Hyundai and Kia 2.4 petrol: is it a G4KG or a G4KJ engine, early or late?
Prices as listed on our store on 15 October 2026.
Which 2.4 petrol engines does Reco list?
Swipe across the table to see all columns.
| Engine | Our listing | Build | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| G4KG | Hyundai iLoad and iMax | New long bare | $5,250 |
| G4KJ, late | Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe; Kia Sportage, Optima; 2016 onwards | New timed long bare | $6,850 |
What is the difference between the G4KG and the G4KJ?
Both are 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol engines from Hyundai's Theta II family, so they look alike on paper. The main differences :
Swipe across the table to see all columns.
| Feature | G4KG | G4KJ |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel injection | Port injection (MPI) | Direct injection (GDI) |
| Layout in the vehicle | Rear-drive version, used in the iLoad and iMax vans | Front-drive cars and SUVs |
| Examples in Australia | iLoad and iMax 2.4 petrol | i45, Santa Fe DM and TM, Sonata LF, ix35 (2014 to 2015 Elite and Highlander), Optima, Sportage QL, Sorento XM |
A third code, G4KE, is the front-drive port-injected 2.4. Earlier ix35 2.4s, for example, used a port-injected engine rather than the G4KJ. One Australian reference even labels the iLoad petrol as G4KE, which is exactly why we ask for the code off the block.
What does "late" G4KJ mean?
Our G4KJ listing is marked "LATE" and "2016 onwards". That tells you there is an earlier version that is not the same, so a 2.4 GDI from an earlier Tucson or Sportage may not take the engine we list.
How do you find the engine code?
- On the engine. The code is cast or stamped on the block. Your mechanic can find it in minutes.
- From the VIN. The 17-character VIN on the build plate and your rego papers. Send it to us and we check.
- From the series. For example the iLoad and iMax series, or the Tucson and Sportage generation.
A photo of the build plate and of the engine number settles it. See will this engine fit my vehicle.
Why does the exact version matter so much on these engines?
Because the outside parts move across from your old engine. If the new engine is a different version, the fuel system, sensors, mounts or wiring may not match, and the job stops at the bench.
What should you check before the new engine goes in?
Why the old one failed. The G4KJ engine problems article covers what is reported on this engine, including recall and campaign history to check with a Hyundai or Kia dealer.
Get the right 2.4 for your vehicle
Use the enquiry form with the make, model, year, series, VIN and the engine code if you can read it. Or call 02 9737 0105.
