2012 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2012 Kia Sportage gets a light update, led by new rear suspension dampers and extra floor insulation that make the ride calmer and the cabin quieter. It is not a redesign.

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About the 2012 Kia Sportage

3rd generation Sportage (2011-2016), second model year of the redesign.

Kia positioned the Sportage as a compact crossover for buyers who wanted sharper styling and a livelier feel than the usual small SUV. The brand leaned on its aggressive design, strong feature content, good fuel economy, and easy day-to-day usefulness for five passengers. Against rivals like the CR-V and RAV4, the Sportage’s big selling points were its bolder look, more youthful cabin, and a driving feel that was sportier than many mainstream competitors.

The lineup ranges from a simple manual-transmission base model to the automatic LX and comfort-focused EX, which adds dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat, and a rearview camera. The SX is the performance model, pairing a 260-hp turbocharged engine with leather seating, push-button start, and sportier exterior trim.

What changed, by category

Structural

New rear suspension dampers were added across the lineup, along with more floor insulation to reduce cabin noise and vibration. The EX also gained standard high-performance dampers.

Styling

The LX gained standard 17-inch alloy wheels.

Tech

EX and SX models without navigation gained standard UVO voice-control infotainment. On the SX, push-button start and leather seats became standard, while the power driver's seat moved from standard to optional.

2012 Kia Sportage specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Kia SportageEX1 in stock	2012 Kia SportageLX0 in stock	2012 Kia SportageSX0 in stock	2012 Kia SportageBase0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 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 w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	2WD	2WD	AWD	2WD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	21 mpg	21 mpg	21 mpg	20 mpg
MPG Highway	30 mpg	30 mpg	28 mpg	27 mpg
Horsepower	176 hp	176 hp	260 hp	176 hp
Torque	168 lb-ft	168 lb-ft	269 lb-ft	168 lb-ft
Max Towing	2000 lb	2000 lb	2000 lb	2000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	54.6 cu-ft	54.6 cu-ft	54.6 cu-ft	54.6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	37.9 in	37.9 in	37.9 in	37.9 in
Seats	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
LED Daytime Running Lights
Privacy Glass
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Power Folding Rear Seat
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2013 Kia Sportage compares

The most important change for the 2013 Kia Sportage is that EX and SX trims gain a standard rearview camera. This is otherwise a light update, with small styling and convenience upgrades but no redesign or powertrain changes.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed from the 2011 to the 2012 Kia Sportage?

The main change for the 2012 Kia Sportage was a quieter, smoother ride. Kia added rear suspension dampers and more floor insulation across the lineup, while selected trims received additional standard equipment.

Is the 2012 Kia Sportage a redesign?

No. The 2012 Kia Sportage is the second model year of the third-generation design introduced for 2011, so it received a light update rather than a full redesign.

Did the 2012 Kia Sportage get an infotainment upgrade?

Yes. For 2012, EX and SX models without navigation gained Kia's UVO voice-control infotainment system as standard equipment.

Did the 2012 Kia Sportage engine lineup change?

No. The engine choices carried over for 2012: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder powered the base, LX, and EX, while the SX retained its 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Which 2012 Kia Sportage trims gained standard equipment?

The LX gained standard 17-inch alloy wheels, and the EX gained standard high-performance dampers. On the SX, leather seats and push-button start became standard, while the power driver's seat moved to optional status.