2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is the new SE special edition for both the coupe and Spyder convertible. This was the Eclipse's final U.S. model year, and most of the lineup carried over without major mechanical or technology updates.
About the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
4th generation (2006-2012), final model year.
Mitsubishi positioned the Eclipse as a dramatic-looking sporty compact with more everyday usefulness than a stripped-down sports car. Official materials emphasize its curvy styling, available coupe or convertible body, 2+2 seating, and, in coupe form, hatchback cargo flexibility. The pitch was style first, comfort second, and outright performance third: a car for buyers who wanted standout looks, generous standard equipment, and either a regular-fuel four-cylinder or a stronger V6 without moving to a larger muscle car.
The 2012 Eclipse ranges from the straightforward four-cylinder GS coupe to the comfort-focused GS Sport, with heated leather seats, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio. The GT coupe and GT Spyder are the performance-focused versions, using a 265-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, while Spyder models have a power cloth convertible top. The SE coupe and SE Spyder pair the well-equipped four-cylinder formula with distinctive final-year appearance trim.
What changed, by category
2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | V6, 3.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | V6, 3.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 162 hp | 265 hp | 162 hp | 162 hp | 162 hp | 265 hp | 162 hp | 162 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 5.2 cu-ft | 5.2 cu-ft | 5.2 cu-ft | 5.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.2 in | 29.2 in | 29.2 in | 29.2 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The biggest change is the addition of the SE special edition in both coupe and Spyder convertible form. It adds distinctive exterior treatment to the well-equipped four-cylinder GS Sport formula.
Is 2012 the final year of the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Yes. The 2012 model year was the final U.S. year for both the Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder convertible.
Is the 2012 Eclipse SE more powerful than the GS Sport?
No. The 2012 Eclipse SE is an appearance-focused special edition, not a higher-performance model. It uses the four-cylinder GS Sport formula, while the GT remains the version with the 265-horsepower V6.
Did the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse get new engines?
No. The 2012 Eclipse carries over its 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.8-liter V6 engines without a lineup-wide powertrain change.
Which trims were added to the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse lineup?
The GS Sport Spyder, SE coupe, and SE Spyder were added for 2012. The SE models are the notable final-year special editions, while the GS Sport Spyder is a comfort-focused four-cylinder convertible.