2012 Kia Optima Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Kia Optima oil type depends on the engine: the 2.0L takes 5W-30 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the Hybrid takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the LX, Automatic Trans takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the LX, Standard Trans takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the SX takes 5W-30 (4.86 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.0L: 5W-30, 4.86 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- Hybrid: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- LX, Automatic Trans: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- LX, Standard Trans: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- SX: 5W-30, 4.86 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 | 4.86 QTS. | — | — |
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.86 QTS. | — | — |
| Hybrid — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.86 QTS. | — | — |
| LX, Automatic Trans — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.86 QTS. | — | — |
| LX, Standard Trans — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | 4.86 QTS. | — | — |
| SX — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 | 4.86 QTS. | — | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Optima
2012 Kia Optima factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.92 quarts (6.54 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 Optima take?
It depends on the engine: 2.0L uses 5W-30; 2.4L uses 5W-20; Hybrid uses 5W-20; LX, Automatic Trans uses 5W-20; LX, Standard Trans uses 5W-20; SX uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2012 Kia Optima take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.0L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; Hybrid holds 4.86 quarts with filter; LX, Automatic Trans holds 4.86 quarts with filter; LX, Standard Trans holds 4.86 quarts with filter; SX holds 4.86 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Kia Optima?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Kia Optima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.