refill around 50k miles.


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I used AMSOIL signature and did a drain and refill twice a few thousand miles apart. It shifts soo smooth even after the first drain and refill. Better than when I had it new. I’ll never have to change it again. Did the drain and refill around 50k miles.

I'd be concerned if it altered the way it shifts and don't believe any fluid in the specified range will fix an abused transmission.

I have no doubt that Amsoil is good, but the sales arrangement and the fact that we're spoilt with many quality lubricant brands at reasonable prices, I chose not to use Amsoil.