Kia Sportage Stepwell Bulb Size

The Kia Sportage stepwell light requires a 12961 bulb size for proper installation and function. Data for the specific component covers the range from 2005 through 2008.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
2008	12961 (To 10/1/2007)
2006-2007	12961
2005	12961 (From 10/25/2004)

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Kia Sportage stepwell position uses the 12961 bulb across the 2005-2008 model years, making it the sole bulb type listed for this application.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor, operating at 12 volts and 5 watts.
The T10 designation refers to a tubular bulb with a width of 10 tenths of an inch, a common sizing convention in miniature automotive lighting.
The 12961 uses a W2.1x9.5d wedge base, which is a push-in, pinless base type retained by friction within the socket rather than by a bayonet or screw mechanism.
At 5 watts, the 12961 is a low-output bulb consistent with courtesy and interior lighting roles, where illumination intensity is secondary to visibility and energy draw.
The 2008 model year carries a date qualifier noting applicability only to vehicles produced up to October 1, 2007, indicating a mid-cycle specification boundary within that model year.
The 2005 model year carries a corresponding qualifier noting applicability from October 25, 2004, establishing the start boundary for this generation of the Sportage stepwell fitment.
Substituting a bulb with a different base type, such as a bayonet or festoon base, would be incompatible with the W2.1x9.5d socket regardless of voltage or wattage matching.