
Most new models do not come with a standard jack or spare tire from the factory. Since around the mid-2010s, the industry trend has shifted toward providing a tire mobility kit (a sealant and inflator) to save weight and space. However, a Kia jack is typically included if your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire, which is often an optional or dealer-installed accessory. For example, models like the Telluride, Sorento, or Sportage may offer a spare tire and jack as part of a specific trim package or an optional Spare Tire Kit.
According to industry data from sources like Hagerty and Kia dealership parts catalogs, the availability is model-dependent. Larger SUVs and higher trim levels are more likely to have a spare tire provision. The Kia Spare Tire Kit (part number varies by model) is a popular factory accessory that includes a compact temporary spare tire, a jack, a lug wrench, and a storage foam insert. Market records indicate this kit typically costs between $250 and $450 for parts, plus installation if not self-fitted.
If you are purchasing a new Kia, you must confirm this with your dealer. The Monroney label (window sticker) will list standard equipment. “Tire Mobility Kit” is the common entry for most trims. To get a jack, you need to either:
For owners whose car only has a mobility kit, purchasing the factory kit is the safest route. It is designed for your vehicle’s weight, lift points, and storage compartment. Using an incorrect jack can damage the vehicle’s underbody and is a safety risk.
| Model Example | Standard Equipment (Base Trim) | Spare Tire & Jack Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte, K5 | Tire Mobility Kit | Optional Spare Tire Kit (dealer accessory) |
| Kia Sportage, Sorento | Tire Mobility Kit (on many trims) | Often included on higher trims (e.g., X-Pro, SX-Prestige) or optional kit |
| Kia Telluride | Tire Mobility Kit (on lower trims) | Standard on higher trims (e.g., SX, X-Pro), optional kit for others |
| Kia Soul | Tire Mobility Kit | Optional Spare Tire Kit for most trims |
In summary, do not assume your new Kia has a jack. Check your trunk for a spare tire well. If it’s empty or contains only a kit, you will need to purchase the jack and spare tire separately. The factory-approved kit is the recommended solution for compatibility and safety.

I just bought a new Seltos last month and was totally surprised when I looked in the trunk. No spare, just this little air pump and goo kit. The salesman hadn’t mentioned it. I drive to remote hiking trails, so a flat tire kit wasn’t going to cut it for me.
I went straight to the parts department and ordered the official Kia Spare Tire Kit. It was around $300. It took them an hour to install it. Now I have a proper temporary spare, a jack, and the wrench, all fitting perfectly in the hidden compartment under the trunk floor. It gave me real peace of mind. Always check the trunk before you drive off the lot.

Let’s be clear about what you’re getting. That little inflator kit works for small punctures in the tread, maybe 80% of the time. But if you have a sidewall blowout or a large tear, it’s useless. That’s why the jack matters.
If your didn’t come with one, get the factory kit. Don’t just grab any jack from an auto parts store. Your Kia has specific lift points reinforced to handle the car’s weight. Lifting from the wrong spot can cause serious and expensive damage to the rocker panels or frame.
The factory jack is also the correct height and weight rating. It’s a small investment for a tool you might only use once, but that one time could be on a dark, rainy highway. It’s about having the right tool for the job, safely.

For our family, having a spare tire and jack in our Carnival was non-negotiable. We take road trips with the kids, often through areas where cell service is spotty and tow trucks could take hours. Relying solely on a sealant kit felt too risky.
We added the Spare Tire Kit as a dealer option when we ordered the van. It fits seamlessly into the vehicle’s design, stored out of sight. Knowing we can change a tire ourselves if needed removes a major point of anxiety from long journeys. It’s one of those features you hope you never need, but you’re incredibly grateful to have if the situation arises. I’d recommend any family to prioritize this option.

Think of it as a cost-benefit analysis. A factory Spare Tire Kit costs $250-$450. A tow truck for a simple flat, depending on distance, can easily cost $100 to $300. If you use a mobility kit, the sealant can ruin the tire pressure monitoring sensor inside the wheel, which costs $50-$150 to replace. The contaminated tire might also be unrepairable, forcing an earlier replacement.
The factory kit preserves your options. You can install the temporary spare and drive to a shop for a proper, low-cost repair. It minimizes downtime and avoids extra fees. Over the ownership period, even a single flat tire makes the kit financially sensible. It’s a practical, upfront cost that mitigates larger, unpredictable expenses and hassle later.


