2012 Hyundai Sonata — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Hyundai Sonata is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) / 27 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–43 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.4L 4-cyl), returning around 43 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Hyundai Sonata workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 32 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 104 cu ft (2,945 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 32 combined / 29 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 27 combined / 24 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 205 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 36 mpg (US), or 31 to 43 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/33) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/34) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 | 36 (34/39) | 153 | $1,850 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/34) | 205 | $2,500 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 104 cubic feet (about 2,945 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Running Costs: 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Hyundai Sonata at 32 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,136 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Hyundai Sonata Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Hyundai Sonata (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine (3), Seat belts (3), Service brakes (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V651000, reported 22 September 2023. Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Engine — campaign 20V746000, reported 1 December 2020. Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Equipment — campaign 20V393000, reported 2 July 2020. Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
- Engine — campaign 18V934000, reported 28 December 2018. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 11 campaigns.
Owners have filed 1711 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The most-reported areas are Engine (634), Steering (311), Electrical system (257). Complaints include 53 reported crashes, 100 reported fires, 40 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is well above the median of 345 complaints across the 17 Hyundai Sonata model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (3 recall campaigns · 634 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Steering (311 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Electrical system (257 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Air bags (173 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Hyundai models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Hyundai Sonata's 32 mpg is 2 mpg below that make average.
Of the 17 Hyundai Sonata model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 13th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (32 mpg UK combined, against a high of 37 mpg). See every Hyundai Sonata year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
The most efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) combined, or 27 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 43 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 43 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Hyundai Sonata (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine (3), Seat belts (3), Service brakes (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
Among the 1,711 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (634 complaints), Steering (311 complaints), Electrical system (257 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 104 cubic feet (about 2,945 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.