Used 2012 Kia Sportage LX SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Kia Sportage LX SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
BUILT SOLID & FUN TO DRIVE
alikcee, Lexington, NE, 01/08/2012
2012 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
My first foreigners car..I exchange my Ford explorer V8 to this Brand new Sportage 2012 in Signal Red..I really liked it. I thought I am down grading my car to 4cylender car but not. I can't feel the difference. While I am going up a stiff hill I thought this car will give up on me. This baby went up up up up zoommmmm...Very cool . Very quality , firmed , the audio package wow wow wow..I … didn't regret to buy this suv , paid in cash too.. When I am driving, I got so much attention .:) Love my Brand new sportage . I am not going to the pump very often like my v8 ford explorer..I love american made cars but I want to give this a try...Glad I did...No regrets..
Nice car, shame about the ride.
bbillyo, Walpole, MA, 04/13/2012
2012 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
I like the Sportage. It looks good, is well built and the engine seems good. Fuel economy is very good if you are light footed. I get 33mpg at 65mph on the free way and about 24mpg on the school run. I want to love it but it's just too hard a ride especially on New England's appalling roads. I come from a relatively poor European country and the roads were nothing like these. A pothole … was a rarity that you would call the police about! You feel every bump and road seam. Road noise is also a problem - a lot louder than my old 2005 Sportage EX. Handling is very good for a SUV. Steering is a bit weird -the self centering is very biased to the center which causes a torque drag on the wheel.
Loved the car, Engine questionable
Lost in Stuart, Palm City, FL, 08/14/2018
2012 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
Purchase used from a KIA dealer, ran fine for 1.5 years. Engine shut down multiple times doing 65mph on the highway 2 weeks ago. Researched and found a recall "SC147" for 2011 to 2014 Sportage's describing the exact problem, called KIA, gave them the VIN and they say my 2012 has a different engine that's not covered. Car was regularly maintained, now worth nothing. Local dealer will … install a used engine for $7000
Update 02/14/2019:
KIA has yet to step up and admit it's problem with this engine, nor has the NHTSA done its job to review the numerous cases of this specific engine problem that has the same problem as SC147 recall. In addition KIA has put out a strange software update to warn drivers of a similar engine problem with newer Sportage's as well. We sold the car to Car Brain and took a big loss, but now have reliable, SAFE transportation. Still hoping someone files a class action suit and we can recover some of our loss.
Great Vehicle Minor Setbacks
haughwouts, Atlanta, GA, 11/08/2011
2012 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
Purchased this vehicle 10/18/11 for my wife because we are expecting and wanted a safer SUV than her previous compact car.
The features/price is great! The ride is very stiff, but we were expecting that going in.
I personally think that the pickup is really good considering that it is a 4cyl. We have had some problems though,
the brake light switch needed to be replaced because vehicle … wasn't shifting out of park every time.
I think this is a common problem.
Also the transmission jerks at very random times.
I think that this is a very isolated incident.
I still give it 4 1/2 stars, the problems IMO were isolated, I don't think that these problems exist with other Sportage owners.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Kia Sportage LX 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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