2012 Kia Sorento: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Kia Sorento is a new 191-hp, 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder for automatic models, bringing more power and better highway fuel economy. This is a trim-and-equipment update, not a redesign.
About the 2012 Kia Sorento
2nd generation (2011-2013 pre-refresh), second model year.
Kia pitched the 2012 Sorento as a right-sized family crossover: roomy enough to offer an available third row, but still easy to live with day to day. The core appeal was value without feeling stripped down, pairing strong feature content, solid safety equipment, and a more car-like unibody design than the old truck-based Sorento. Compared with many compact rivals, Kia emphasized extra passenger space, available V6 power, and a long list of comfort and tech features for the money.
The 2012 lineup stretches from a simple Base model with a manual transmission to the V6-powered SX with navigation, premium audio, leather seating, and a ventilated driver's seat. The EX is the tech-focused middle ground, with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, UVO infotainment, a rearview camera, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed, by category
2012 Kia Sorento specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, MPI, 2.4 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, MPI, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD / FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–30 mpg | 26–30 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191–276 hp | 175–276 hp | 276 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 181–248 lb-ft | 169–248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 169 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 1650 lb | 3500 lb | 1650 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.3 in | 37.6 in | 31.3 in | 37.6 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Kia Sorento?
The biggest change is a new 191-hp, 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder for automatic models. It has more power than the previous four-cylinder and raises maximum highway fuel economy from 29 to 30 mpg.
Was the 2012 Kia Sorento redesigned?
No, the 2012 Sorento was not redesigned. It was the second model year of the generation introduced for 2011, with updates focused on its four-cylinder engine, trim lineup, and standard equipment.
What new standard technology did the 2012 Sorento receive?
The 2012 Sorento EX gains standard UVO infotainment with a 4.3-inch touchscreen and rearview camera. A rearview camera also becomes standard on LX.
Is the 2012 Kia Sorento meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Yes, but the differences are evolutionary rather than a redesign. The 2012 model offers a stronger, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder for automatic versions, adds a Base trim, and expands standard equipment on LX, EX, and SX.
Which 2012 Kia Sorento trim has the most equipment?
The SX is the most fully equipped 2012 Sorento. It pairs a 3.5-liter V6 with navigation, an Infinity audio system, leather seating, heated front seats, a ventilated and memory driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel.