This thread was started over 2 years ago and I wanted to bring it up now to see if anyone has any new and clearer info. I have visited this on Kia forums and all of the threads are older than this one and the info comes across like hearsay. Lots of opinions but not anything concrete or can be traced back to a reliable source in a convincing way. Even dealers can not give a consistent answer. That is not comforting.
Many are saying the SP 3 spec is just ATF. I don't have any trouble believing that but which one and can that be corroborated with a reliable source. I went to my local NAPA who has a good variety of products and not one said meets SP 3. I found one Asian Prestone product that says good for use in Kia/Hyndai. OK is that good enough for you? Maybe for many but If you are reading this forum, likely not.
If it is the same as ATF 3, that would be nice as that is what the Auto Trans calls for. Why buy and have to keep another automotive fluid around.?
but I don't not want to guess, assume or operate on hopeful thinking.