Kia's diagnostic systems include the older GDS suite, the tablet-based Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) and KDS 2.0. Kia's 2014 technician publication introduced KDS as a tablet-based addition to the GDS suite, with a VCI II to communicate with the vehicle.
KDS and KDS 2.0
KDS software performs guided diagnostic functions on the tablet while a VCI provides the physical vehicle connection. A Kia 2022 diagnostic procedure shows a VCI-II connected to the vehicle and the KDS app used for vehicle selection and fault diagnosis. GIT describes KDS 2.0 as diagnostic software with VCI 3 and functions including fault diagnostics, technical information and ECU upgrades.
GIT's support notice names Kia KDS 2.0 and Hyundai GDS Smart separately, alongside VCI II and VCI 3. Shared interface families do not make the brand-specific applications interchangeable. See Hyundai diagnostic systems.
Coverage
Consult the current Kia model and market service instructions for the supported software, interface and exact procedure. Diagnostic, programming and security functions may have different access requirements.