Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu
Key Strengths For 2012:
Stylish design, spacious interior, good value for money, available turbocharged engine (SX trim)
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling; often praised for its European-inspired design language.
Interior:
Well-appointed cabin, comfortable seating, user-friendly dashboard layout.
Powertrain Options:
Efficient naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines, plus a hybrid variant.
Engine:
2.4L GDI Theta II, 2.0L Turbo GDI Theta II, 1.6L GDI Hybrid System
Transmission:
6-speed Automatic (A6MF1), 6-speed Automatic (A6LF2), Hybrid Transmission
Brakes:
Front/Rear Disc Brakes, ABS, ESC, HAC, DBC
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link
Steering:
Electric Power Steering (MDPS)
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Instrument Cluster, Lighting, Audio System, Navigation, HVAC Controls
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Doors, Hood, Trunk
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Climate Control System
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, Immobilizer, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Brake Service, Fluid Checks/Changes
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Codes, Trouble Shooting Guides, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper/Rotor Service, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement
Installation:
Component Installation (e.g., sensors, actuators, body parts)
Adjustments:
Wheel Alignment, Headlight Aiming, Parking Brake Adjustment
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Format:
Adobe Acrobat PDF
Searchability:
Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval
Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual
Binding For Print:
Printable as loose-leaf or in sections
Suggested Paper:
Standard printer paper for home printing
Engine 1 Name:
Theta II GDI
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2359 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16 Valves
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
190-200 hp @ 6300 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
180-185 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Name:
Theta II GDI Turbo
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16 Valves, Turbocharged
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
274 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
269 lb-ft @ 1750-4500 rpm
Engine 3 Name:
Hybrid System
Engine 3 Gasoline Displacement:
2.4 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine 3 Gasoline Configuration:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16 Valves
Engine 3 System Power:
209 hp (combined system output)
0 60 Mph 2.4L:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 seconds
0 60 Mph 2.0T:
Approx. 6.0 - 6.5 seconds
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (2.4L and Hybrid), 91 Octane Recommended for 2.0T for optimal performance
Transmission 1 Type:
6-Speed Automatic
Transmission 1 Model:
A6MF1
Transmission 1 Drive:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission 2 Type:
6-Speed Automatic
Transmission 2 Model:
A6LF2 (typically paired with 2.0T engine)
Transmission 2 Drive:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Hybrid Transmission Type:
Hybrid Transmission (Continuously Variable Transmission - CVT principles, often referred to as a 'dedicated hybrid transmission')
Shift Modes:
Manual Shift Mode (Sportmatic), Paddle Shifters (SX trim)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
SP-IV (or equivalent specified by Kia)
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches (approx.)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 100.7 cu ft
Front Headroom:
40.0 inches
Rear Headroom:
37.8 inches
Front Legroom:
45.5 inches
Rear Legroom:
37.8 inches
Trunk Volume:
15.1 cu ft (standard), 10.1 cu ft (hybrid)
Curb Weight 2.4L:
3270 - 3400 lbs (approx.)
Curb Weight 2.0T:
3395 - 3530 lbs (approx.)
Curb Weight Hybrid:
3580 - 3650 lbs (approx.)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Specified
Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Standard Wheel Size:
16-inch (LX), 17-inch (EX), 18-inch (SX)
Standard Tire Size:
205/65R16 (LX), 215/55R17 (EX), 225/45R18 (SX)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models equipped with specific safety features)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models meeting specific criteria)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on all models
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard on all models
Traction Control System:
Standard on all models
Hill Start Assist Control:
Available on some models
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Standard on all models
Airbags:
Dual front, front side-impact, side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system
Available System:
UVO infotainment system (early version), touch screen, navigation option
Audio Options:
AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB/Auxiliary Input
Rearview Camera:
Available on higher trims or as an option
Parking Sensors:
Available
Keyless Entry And Start:
Available with push-button start on higher trims
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Usb Port:
Standard or available for media and charging
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), under normal driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Replace at 105,000 miles (GDI plugs have longer life).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0T:
Replace at 105,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, replace at 60,000 miles or as indicated by dealership/manual.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.7 US Quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0T:
5.5 US Quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Type 2.4L 2.0T:
SAE 0W-20, API SN (or higher) certified synthetic oil
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant)
Engine Knock Sensor Faults:
Some reports of knock sensor issues, leading to check engine lights. The manual covers diagnostics and replacement.
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional reports of transmission hesitation or rough shifting. Manual provides diagnostic procedures for valve body and solenoid issues.
Battery Drain:
Reports of parasitic battery drain due to electrical components. Manual helps trace circuits.
HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
Some instances of blower motor failure. Manual details testing and replacement.
Kia Reputation Prior To 2012:
Emerging as a value-oriented manufacturer with improving quality and design.
Optima Generation 2011 2015:
Second generation (TF), heavily influenced by Peter Schreyer's design direction.
2012 Updates:
Introduction of the turbocharged 2.0T engine and hybrid model.
Manufacturing Plant:
Hwaseong, South Korea
Production Years:
2010-2015 (for this generation)