2012 Kia Sportage Trims and Specs

Those in the market for a slinky compact crossover could do worse than the 2012 Kia Sportage Base. This 5-passenger, 4-door mini-ute sports a classy look, an economical 4-cylinder powerplant, 54.6 cubic feet of total cargo space and a bunch of standard creature comforts. It’s also one of the more engaging family automobiles on the road with a reworked suspension that’s new for this year.

Look for 17-inch alloy wheels to decorate the exterior of this spiffy people hauler, with cloth upholstery embracing occupants and simulated alloy trim gracing the dashboard. Full power accessories are complemented by cruise control and tilt-wheel steering, while a new vehicle information display, with trip computer, is integrated into the gauge cluster. And of course this crafty crossover also boasts manually adjustable air conditioning.

The standard MP3-capable single-CD player, meantime, throws tunes through 6 speakers and is bolstered by satellite radio and a USB connection, while, in a further departure from the usual blandness found in entry-level trims, the Sportage Base comes with standard Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. Options are, alas, limited to a few cargo-management items, as well as front and rear carpeted floor mats.

Sporting a variable-valve-timed 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine, the 2012 Sportage Base uses the standard 6-speed manual transmission to manage its 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. Expect some 2,000 pounds of towing from this smallish ute, when properly equipped, with gas mileage estimated at 20 mpg city/27 highway. Also, be advised that this entry-level Sportage is delivered only with front-wheel drive (FWD).

Standard safety equipment aboard the Sportage Base, meanwhile, includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection.

Equipped with a standard 2.4-liter variable-valve-timed inline 4-cylinder powerplant and 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the 2012 Kia Sportage LX compact crossover ute shouts family-friendly efficiency. Look for 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque from this front-wheel-drive (FWD) people hauler, with mileage estimated at 21 mpg city/30 highway. Towing capacity, though not this mini-ute’s forte, is nonetheless touted at some 2,000 pounds with the proper equipment.

Outside, this cute ute sports 17-inch alloy wheels as a new addition to an already pretty spiffy exterior, while inside, expectant drivers can check out 54.6 cubic feet of total cargo space, cloth upholstery and simulated alloy dash trim. Full power accessories, meantime, are complemented by cruise control, tilt-wheel steering and, in a departure from most rival lower mid-level trims, a nifty display mounted amid the gauge cluster on the dashboard that boasts a trip computer and vehicle health info. Manually adjustable air conditioning, finally, embraces an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio and a USB connection, while standard Bluetooth hands-free calling represents another radical departure from the norm.

As for options, the 2012 Sportage LX can be delivered with a Convenience Package that contains telescoping tilt-wheel steering, rear parking sensors, roof rails, a cooled glovebox, heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors and a rear spoiler. The available Navigation w/Premium Audio package, meantime, includes a navigation suite with premium audio components and Kia’s UVO audio and communications interface, integrating a dashboard-mounted touchscreen and rear-view camera with a subwoofer and external amplifier. As well, the navigation package without the premium audio system is also available as a standalone option, with a trailer hitch, remote engine start (late availability), a Homelink universal remote garage door opener, various cargo-management components and carpeted floor mats also available as free-standing options.

Standard safety features aboard the 2012 Sportage LX include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Turn-signal-integrated outside mirrors are also standard aboard the lower-midlevel LX, as is a remote antitheft alarm.

Add full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction capabilities to the already engaging 2012 Kia Sportage LX compact crossover, and behold the Sportage LX AWD. This stylish 5-seat mini-ute also boasts 54.6 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded, a wealth of standard goodies and a bit more driving fun than your usual crass crossover.

Outside, new-for-2012 17-inch alloy wheels spruce up the Sportage LX AWD, while the above-average cabin flaunts cloth upholstery and simulated alloy dashboard trim. That classy dash also mounts an integrated display offering a trip computer and various vehicle monitoring systems, while the rest of the cabin is complemented by full power accessories, air conditioning, standard Bluetooth hands-free communications and an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers and satellite radio, as well as a USB connection. Finally, such handy items as cruise control and tilt-wheel steering are also standard aboard this cute ute.

The Sportage LX AWD remains eligible for an available Convenience Package that boasts rear parking sensors, telescoping tilt-heel steering, heated outside mirrors, roof rails and a rear spoiler, while the available Navigation w/Premium Audio package offers a navigation display, rear-view camera, Kia’s UVO audio and communications voice command interface, and, obviously, added premium stereo equipment.

Remote engine start is a late-availability standalone option, as are a trailer hitch, navigation without the premium audio add-on and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated Homelink universal remote garage door opener. Kia’s UVO voice command system for audio and communications also continues to be an available standalone offering. Finally, various cargo-management tools, as well as front and rear floor mats can also be delivered aboard this practical crossover.

Powering the 2012 Sportage LX AWD is a variable-valve-timed (VVT), 176-hp 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that combines with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 168 lb-ft of torque. Expect 2,000 pounds of towing capacity from the four-banger, with the proper equipment, not to mention mileage figures estimated at 20 mpg city/27 highway. The AWD system, meanwhile, allows normal cruising in front-wheel drive (FWD) with torque automatically transferred from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip when road conditions warrant.

Safety-wise, the 2012 Sportage LX AWD carries standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Additionally, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm also come standard in this traction-heavy crossover.

Entering the realm of high-end compact crossover utes, tire kickers will find that the 2012 Kia Sportage EX combines a hint of class with some practical hauling ability, not to mention a good dose of style. This 5-passenger, 4-door people hauler boasts 54.6 cubic feet of total cargo area, a cornucopia of standard comfort and convenience features and a gas-saving 4-cylinder powerplant.

Outside, the Sportage EX boasts 18-inch alloy wheels as well as a roof rack and integrated rear spoiler. Inside, this upper-level trim sports premium cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and simulated alloy dashboard trim. Convenience features include full power accessories, a dashboard-mounted trip computer display, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and cruise control, while passenger comfort is ensured with automatic dual-zone climate control.

Additionally, look for a standard MP3-capable, H/D-radio-integrated single-CD player pumping tunes out of 7 premium speakers, including a subwoofer, while Bluetooth hands-free technology is there to ease cellphone communications. Finally, Kia’s popular UVO voice command interface with audio and communications systems is also standard.

This upper-midlevel Sportage trim remains eligible for the Navigation Package, featuring a touchscreen, voice command and SiriusXM Traffic, as well as the EX Premium Package, with heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and a power sunroof. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated Homelink universal remote garage door opener is available as a standalone option, as are all-weather floor mats, a tow hitch, various cargo-management systems and an interior lighting kit.

Like its lesser siblings, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2012 Sportage EX packs the variable-valve-timed, 176-hp 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) and 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This combination throws out 168 lb-ft of torque, good enough to tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, with mileage estimated at 21 mpg city/30 highway.

Finally, standard safety equipment aboard Kia’s mini-ute includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head curtain airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Further safety items delivered with this spiffy Sportage include turn-signal-integrated mirrors, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, front fog/driving lights and a remote antitheft alarm.

Add on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) to Kia’s 2012 Sportage EX to get the EX AWD, a traction-heavy, compact crossover that goes confidently into winter and looks good doing it. This 5-seat, 4-door mini-ute also packs 54.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, as well as enough high-end appearance, comfort and convenience goodies to keep the family heated and cooled, entertained and in touch.

Starting with 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack and a rear spoiler, the 2012 EX AWD continues its tradition of value by flaunting premium cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, simulated alloy dashboard trim and an upgraded instrument cluster with trip computer display. Cruise control, meantime, as well as telescoping tilt-wheel steering, full power accessories, a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors provide a full measure of driver convenience amenities.

Meanwhile, occupants can bask in dual-zone automatic climate control, while an MP3-capable single-CD player pumps tunes out of 7 premium speakers, including a subwoofer. Satellite radio, a USB connection Kia’s UVO voice activated audio and communications interface, and Bluetooth hands-free technology, of course, remain standard equipment, as well.

The EX Premium Package, with a power sunroof, heated front seats, cooled driver’s seat, leather-trimmed upholstery and remote keyless entry, remains one of the EX AWD’s more popular options. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror, meantime, is integrated with the Homelink universal remote garage door opener as a standalone option, with a navigation suite with dashboard display and Sirius XM Traffic also available independently. Further free-standing options include a trailer hitch, all-weather floor mats, cargo-management tools and an interior lighting kit.

A 2.4-liter variable-valve-timed inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant mates with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission in the 2012 Sportage EX AWD to put out 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. All these ponies will tow up to 2,000 pounds of trailer, when properly set up, and gas mileage is some 20 mpg city/27 highway. The AWD system, meanwhile, allows cruising in front-wheel drive (FWD) until deteriorating conditions demand an automatic and instantaneous torque split to all four wheels for surefooted traction in any weather.

Safety-wise, this traction-heavy crossover sports 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors also come standard, as do daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a remote antitheft alarm.

With its sport-tuned suspension and turbocharged four-banger, the nimble 2012 Kia Sportage SX remains the flagship trim in this compact crossover’s attractive lineup. As with its lesser siblings, this heady 5-seat, 4-door people-hauler offers 54.6 cubic feet of total cargo area and takes this a step or three further with an added wealth of standard appearance, convenience and comfort amenities.

A roof rack, power-folding rear-view mirrors and a rear spoiler are borne by 18-inch alloy wheels, while leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, upgraded dashboard gauges and screens, a cooled storage bin and simulated alloy dashboard trim only scratch the surface of the comfort and convenience goodies offered in this high-end mini-ute. Full power accessories, meantime, as well as cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera help assuage convenience needs. Standard techno-features include Bluetooth hands-free communications and an MP3-capable single-CD player with 7 premium speakers, including a subwoofer, as well as satellite radio and a USB port. Finally, all these hot gizmos are tempered by automatic dual-zone climate control, with audio and communications functions managed by Kia’s UVO voice-command interface.

An SX Premium Package is available to this top-shelf trim, and it loads in heated front seats with an air-cooled driver’s seat, a power sunroof, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with the Homelink universal remote garage door opener. A navigation package with SiriusXM Traffic is a standalone option, as are various cargo-management systems and, as a late-availability item, remote engine start.

Powering the front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2012 Sportage SX is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that combines with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 260 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Finally, look for mileage in the range of 21 mpg city/28 highway.

Finally, standard safety equipment aboard Kia’s turbocharged SX includes 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Additional standard safety items include turn-signal-integrated mirrors, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a remote antitheft alarm system.

Standing at the top of the 2012 Kia Sportage lineup is the traction-oriented and turbocharged all-wheel-drive Sportage SX AWD. This spiffy and agile compact crossover boasts seating for 5, 4 doors and 54.6 cubic feet of total cargo space. It also sports a number of standard appearance goodies over its underlings, such as 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding rear-view mirrors, a rear spoiler and a roof rack.

Inside, look for leather upholstery, heated front seats with a cooled driver’s seat and a cooled storage bin, as well as upgraded gauges and displays, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and simulated alloy dashboard trim. Full power accessories, cruise control and tilt-wheel steering, meanwhile, are bolstered by rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Kia’s popular UVO voice-command audio and communications interface headlines standard techno goodies aboard the Sportage SX AWD, supported by dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free calling and an MP3-capable single-CD player with 7 premium speakers, including a subwoofer. Satellite radio and a USB port also come standard.

Available to the 2012 Sportage SX AWD is the SX Premium Package with heated front seats, a cooled driver’s seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated Homelink universal remote garage door opener, heated outside mirrors and a power sunroof.

Voice-activated navigation with a dash-mounted 6.1-inch touchscreen and real-time SiriusXM Traffic info is a standalone option for this top-shelf trim, as is remote engine start (late availability). Finally, various cargo-management tools and all-weather floor mats round out notable standalone options.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter variable-valve-timed inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine powering the 2012 Sportage SX AWD combines with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 260 hp and 269 lb-ft of road-grabbing torque. Mileage, meanwhile, is estimated at 20 mpg city/25 highway, with the AWD system allowing this turbo-equipped cute ute to cruise in front-wheel drive (FWD) and, when conditions warrant, to instantaneously transfer power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip.

Safety-wise, look for the 2012 Sportage SX AWD to carry standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Additional safety features equipping this pint-size crossover include standard turn-signal-integrated mirrors, front fog/driving lights, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a remote antitheft alarm.