Fuel injection system (GDI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure, evaporative emissions control (EVAP), exhaust system, catalytic converter
Engine Ignition And Starting:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, starting system (starter motor, solenoid), charging system (alternator)
Transmission Automatic:
6-speed automatic transmission (A6GF1), torque converter, gear ratios, transmission control module (TCM), fluid specifications, removal and installation
Transmission Manual:
6-speed manual transmission (M6CF4), clutch system, gears, removal and installation
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, driveshafts, CV joints, differential (front and rear), transfer case (for AWD)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications
Steering:
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, steering column, steering rack, power steering fluid specifications (if applicable to specific generation), troubleshooting
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid specifications (DOT 4), ABS system, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks
Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI)
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.3:1
Performance
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
269 lb-ft @ 1750-4500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended for optimal performance)
Turbocharger:
Twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler
Timing System
Timing Drive:
Timing Chain
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 0W-30 synthetic engine oil
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic (A6GF1)
Optional
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (M6CF4)
Features
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, manual shifting mode (e.g., 'Shiftronic')
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Genuine Kia ATF SP-IV or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4440 mm (174.8 in)
Width:
1800 mm (70.9 in)
Height:
1645 mm (64.8 in)
Wheelbase:
2640 mm (103.9 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 170 mm (6.7 in)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 670 Liters (23.7 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 1550 Liters (54.7 cu ft)
Weights
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 1550 - 1600 kg (3417 - 3527 lbs)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 1650 - 1700 kg (3638 - 3748 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration (typically around 2100-2200 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Typically unbraked: 750 kg (1653 lbs); Braked: 1200 kg (2646 lbs) (check local regulations and specific model)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall:
4-Star (for 2012 model in many markets, specific rating may vary)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for earlier models, check specific year for 2012 SL)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Hill Start Assist:
Available on some trims
Downhill Brake Control:
Available on AWD models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front dual airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Display:
Available touch screen display (sizes vary by trim, e.g., 6.5-inch)
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, SiriusXM satellite radio, USB/Auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity
Premium Audio:
Available Infinity audio system
Driver Assistance
Rearview Camera:
Available on some trims
Parking Sensors:
Available on some trims
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming on many trims
Convenience Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims
Push Button Start:
Standard on most trims
Panoramic Sunroof:
Optional feature on higher trims
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for severe driving conditions)
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plugs:
Replace iridium spark plugs every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or as indicated by driving conditions/service history
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replacement typically not scheduled unless service required
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30, API SN/ILSAC GF-5 (Synthetic)
Coolant:
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) based, ethylene glycol, with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water (typically orange)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Engine T Gdi:
Potential for carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection, early turbocharger failures reported in some instances, oil consumption issues on some units.
Transmission Automatic:
Occasional reports of hesitant shifting or rough engagement, torque converter issues on higher mileage vehicles.
Suspension:
Premature wear of front control arm bushings and ball joints, rear shock absorber leaks.
Electrical:
Issues with power window regulators, HVAC blower motor failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Kia Corporation (South Korea)
Foundation Year:
1944
Model Evolution
First Generation Launch:
1997
Second Generation Launch:
2004
Third Generation Launch:
2010
Sl Generation Designation:
Third Generation (2010-2015)
Year Specific Changes 2012:
Introduction of the 2.0 T-GDI engine option, potential minor feature updates across trims
Production
Primary Manufacturing Plant:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea; Also assembled in Slovakia (Zilina) and Vietnam
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Recognition:
Top Safety Pick awards received by earlier Kia Sportage models, likely applicable to the third generation based on its design and safety equipment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied reliability ratings for this generation, check specific model year reviews for detailed insights.
Certifications
Emissions Compliance:
Meets applicable EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model year.