2012 Buick Verano: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest news for 2012 is the Verano itself: this is an all-new Buick model and its first year in the U.S. lineup. It launched as a compact luxury sedan with one four-cylinder drivetrain and three trim levels.
About the 2012 Buick Verano
1st generation (2012-2017), first year
Buick positioned the Verano as a compact sedan for shoppers who wanted a smaller footprint without giving up comfort, quietness, and an upscale cabin feel. Its core appeal was a calm ride, supportive seating, easy phone and media connectivity, and premium touches that were uncommon in mainstream compact sedans. In plain language, the Verano was Buick’s smaller luxury sedan: easy to park, easy to live with, and aimed at buyers who wanted more polish than a typical compact car.
The 2012 Verano is a small sedan designed to deliver Buick comfort in an easier-to-park package. Every trim has a quiet cabin, a 7-inch touchscreen, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 10 airbags. Convenience adds everyday items such as a power driver seat and rear parking sensors, while Leather adds heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, push-button start, and Bose audio.
What changed, by category
2012 Buick Verano specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd OD & Shft Ctrl | Auto 6-Spd OD & Shft Ctrl | Auto 6-Spd OD & Shft Ctrl |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 171 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.3 in | 34.3 in | 34.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2012 the first year for the Buick Verano?
Yes. The 2012 Verano was an all-new model and the first Verano sold in Buick's U.S. lineup.
What engine does the 2012 Buick Verano have?
Every 2012 Buick Verano has a 2.4-liter flex-fuel four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
What features are standard on every 2012 Buick Verano?
Every 2012 Verano has a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth audio, a USB input, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 10 airbags. It also uses sound-reducing glass and triple door seals to help keep the cabin quiet.
How do the 2012 Buick Verano trims differ?
The base trim covers the main comfort, safety, and touchscreen features. Convenience adds a power driver seat, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rear parking sensors. Leather adds heated leather front seats, a heated steering wheel, push-button start, and Bose audio.
Did the 2012 Buick Verano offer a turbo engine?
No. All 2012 Verano trims use the same naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine; a turbo engine was not part of this launch-year lineup.