2012 Ford Fiesta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Ford Fiesta gets a light equipment refresh rather than a redesign. The main change is improved everyday usability, led by integrated blind-spot side mirrors and a driver-seat armrest on most trims.
About the 2012 Ford Fiesta
6th generation Fiesta for the U.S. market, second U.S. model year after the 2011 launch and before the 2014 facelift.
Ford positioned the Fiesta as a small car that did not feel stripped-down. The marketing focus was style, fuel economy, nimble handling, and features that were uncommon in subcompacts at the time, such as SYNC, push-button start, heated seats, and ambient lighting on upper trims. For most shoppers, the Fiesta’s appeal was simple: a city-friendly sedan or hatchback that looked more expressive and felt more fun to drive than the usual budget commuter.
The S is the simple commuter, while the SE adds everyday conveniences such as keyless entry, power windows, and a trip computer. The SEL sedan and SES hatchback bring a more upscale feel with voice-controlled phone and audio functions, cruise control, ambient lighting, and heated mirrors; the SES also has a rear spoiler and rear wiper.
What changed, by category
2012 Ford Fiesta specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 120 hp | 120 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 112 lb-ft | 112 lb-ft | 112 lb-ft | 112 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.8–15.4 cu-ft | 12.8–15.4 cu-ft | 12.8 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.2 in | 31.2 in | 31.2 in | 31.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Ford Fiesta redesigned?
No. The 2012 Fiesta is a lightly updated version of the car introduced for 2011, with equipment and appearance changes rather than a new body, cabin, or platform.
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Ford Fiesta?
The biggest change is a small equipment refresh focused on daily usability. Ford highlighted integrated blind-spot side mirrors across the lineup and a driver-seat armrest on most trims.
Did the 2012 Ford Fiesta get a new engine?
No. The 2012 Fiesta carries over its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, so this is not a major mechanical update.
Is the 2012 Ford Fiesta meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Only slightly. The 2012 model adds visibility and cabin-convenience updates, plus new appearance treatments on upper trims, but its basic design and powertrain remain the same.
Which 2012 Ford Fiesta trims have the most features?
The SEL sedan and SES hatchback are the most feature-rich 2012 trims. Both have voice-controlled phone and audio functions, upgraded audio, cruise control, ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated mirrors with blind-spot sections and turn-signal indicators.