2012 Kia Sportage

header-image
Rating8.0

Ranked #2 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$18,500 - $28,400
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

A handsome list of premium features

Stiff ride quality

Reworked suspension

A strong turbocharged motor available in higher trim levels

Sub-par cargo capacity

Extra insulation added to improve NVH levels

More lively and sporty driving characteristics as compared to its rivals

Sharp styling

Decent safety scores

Specs & Features

$18,500

price

176 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

168 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

2.4L 4cyl FWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

 The 2012 Kia Sportage is a part of the third generation that offers a near-ideal balance of style and use. After the last year's redesign, the 2012 Sportage has an eye-catching exterior and class-leading interior. With more lively handling, the 2012 Kia Sportage's 176-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder is refined while the 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the SX model makes it one of the quickest models in its segment. Compared to the older generation, the new Sportage's turbocharged engine not only improves performance but offers better fuel economy of up to 21/30 mpg. The 2012 Sportage's dimensions offer a modest interior room with comfortable seating for five. There are now a total of four trim levels available, including Base, LX, EX, and SX.

 

 

2012 Kia Sportage Buying Advice

Since Kia redesigned the Sportage for the 2011 model year, the third-generation model marks a definitive departure from the previous version. The changes to the 2012 Sportage adds better sound insulation, and several more standard technology and features. So, anyone looking for a used Kia Sportage third-generation model can opt for the 2011 model year to save money, as it is nearly identical to the new Sportage. Moreover, the popular Sportage EX is the best-value-for-money choice, as it comes with all desired amenities. However, the Sportage SX Turbo should satisfy the buyers looking for a fast compact SUV.

The Kia Sportage made its debut back in 1995 as an almost box-shaped compact SUV. But Kia was quick enough to make it more appealing right from the following generation and the SUV also got bigger and entered the compact crossover segment. Initially, the SUV struggled with sub-par safety ratings but from the third-generation model, things improved to a great extent. Though it has its own flaws including stiff ride quality and the interior's relative lack of cargo room compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester

2012 Kia Sportage for sale

The 2012 Kia Sportage base with front-wheel-drive has a price tag starting from $18,500 which goes up to $28,400 for the SX Turbo with all-wheel-drive.  Stepping up to the Sportage LX adds more features including 17-inch alloy wheels, and keyless entry at a price of $20,800 with FWD and  $22,300 with all-wheel-drive. You can opt for a Convenience package that adds rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, roof rails, and more. The Sportage EX is a more recommended choice as it includes the Convenience package along with 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Uvo voice-activated cell phone, an audio interface, and more. For those who need more power, the SX exclusively features the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and upturned suspension.

Buying Advice

We would recommend the base trim for those looking for an affordable crossover. The EX would be perfect for the ones looking for some premium features at an affordable price tag. The SX is best suited for performance lovers.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

For 2012, Kia Sportage gains revised suspension tuning that improves its handling. Kia has also improved sound insulation to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Some trim levels gain more standard features such as the LX getting standard 17-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires. The Sportage EX and SX models now come standard with Kia's Uvo hands-free interface.

The 2012 Kia Sportage continues to offer two powertrains: a four-cylinder engine and a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With up to an estimated 21/30 mpg city/highway, the Kia Sportage gets good fuel economy for the class. The more interesting part is the 2012 Kia Sportage's interior styling, which features attractive hard plastic surfaces throughout the cabin. With the back seats folded, the Sportage has 54.6 cubic feet of cargo space. While its exterior design is eye-catching, the interior is considered class-leading.

Buying Advice

We would recommend the base trim for those looking for an affordable crossover, which comes with impressive standard amenities. Starting at a price of $18,500, the Sportage base FWD trim includes features such as Sirius satellite radio, auxiliary and USB input jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel-mounted controls, power windows, and door locks, and air conditioning, and a center console with an armrest and storage compartment. The mid-pack Sportage EX would be perfect for the ones looking for some premium features while the SX should satisfy drivers who want more power.

Features
9.0/10

The 2012 Kia Sportage is available in four trim levels- Base, LX, EX, and SX. The base Sportage offers a plethora of premium features for a sub-20k price tag which include cruise control, full power accessories, and a decently-loaded infotainment system among others. Except for the base trim, all the trims get an optional AWD layout but the powertrain remains the same till the EX trim. The top-end SX gets a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged motor and a sporty suspension system to complement the extra power on tap.

2012 Kia Sportage Pricing:

The 2012 Kia Sportage starts at a Manufactured suggested retail price of $18,500 for the base model and goes up to $28,400 for the top-range SX Turbo model. Except for the base trim, every Sportage version can be had with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. In the used car market, you can find the 2012 Sportage for sale at a price range of $9,268 to $12,918 depending on the vehicle's condition, location, mileage, and features.

Trim

Base

LX

EX

SX

MSRP (2WD)

$18,500

$20,800

$23,900

$26,900

MSRP (AWD) N/A $22,300 $25,400 $28,400

Key-features

16-inch alloy wheels

All features of the Base, plus:

All features of LX, plus:

All features of EX, plus:

 

Cruise control

17-inch alloy wheels

18-inch alloy wheels

2.0 Liter turbocharged engine

 

Full power accessories

Exterior mirrors turn signals

Automatic headlights

Sports tuned suspension

 

Tilt-adjustable steering wheel

Tinted rear windows

Daytime running LED

Upgraded gauges

 

60/40 split seats

Keyless entry

Fog lights

Leather upholstery

 

Trip computer

 

Dual-zone climate control

 

 

Bluetooth connectivity

 

Power driver seat

 

 

4-speaker audio system

 

Upgraded cloth upholstery

 

After the redesign last year, the EX models get new high-performance suspension dampers. All models come standard with Kia's Sync-like Microsoft-UVO system, and the Sportage's interior gets a new treatment with anti-soiling and anti-static cloth seats, which are now standard on EX models.

The top-of-the-line SX trim gets a push-button start with a smart key, which lets you start or stop the engine and lock/unlock doors from the outside with the key tucked in a pocket or purse. Leather seats also come in the SX, and heated and air-cooled front seats are optional. All models come with 60/40 split rear seats and the seats on upper-level trims feature a one-touch strap for easier access. 

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

The 2012 Kia Sportage returns impressive mileage figures and is at par with the rivals as well. The 2012 Sportage with the base 2.4L engine returns EPA estimated 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and combined 25 mpg. The all-wheel-drive models drop those to 20/27/23. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the SX delivers EPA estimated 21/28/24 with front-wheel drive and 20/25/22 with AWD. The disappointing bit is the sub-par gas tank capacity of 15.2 gallons which results in lower driving range figures as opposed to the rivals.

Model

2012 Kia Sportage

2012 Toyota RAV4

2012 GMC Terrain

2012 Subaru Forester 

MPG (City) (mpg)

21

22

22

21

MPG (Highway) (mpg)

30

28

32

27

MPG (Combined) (mpg)

25

24

26

23

Fuel Capacity (gallon)

15.3 gal

15.9 gal

18.0 gal

16.9 gal

Range (City/Hwy)

321/459

350/445

396/576

355/456

The GMC Terrain offers the best highway mileage of 32mpg as well as combined mpg as well. The RAV4 has a slightly higher city mileage and slightly lower highway mileage than the Sportage. The Forester is the least fuel-efficient of all but its decency-sized gas tank makes up for it.

Interior
7.0/10

The 2012 Kia Sportage interior is a combination of complex and stylish design cues that has an overall pleasing appeal to it. As is the case with budget vehicles from Korean carmakers, there is quite a bit of hard plastics all over the cabin but gets well-textured surfaces. There is a sufficient amount of soft padding at the major points of contact and the adequate headroom and legroom offer an overall pleasant experience inside the cabin.

The front seats offer excellent comfort levels while the rear seats are comfortable too but lack any sort of adjustments. You get a sub-par 26.1 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats of the Sportage, which can be increased to a generous 54.6 cu-ft by folding the back seats. 

Model

2012 Kia Sportage

2012 Toyota RAV4

2012 GMC Terrain 

2012 Subaru Forester 

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.1/56.7/41.4

40.8/57.1/41.8

39.8/55.7/41.2

41.6/56.1/43.1

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

38.5/55.1/37.9

39.7/55.3/38.3

39.2/55.3/39.9

40.4/55.6/38.0

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

26.1 cu. ft.

36.4 cu. ft.

31.6 cu. ft.

33.5 cu. ft.

The Subaru Forester has the most spacious cabin here along with impressive comfort levels and a spacious boot as well. The Toyota RAV4 takes the second spot in terms of spaciousness but its interior design is rather dull. The GMC Terrain offers the best experience inside the cabin with premium features and sorted ride quality.

Some interior features are:

  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats
  • Full power accessories
  • Tilt-only steering wheel
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control(EX)
  • leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob(EX)

How intuitive is the 2012 Kia Sportage’s infotainment unit?

Inside the base trim, the 2012 Kia Sportage offers a pretty basic infotainment system with features such as a four-speaker sound system, Bluetooth phone, and audio connectivity, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface, and a CD player. Stepping up to the EX trim brings in a lot more infotainment features along with the user-friendly UVO infotainment interface as well.

Some infotainment features are:

  • Navigation System(optional)
  • Satellite Radio
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Auxiliary audio input
  • USB-port
  • UVO infotainment system(EX)

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2012 Kia Sportage exterior looks better than most of its rivals owing to its sporty and sharp styling cues. The front end of the SUV has a unique aggressive stance owing to the front grille and the front bumper design. The headlamp units flank the front grille seamlessly while the hood gets a couple of sculpted shapes on either side that gels in with the A-pillar.

Body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals are standard on most models, the same goes for projection headlights. The side profile has a neat design with a plastic cladding running underneath. The 16-inch alloy wheels of the base trim leave a little room for the desire to upgrade to bigger 18-inch wheels on the higher models. SX models come with a unique black and chrome version of the grille

Model

2012 Kia Sportage

2012 Toyota RAV4

2012 GMC Terrain

2012 Subaru Forester 

Curb Weight (lbs)

3186 lb.

3360 lb.

3853 lb.

3300 lb.

Length (in.)

174.8 in.

181.9 in.

185.3 in.

179.5 in.

Width (in.)

73.0 in.

71.5 in.

72.8 in.

70.1 in.

Height (in.)

64.4 in.

66.3 in.

66.3 in.

65.9 in.

Ground Clearance (in.)

6.8 in.

7.5 in.

6.9 in.

8.7 in.

Wheelbase (in.)

103.9 in.

104.7 in.

112.5 in.

103.0 in.

The GMC Terrain has the traditional chunky and boxy exterior design like the rest of the American SUVs but it appeals to the right set of buyers in the market. The Toyota RAV4 has the dullest of designs when compared to the rivals here while the Subaru Forester has a handsome and proper SUV-ish exterior design.

Some exterior features are:

  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Panoramic sunroof(optional)
  • Turn indicators on external mirrors(optional)
  • Tinted rear windows 
  • Keyless entry

Safety
9.0/10

The 2012 Kia Sportage has better safety features and ratings than most compact SUVs. The 2012 Sportage scored a decent 4-star rating in NHTSA crash tests while the IIHS gave it a top “Good” rating as well. Being an affordable vehicle it covers the basics alright but the advanced safety techs are hard to find at this price point. 

Like all Kia vehicles, the Sportage comes standard with dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Other safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, brake assist (BA), and electronic brake distribution (EBD). Hill-start assist also comes standard and prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on a steep hill. A tire-pressure monitoring and downhill brake control complete Kia's safety checklist.

Some standout safety features include:

  • Anti-lock braking System
  • Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Hill descent control
  • Active front head restraint
  • Front-seat side Airbags

Competition
9.0/10

2012 Kia Sportage Vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4

Both the Kia Sportage and the Toyota RAV4 are immensely popular vehicles in the segment. Where the former focuses more on being a good-looker and an all-around package, the latter relies on superb reliability and toughness. Both the crossovers come with a very similar engine setup but the RAV4 is target="_blank">quicker on its feet and registers quicker times. It also provides better MPGs in the city and has a roomier cabin as well. The Kia offers more features off the block and has more MPGs in the city. It also has a fresh face that attracts a lot of younger audiences as well. 

2012 Kia Sportage Vs. 2012 GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain outpowers the Kia Sportage with a more powerful engine and, naturally, posts quicker times on the clock. Apart from this, the Terrain one-ups the Sportage with more MPGs and a bigger fuel tank to help with its range. The Sportage might not have the oomph but is a more sophisticated offering. It has a nicely detailed cabin with comfortable accommodations. It might have a smaller boot capacity but the space is more usable and utilitarian with additional hooks to help carry smaller stuff. Along with this, a comprehensive infotainment system makes the Sportage a tech-laden offering as well as all the modern amenities.

2012 Kia Sportage Vs. 2012 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester comes with a flat-4 engine configuration that aids in good traction off the line, paired with a standard AWD system. The 170 hp engine helps in a target="_blank">quick 0-60 MPH dash but gives in to the Sportage's extra hp in the quarter-mile run. Performance aside, the Sportage is also more fuel-efficient than the Forester but has a smaller tank that reduces the overall range. The Forester brings in a bigger cabin and a larger boot but the design needs an update and is nowhere as pretty as the Sportage. Also, its heavier weight makes the Forester very difficult to handle and be fun around the twisty roads. 

Final Verdict

The Kia Sportage is a strong contender in the fast-paced compact crossover SUV segment and has a lot of things going for it. Kia has kept in mind the performance lovers out there and offers a turbocharged motor with the top-end model of the SUV which dishes out some impressive performance figures while being decently fuel-efficient. On the inside, if you can look beyond the hard plastics, you’re in for a treat with the sharp and stylish design along with comfortable seats. Apart from the bogged-down experience due to the overly stiff ride quality, the Sportage poses as a strong offering in the segment.

Trims

    Base
    $18,500 onwards
    • 60/40 rear split bench seat
    • Air conditioning
    • Tilt steering wheel
    • Trip Computer
    LX
    $20,800 onwards
    • 16-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Sirius AM/FM/Satellite
    EX
    $23,900 onwards
    • 18-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Parking assist
    • Remote keyless entry
    SX
    $26,900 onwards
    • Leather Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$18,500- $28,400

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.95

Horsepower

260 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

269 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$23,530- $30,970

Gasoline

8.18

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,435- $32,035

Gasoline

7.92

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,440- $28,120

Gasoline

7.93

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,770- $38,960

Gasoline

7.81

285 hp @ 6500 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,560- $33,010

Gasoline

7.83

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,145- $26,495

Gasoline

8.17

165 hp @ 6200 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,225- $30,925

Gasoline

7.36

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

169 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,045- $33,770

Gasoline

6.48

285 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

4

Read Review

$15,995- $25,330

Gasoline

7.45

158 hp @ 6400 rpm

141 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

2012 Kia Sportage vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.8 sec17.3 sec112 mph
    6.6 sec14.2 sec112 mph
    6.8 sec15.4 sec122 mph
    7.3 sec15.5 sec-
    7.3 sec15.6 sec-
    8.4 sec16.4 sec113 mph

    2012 Kia Sportage vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      20 mpg27 mpg23 mpg14.5 gal.306/413.1 mi.
      23 mpg31 mpg26 mpg15.3 gal.351.9/474.3 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18 gal.396/576 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/601.6 mi.
      23 mpg29 mpg25 mpg13.6 gal.312.8/394.4 mi.Jeep USA
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg16.6 gal.381.8/464.8 mi.

      2012 Kia Sportage vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        174.8 in.73 in.64.4 in.6.8 in.103.9 in.
        187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        185.3 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        184.2 in.76 in.67 in.7.9 in.111.2 in.
        184.1 in.74.4 in.67.9 in.8.1 in.106.3 in.
        183.7 in.70.9 in.66.1 in.8.5 in.105.1 in.

        2012 Kia Sportage vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          26.1 cu.ft.100 cu.ft.54.6 cu.ft.
          36.3 cu.ft.98.8 cu.ft.65.7 cu.ft.
          29.2 cu.ft.99.5 cu.ft.66.3 cu.ft.
          32.2 cu.ft.108.4 cu.ft.68.9 cu.ft.
          34.2 cu.ft.108.3 cu.ft.78.2 cu.ft.
          29.2 cu.ft.97.7 cu.ft.56.4 cu.ft.

          2012 Kia Sportage vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            64.5 cu.ft.26.1 cu.ft.54.6 cu.ft.-
            230.1 cu.ft.36.3 cu.ft.65.7 cu.ft.-
            63 cu.ft.-63 cu.ft.-
            62.7 cu.ft.22.7 cu.ft.62.7 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            62.4 cu.ft.26.1 cu.ft.62.4 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            78.2 cu.ft.34.2 cu.ft.78.2 cu.ft.-

            2012 Kia Sportage vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2000 lbs.1340 lbs.3157 lbs.
              5000 lbs.881 lbs.4143 lbs.
              3527 lbs.1000 lbs.-Jeep USA
              3500 lbs.1150 lbs.4076 lbs.Jeep USA
              3500 lbs.1324 lbs.4056 lbs.
              3000 lbs.1162 lbs.3468 lbs.

              2012 Kia Sportage SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              5

              Recalls

              4

              Investigations

              388

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

              Top Kia Cars

              2012 Kia Sedona

              Horsepower : 271 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 21 mpg

              0-60 : 7.6 sec

              #1

              2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Sedan

              Horsepower : 206 hp

              MPG Combined : 36 mpg

              0-60 : 8.7 sec

              #2

              2012 Kia Optima

              Horsepower : 200 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 7.2 sec

              #3

              2012 Kia Sportage

              Horsepower : 176 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 8.8 sec

              #4

              2012 Kia Sorento

              Horsepower : 175 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 9.1 sec

              #5

              2012 Kia Forte

              Horsepower : 156 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 29 mpg

              0-60 : 8.1 sec

              #6

              2012 Kia Rio

              Horsepower : 138 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 32 mpg

              0-60 : 8 sec

              #7

              2012 Kia Soul

              Horsepower : 138 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 8.6 sec

              #8

              2012 Kia Sportage User Reviews

              0.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              MH

              Malerie Harris

              2013 Kia Sportage

              4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 4, 2024

              Imagine Buying a Car and Loving Every Minute of It

              Pros - ["It's a suv", "Drive smooth"]

              Cons - ["Sometimes have to push to give it speed", "Sometimes gas mileage"]

              Pleasant to drive for the most part, with well-controlled body motions through turns and a fairly comfortable ride. There isn't much steering response, so the car lacks true sportiness, but the SUV tracks straight and true, and the brakes provide sufficient stopping power. On the downside, the Sportage's easygoing ride starts to feel disconnected over large bumps in the road or broken pavement. ...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review