Kia VIN Decoder
Kia VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Kia VIN decoder reads a 17-character Kia Vehicle Identification Number to identify factory data such as model year, make, model, body style, engine, drivetrain, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) — for example, KNA identifies kia built in south korea.
What a Kia VIN can tell you
A Kia VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Kia VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Kia VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Kia prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| KNA, KND | Kia built in South Korea |
| 5XY, 5XX | Kia built in the USA (Georgia) |
| 3KP | Kia built in Mexico |
Reading a Kia VIN
Country of build
A Kia VIN starting with KN was built in South Korea, 5XY indicates the US plant in Georgia, and 3KP indicates Mexico.
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Kia model year code.
Hyundai Motor Group
Kia shares engineering with Hyundai but uses its own WMIs and VIN prefixes.
Sample Kia VIN decode
An example decode for a Kia VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2022
- Make
- KIA
- Model
- Telluride
- Body
- Sport Utility Vehicle
- Engine
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drive
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Kia VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Kia VIN
Every 17-character Kia VIN follows the same position structure. The 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart) and the 11th is the assembly plant.
| Position(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Country or region of manufacture (WMI) |
| 2 | Manufacturer (WMI) |
| 3 | Vehicle type or manufacturing division (WMI) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle attributes: model, body, engine, restraints (VDS) |
| 9 | Check digit (validates the VIN) |
| 10 | Model year |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12–17 | Production sequence / serial number |
Common Kia models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Kia lineup, including:
Kia build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Kia build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Kia build sheet is the factory record of how a specific vehicle was originally built — its installed options, packages, and paint and trim codes. VinWhere reconstructs this from the VIN: it decodes the factory specification, then checks the original Kia window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Kia window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Kia VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Kia VIN decoding is based on manufacturer-reported vehicle data from the official NHTSA vPIC database, plus brand-specific window sticker providers where available. Some fields — trim, options, or window sticker — may be unavailable depending on the model year, vehicle type, and source. A VIN decode shows factory specifications only, never owner names, addresses, or private DMV records.
Kia VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Kia VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Kia VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does a Kia VIN starting with 5XY mean?+
A Kia VIN starting with 5XY identifies a Kia SUV built in the United States at the West Point, Georgia plant.
Is a Kia VIN the same as a Hyundai VIN?+
Kia and Hyundai are part of the same group but are separate brands with different VIN prefixes, though both follow the 17-character standard.