What is the right type of oil to put in the Sportage? I was thinking 10w40 or 10w30 full synthetic. Would either of these work alright, what do you think is best to use?

Thanks,
Matt

If you're stuck on full synthetic, 10w40 in summer 10w30 in winter (I don't know what temperatures are like in CA, but it must get cool-ish in the winter)
I know this is a good way to start a fist fight, but here's my humble opinion:
Synthetic oils have been pushed pretty hard as being the best possible lubricant. They do have some (small?) drawbacks.
1. They tend to be pricey (1.5 to 2x as much as dinosaur oil.
2. They seem to be thinner (I realize viscosity ratings are identical, but the synthetics I've seen seem to pour faster than a dinosaur brand) and this leads to a slightly louder engine when warm. (I've heard lots of complaints about noisy engine after switch to synthetic)
3. Even though some synthetics claim to have a longer service interval, crap in your oil is crap in your oil, which in turn gets trapped in your oil filter, eventually reducing the efficiency of your oiling system.

In my firm belief unless you're driving a high performance (re: NOT Kia Sportage) vehicle it's more cost effective, quieter and better for your vehicle to change your (engine) oil AND filter more often with dinosaur brands (every 5000mi/8000km or so) than it is to go to the recommended service interval for most synthetics.

I always used 10w30 DuraBlend year around and changed it every 3000 to 4000 miles. At 150,000 I started using Max Life because my boy put it in with out asking what I used and it would eat the DuraBlend after that.

Dennis

As mentioned, the only reason to utilize a full synthetic is for the longer service interval. They are actually less expensive than non-synthetics when utilized properly. For example, if you intend to change your oil every 3,000/5,000 miles, do not use a synthetic because the non-syntheic provide all the lubrication you require, but has a shorter service life. If you are going to extend your interval (I go to 20,000 miles between oil changes with a full synthetic) then the synthetic will actually cost less.

You should not allow you oil change interval to exceed a year. If you only drive the sportage 3,000/5,000 miles a year, stick to a non-synthetic. My 20,000 mile service interval is on a vehicle that sees 20,000 miles in a year. For vehicles that I drive less, I use non-synthetic and I change the oil once or twice a year.

FWIW.

I also use max-life full synthetic and change it every year, though I do change the filter every 3000/4000 miles then top off the oil.

John