2012 Kia Sorento
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At a glance

2012 Kia Sorento reference

Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.

Combined MPG20-24EPA range
EPA configurations7Engine and drivetrain records
Model campaigns5NHTSA records
NHTSA safety4/5Highest overall rating

2012 Kia Sorento MPG by engine and drivetrain

EPA combined ratings run from 20 to 24 mpg across 7 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.

EPA fuel economy, annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂
Engine / transmissionCityHighwayCombinedAnnual fuelCO₂
2.4L 4-cylinderAutomatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline21 mpg30 mpg24 mpg$2,550370.2916666666667 g/mi
2.4L 4-cylinderAutomatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg$2,550370.2916666666667 g/mi
2.4L 4-cylinderManual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline20 mpg26 mpg22 mpg$2,800403.95454545454544 g/mi
3.5L 6-cylinderAutomatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline20 mpg25 mpg22 mpg$2,800403.95454545454544 g/mi
2.4L 4-cylinderAutomatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline20 mpg26 mpg22 mpg$2,800403.95454545454544 g/mi
2.4L 4-cylinderAutomatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline21 mpg26 mpg23 mpg$2,650386.39130434782606 g/mi
3.5L 6-cylinderAutomatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline18 mpg24 mpg20 mpg$3,100444.35 g/mi
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05

Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.

2012 Kia Sorento annual fuel cost calculator

Start with the combined MPG for 2.4L 4-cylinder, Automatic 6-spd, Front-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.

Estimated result$2,103.50

Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price

Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile.

2012 Kia Sorento recall campaigns

NHTSA returned 5 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 18V907000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

ENGINE · 20V750000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 17V224000

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 15V626000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 23V652000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04

Decode a VIN and open the official recall check

2012 Kia Sorento NHTSA safety ratings

NHTSA ratings by tested vehicle variant
VehicleOverallFrontSideRollover
2012 Kia Sorento SUV AWD4/54/55/54/5
2012 Kia Sorento SUV FWD4/54/55/54/5
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-05

Frequently asked questions

What is the 2012 Kia Sorento gas mileage?

EPA combined ratings run from 20 to 24 mpg across 7 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.

Are these real-world MPG figures for the Sorento?

These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.

Does the 2012 Kia Sorento have recalls?

NHTSA returned 5 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.

Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?

No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.

Compare similar vehicles

Sources and record dates

U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-05

How we compile specifications and calculate running costs

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