2012 Mazda MAZDA2: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Mazda2 is mostly a carryover, with no redesign or major equipment changes. The headline update is a small fuel-economy improvement for automatic models, now rated at 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
About the 2012 Mazda MAZDA2
2nd-generation Mazda2 (global DE generation), second U.S. model year after the North American launch for 2011, before any later minor equipment update for 2013.
Mazda marketed the 2012 Mazda2 as a small hatchback for people who wanted basic economy-car practicality without giving up a lively driving feel. Its core identity was simple: light weight, tidy exterior dimensions, useful hatchback cargo flexibility, and more playful road manners than many other subcompacts. In Mazda’s own language, it was the brand’s most concentrated version of fun-to-drive character, aimed at shoppers who valued efficiency and easy city use but still cared about steering response and overall personality.
The 2012 Mazda2 is a small, light hatchback sold in two trims, both with a 100-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Sport covers the everyday basics with air conditioning, power accessories, keyless entry, and a folding rear seat. Touring adds cruise control, alloy wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and a six-speaker audio system.
What changed, by category
2012 Mazda MAZDA2 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 100 hp | 100 hp |
| Torque | 98 lb-ft | 98 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.3 cu-ft | 13.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33 in | 33 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cruise Control | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Mazda2 compared with the 2011 model?
The main change is a small increase in the EPA fuel-economy estimates for automatic models, from 27 to 28 mpg city and from 33 to 34 mpg highway. The two-trim lineup and core mechanical setup carry over.
Was the 2012 Mazda2 redesigned?
No, the 2012 Mazda2 was not redesigned. It is the second U.S. model year of the same generation introduced for 2011, with no major styling, safety, technology, or structural update.
Did the Mazda2's engine or transmission change for 2012?
No, the engine and transmission choices did not change for 2012. Both trims retain a 100-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and either a manual or automatic transmission.
How do the 2012 Mazda2 Sport and Touring trims differ?
The Touring is the better-equipped 2012 Mazda2. It adds cruise control, alloy wheels, fog lights, a rear roof spoiler, a trip computer, steering-wheel audio controls, and a six-speaker audio system over the simpler Sport trim.