2012 Kia Sportage Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Kia Sportage oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the EX, AWD takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the EX, FWD takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the LX, AWD takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the LX, FWD takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the SX, AWD takes 5W-30 (4.86 quarts with filter); the SX, FWD takes 5W-30 (4.86 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- EX, AWD: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- EX, FWD: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- LX, AWD: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- LX, FWD: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- SX, AWD: 5W-30, 4.86 quarts with filter
- SX, FWD: 5W-30, 4.86 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| EX, AWD — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| EX, FWD — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| LX, AWD — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| LX, FWD — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| SX, AWD — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40 | 4.86 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
| SX, FWD — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40 | 4.86 QTS. | — | If the API service SM engine oil is not available, you may use API service SL. |
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More specs & repair guides for your Sportage
2012 Kia Sportage factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.19 quarts (6.8 L) — Mixture of antifreeze and distilled water (Ethylene glycol base coolant for aluminum radiator)
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Kia Sportage take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-20; EX, AWD uses 5W-20; EX, FWD uses 5W-20; LX, AWD uses 5W-20; LX, FWD uses 5W-20; SX, AWD uses 5W-30; SX, FWD uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2012 Kia Sportage take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 4.86 quarts with filter; EX, AWD holds 4.86 quarts with filter; EX, FWD holds 4.86 quarts with filter; LX, AWD holds 4.86 quarts with filter; LX, FWD holds 4.86 quarts with filter; SX, AWD holds 4.86 quarts with filter; SX, FWD holds 4.86 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Kia Sportage?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Kia Sportage. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.