2012 Kia Sorento Oil Type & Capacity

The 2012 Kia Sorento oil type depends on the engine: the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.9 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.9 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.9 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.9 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the SX, 4WD takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the SX, FWD takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

Oil capacity by engine

EngineOil Type (viscosity)Capacity w/ FilterCapacity w/o FilterNotes
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 1API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.90 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 1API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.90 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 6API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.86 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 6API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.86 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 6API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.86 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 6API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.86 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 1API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.90 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 1API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.90 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 6API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.86 QTS.
2.4L — 2.4L Eng,Eng VIN 6API SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM4.86 QTS.
3.5L — 3.5L EngAPI SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM5.49 QTS.
3.5L — 3.5L EngAPI SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM5.49 QTS.
3.5L — 3.5L EngAPI SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM5.49 QTS.
3.5L — 3.5L EngAPI SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM5.49 QTS.
SX, 4WD — 3.5L EngAPI SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM5.49 QTS.
SX, FWD — 3.5L EngAPI SL, SM or above ILSAC GF3, GF-4 or above, SAE 5W-20, GF4&SM5.49 QTS.

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More specs & repair guides for your Sorento

2012 Kia Sorento factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.

Coolant capacity

6.97 quarts (6.59 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and distilled water. The engine coolant should be compatible with aluminum engine parts.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2012 Kia Sorento take?

It depends on the engine: 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; SX, 4WD uses 5W-20; SX, FWD uses 5W-20.

How much oil does a 2012 Kia Sorento take?

Capacity depends on the engine: 2.4L holds 4.9 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.9 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.9 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.9 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.49 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.49 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.49 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.49 quarts with filter; SX, 4WD holds 5.49 quarts with filter; SX, FWD holds 5.49 quarts with filter.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Kia Sorento?

Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Kia Sorento. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.

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