2012 Jeep Patriot: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Jeep Patriot is the addition of the comfort-focused Limited trim. It is otherwise a light update, with a reorganized trim lineup and smoother tuning for the CVT automatic transmission.
About the 2012 Jeep Patriot
1st generation Patriot (2007-2017), second model year after the major 2011 styling/interior refresh.
Jeep positioned the Patriot as a compact SUV for shoppers who wanted traditional Jeep styling and more bad-weather or dirt-road confidence than a typical small crossover, without moving up to a larger Jeep. The core appeal was upright styling, simple interior versatility, and a value-focused price point. In used-vehicle terms, the Patriot stands out less for polish than for its square shape, Jeep image, and the fact that many examples were built to handle snow, rough roads, and weekend utility better than softer small-SUV rivals.
The 2012 Patriot lineup ranges from the practical Sport to the cold-weather-friendly Latitude and upscale Limited. Latitude has heated front seats and mirrors, while Limited adds leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, and a standard 2.4-liter engine with a CVT automatic.
What changed, by category
2012 Jeep Patriot specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT w/AutoStick | Auto, CVT w/AutoStick | Auto, CVT w/AutoStick |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21–23 mpg | 20 mpg | 21–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26–29 mpg | 23 mpg | 26–29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 158–172 hp | 172 hp | 158–172 hp |
| Torque | 141–165 lb-ft | 165 lb-ft | 141–165 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 53.5 cu-ft | 53.5 cu-ft | 53.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Power Locks | |||
| Power Windows | |||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Jeep Patriot a full redesign?
No. The 2012 Patriot is a light update that retains the exterior and interior introduced by the major 2011 refresh.
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Jeep Patriot?
The biggest change is the new Limited trim. It sits at the top of the lineup with a standard 2.4-liter engine, CVT automatic, leather-trimmed and heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a power driver seat.
How did the Jeep Patriot trim lineup change for 2012?
For 2012, Limited and Sport join the lineup, Base is dropped, and Latitude X is renamed Latitude. The Latitude name change represents a continuing trim rather than a separate new model.
Did the 2012 Jeep Patriot get a new transmission?
No. CVT-equipped 2012 Patriots keep the same type of automatic transmission, but revised tuning provides smoother takeoff and deceleration, quicker accelerator response, and less engine noise.
Is a 2012 Jeep Patriot meaningfully different from a 2011 model?
Yes, but the differences are modest. The 2012 model adds the Limited trim, reorganizes the other trim names, and improves the behavior of the CVT automatic; it does not introduce a new generation or another major styling update.