2012 kia sportage gas milage improvements

[maralv]

what changes were made to the 2012 sportage ex 4 cyl models to improve gas mileage from 31 highway to 32 highway. does anyone know. I also notice that they improve sx models from 27 to 29

[donniekl]

My guess, and its a guess, but nothing at all. The reason for the change is probably due to government mandates forcing car companies to continually make their vehicles more fuel efficient year to year. Those EPA estimates are just that, estimates. So if the estimate was somewhere between 31 and 32 mpgs, Kia can say the Sportage does 31 hwy mpg in 2011 and 32 hwy mpg in 2012. Then they can point at those numbers and say, "Look, we're improving our mileage!"

I'm sure this will spark some debate, but that's my two cents.

[mcdull]

I would also like to know if there is a real mechanical difference that changes the gas mileage because I'm deciding between the last 2011 Techno Orange AWD SX I can find or I should go for ordering a 2012 of boring color with options I can pick.

[AzSX]

I'm pretty sure they changed the final gear ratios. So the 2012 models will be a bit slower to 60mph.

[skinerd]

Originally Posted by mcdull

I would also like to know if there is a real mechanical difference that changes the gas mileage because I'm deciding between the last 2011 Techno Orange AWD SX I can find or I should go for ordering a 2012 of boring color with options I can pick.

MOST of the techno orange 2011 SX models on the lots are fully decked out with premium audio + leather + dual sunroofs + navigation. Your only real choice will probably be AWD vs FWD.

As a recent owner of a fully loaded techno orange 2011 AWD SX, I do not regret not waiting a few weeks for the 2012. The orange makes me smile every day and all of the extra options are pretty sweet and I think fairly priced.

I hope that helps you decide.

[njerald]

Low rolling resistance tires help.........

[njerald]

Originally Posted by AzSX

I'm pretty sure they changed the final gear ratios. So the 2012 models will be a bit slower to 60mph.

Unbelievable...........

[donniekl]

If there is any change, I doubt its mechanical. I would assume the computer is tweaked with different shift points, timing, blah blah blah. There could be a million changes to the computer, all adding up to a single mpg... Whoopy!

[AzSX]

I searched and all I could find is what njerald had...lower rolling resistance tires standard on the LX. Couldn't find anything else so I stand corrected.

[kerrton]

Are you guys comparing the same powertrain, double check that because there is the normal 2.4 4-cylinder and the newly available 2.4 GDI (direct injection) which provides about 15 more horsepower and 1 or 2 more mpgs.