2012 Kia Sorento review
Kia Sorento highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Lots of standard features
- Spacious optional third row
- Optional V6 offers strong power
- Sporty handling
Cons
- Ride is a bit firm
- Five-passenger model lacks sliding second-row seat
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 24 highway, 20 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
2012 Kia Sorento is a spacious and sporty SUV
The 2012 Kia Sorento is a five- or seven-passenger SUV that offers midsize space in a compact package. Few SUVs in this class offer three rows of seating as an option, and those that do don't offer the space you'll find in the Sorento. This Kia also provides a healthy number of features, including a punchy optional V6 engine. If you're interested in a small SUV that doesn't skimp on passenger space, the Kia Sorento is well worth a look.
All Kia Sorento years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Sorento generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2012 Kia Sorento?
- Sorento trims have been upgraded with A/C Seat(s), Heated Steering Wheel, Memory Seat(s), and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Seat Heaters, Remote Start, and Sunroof(s) features are now available as options on select trims.
- The EX trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The SX trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2012 Kia Sorento is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Kia Sorento an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Kia Sorento 12th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia SorentoKia Sorento features and specs
Curious how Kia Sorento trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Manual Transmission
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Full Roof Rack
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
175
Torque (ft-lbs)
169
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18
Wheelbase
106.3"
Overall length
183.9"
Width
74.2"
Height
67.3"
Leg room
F 41.3"/R 37.6"
Head room
F 39.2"/R 39.2"
Front tires
P235/65R17
Rear tires
P235/65R17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
165/1650 lbs.
Transmission
Manual 6
2012 Kia Sorento FAQ
The 2012 Kia Sorento is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- EX: 21 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- LX: 21 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- SX: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
The Kia Sorento received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Kia Sorento as 11 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2012 Kia Sorento has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2012 Kia Sorento, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2012 Kia Sorento Reviews.
The 2012 Kia Sorento has a maximum towing capacity of between 1650 and 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Research other vehicles
- All things EV
- 2020 Ford F550 review
- 2021 Ford F550 review
- 2020 Hyundai Kona review
- 2022 Hyundai Kona review
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson review
- 2017 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell review
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid review
- 2016 Infiniti Q50 review
- 2018 Infiniti Q50 review
- 2018 Infiniti Q70 Hybrid review
- 2019 Infiniti QX30 review
- 2019 Jaguar XJ review
- 2023 Jeep Cherokee review
- Used Kia buying guide
- 2025 Kia Sorento review
- 2013 Kia Sorento review
- 2015 Kia Sorento review
- 2016 Kia Sorento review
- 2017 Kia Sorento review
- 2018 Kia Sorento review
- 2019 Kia Sorento review
- 2020 Kia Sorento review
- 2021 Kia Sorento review
- 2022 Kia Sorento review
- 2023 Kia Sorento review
- 2024 Kia Sorento review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.
