Used 2012 Kia Sportage SX SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Kia Sportage SX SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Lemon, and Kia blames me?
metrogtiguy, Westland, MI, 09/06/2012
2012 Kia Sportage SX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I bought this as an upgrade to my 2011 Sportage LX. The LX's 2.4L engine wasn't quite up to the task of pulling my 1,155lb camper. It would struggle up hills while the A/C was running. I figured I would get the 260hp turbo one, and alleviate that issue. Well, I was VERY wrong.
@3,00 miles - detonation sounds in engine.
Dealer told me it was normal
@5,500 miles - Total spark plug … destruction while towing 1,700lb trailer
@6,500 miles - Again, spark plug failure, and hole in cylinder #3 while towing 1,155lb trailer.
Kia blames overloading, yet the car has a 2,000lb towing capacity.
Had to file lawsuit, which is currently pending Kia's response.
SX.. you won't regret it.
chazweez, Coatesville, PA, 08/30/2011
2012 Kia Sportage SX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I waited months for the 2012 model to come out because I didn't qualify for any of the rebates that the 2011 model was offering.
Ended up buying a 2012 mineral gray AWD SX for $29,900 (not including taxes).
The MSRP was 31,800.
So they came down about $2000 off the MSRP.
The oddest part of the day was when the east coast earthquake struck while I was signing for the car.
I looked up to … the sales guy and said "that's probably not a good sign".
LOL.
The car's been great so far... my only gripe is the reflection off the window.
The front window is at such an angle that you always see the reflection of the dash on sunny days.
Super annoying.
Other than that, it's an awesome car.
20,000 Miles and Going
buffalotom, Tonawanda, NY, 08/27/2012
2012 Kia Sportage SX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Have a 2012 SX, it's quick, but seats and handling have much room for improvement. I think the stock 18 inch tires have too high a side wall, tires bounce like a basket ball. Car now has 20K miles, the turbo is cutting in and out, usually upon motor start it sometimes doesn't work, and when restarted thereafter it works again. Shop (Robin w/Transitowne KIA in Buffalo NY Area) looked it … over, says it's b/c I had it in FWD lock, which makes no sense. Since I've kept is out of FWD lock, still acting up. When the restart trick stops working I'll take it back in.
Fix the defrosters
buffalotom, Buffalo, NY, 02/22/2014
2012 Kia Sportage SX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Submitted review back on 08/27/12 12:30 PM which I still stick by. As for the turbo issue I was having it got fixed, pressure switch needed calibrated for the hot gas bypass, I've not had any issues since. Got 56,000 on the car now. At this car's price point, you won't find another SUV with this kind of power and gas mileage.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Kia Sportage SX SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Sharp styling inside and out
- Pro:more fun to drive than other crossovers
- Pro:powerful and efficient turbo engine in SX trim
- Pro:plenty of premium features
- Pro:intuitive controls.
- Con:Stiff-legged ride
- Con:backseat doesn't slide or recline
- Con:less cargo capacity than other crossovers.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Kia Sportage SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Kia Sportage in Ohio is:
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