Market Position:
The 2012 Kia Sportage positioned itself as a stylish and value-driven compact crossover, competing with segment leaders like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. Its introduction marked a significant step forward for Kia's design language and product quality.
Competitive Analysis:
The Sportage (SL generation) offered a compelling blend of modern styling, spacious interior, and advanced features for its price point. This manual provides the in-depth technical knowledge required to maintain and repair this competitive vehicle.
Key Features:
The 2012 Sportage is characterized by its distinctive 'tiger-nose' grille, aerodynamic profile, and optional all-wheel-drive system. It offered a choice of efficient gasoline engines and a well-appointed interior, making it a popular choice in the CUV segment.
Coverage Areas:
All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, repair procedures, wiring diagrams.
Page Count:
Estimated 2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals).
Manual Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer).
Systems Covered:
Engine (GDI & MPI), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (AWD/FWD), Brakes (ABS, ESC), Suspension, Steering, HVAC, Electrical Systems (ECU, Lighting, Audio), Body & Chassis, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts).
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), component testing, repair procedures (e.g., engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension replacement), electrical troubleshooting, wiring harness repair, body panel repair, component replacement, fluid changes, lubrication.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance tasks to advanced diagnostic procedures and complete component overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and alignment procedures.
Engine Displacement Gasoline:
2.4L (2359cc)
Engine Type Gasoline:
DOHC 16-valve Inline-4, Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Codes Gasoline:
G4KC
Horsepower Gasoline:
176 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Gasoline:
168 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Displacement Gasoline Optional:
2.0L (1998cc)
Engine Type Gasoline Optional:
DOHC 16-valve Inline-4, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Engine Codes Gasoline Optional:
G4FJ (Turbocharged), G4KD (MPI)
Horsepower Gasoline Optional:
260 hp @ 6000 rpm (2.0L Turbo GDI), 156 hp @ 6200 rpm (2.0L MPI)
Torque Gasoline Optional:
269 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm (2.0L Turbo GDI), 145 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (2.0L MPI)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI or GDI depending on engine variant).
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane for Turbocharged variant recommended for optimal performance).
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) with Sportmatic Sequential Shift Control
Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter in A/T, electronic control unit (ECU) for optimal shift points and fuel efficiency. Manual includes a dual-mass flywheel.
Length:
174.0 inches (4420 mm)
Width:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
65.2 inches (1656 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches (2640 mm)
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches (183 mm)
Passenger Volume:
99.6 cu ft (2821 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
26.7 cu ft (756 L)
Cargo Volume Max:
63.1 cu ft (1787 L)
Curb Weight FWD:
3443 lbs (1562 kg) (Approx.)
Curb Weight AWD:
3607 lbs (1636 kg) (Approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4630 lbs (2100 kg) (Approx.)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2012 models tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models with specific safety features)
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) (on AWD models), Brake Assist System (BAS).
Passive Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Infotainment Options:
Available UVO infotainment system with voice recognition, navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and auxiliary/USB inputs. Standard audio systems include CD/MP3 player and AM/FM radio.
Driver Assistance Features:
Available rearview camera, parking assist sensors, cruise control.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB port for device charging and media playback, auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil. Check owner's manual for specific severe driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type).
Coolant Replacement Interval:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Automatic:
Every 60,000 miles or 60 months, especially under severe driving conditions. Consult manual for specific fluid type and procedure.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 60,000 miles or 60 months.
Engine Oil Specifications:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.6 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change for 2.4L engine.
Coolant Specification:
Asia/Europe: Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent. North America: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, Pre-mixed 50/50 (Orange/Red) or equivalent. Refer to Kia P/N 00219-90033 or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent approved fluid like SP-IV RR or Hyundai/Kia P/N 00232-19042).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic power steering fluid (refer to owner's manual for specific type, typically Dexron III compatible or Kia genuine fluid).
Common Issues:
Potential for engine oil consumption (especially in earlier models), steering column noise, sunroof drain clogging, automatic transmission shudder, and ABS sensor failures. The manual will detail diagnostic and repair procedures for these and other common concerns.
Brand Heritage:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, has evolved from a manufacturer of bicycle parts and motorcycles to a global automotive powerhouse known for its value, design innovation, and improving quality.
Model Evolution:
The Sportage, first introduced in 1993, has undergone significant transformations. The 2011-2015 generation (SL) marked a radical departure from its predecessors, adopting a unibody construction, a focus on European-inspired design by Peter Schreyer, and advanced features, establishing it as a credible player in the compact SUV segment.
Production Location:
South Korea (Hwaseong), Slovakia (Žilina), Ecuador (Ambato).
Production Years Sl Generation:
2010-2015
