2012 Kia Forte Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Kia Forte oil type depends on the engine: the EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts qt with filter); the EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts qt with filter); the EX, 4D Sedan takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts qt with filter); the LX, Automatic Trans takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts qt with filter); the LX, Standard Trans takes 5W-20 (4.1 quarts qt with filter); the SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the SX, 4D Sedan takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- EX, 4D Sedan: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- LX, Automatic Trans: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- LX, Standard Trans: 5W-20, 4.1 quarts with filter
- SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SX, 4D Sedan: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| EX, 4D Sedan — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| LX, Automatic Trans — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| LX, Standard Trans — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.10 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| SX, 4D Sedan — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, or above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Forte
🛞 2012 Kia Forte Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Kia Forte Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Kia Forte Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Kia Forte Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.3 quarts (5.96 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water. The engine coolant should be compatible with aluminum engine parts.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Kia Forte take?
It depends on the engine: EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans uses 5W-20; EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans uses 5W-20; EX, 4D Sedan uses 5W-20; LX, Automatic Trans uses 5W-20; LX, Standard Trans uses 5W-20; SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans uses 5W-20; SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans uses 5W-20; SX, 4D Sedan uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Kia Forte?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: EX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans holds 4.1 quarts with filter; EX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans holds 4.1 quarts with filter; EX, 4D Sedan holds 4.1 quarts with filter; LX, Automatic Trans holds 4.1 quarts with filter; LX, Standard Trans holds 4.1 quarts with filter; SX, 4D Hatchback, Automatic Trans holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SX, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SX, 4D Sedan holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Kia Forte?
Most 2012 Kia Forte owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Kia recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Kia Forte?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Kia Forte. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.