Ford: What's New for 2012

What's New for 2012: All Makes

2012 Ford Edge: After a full reskin last year, updates to the 2012 Ford Edge are limited to a new EcoBoost engine option and a handful of minor upgrades. The new engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It gets a six-speed automatic just like the larger V6s, along with active grille vents and revised side door rocker moldings for improved aerodynamics. All Edge models get redesigned side mirrors and tailgate spoilers, also for better aerodynamics, in addition to low-rolling-resistance tires on models with 18-inch wheels. A 10-way power passenger seat has also been added to the options list, while every lucky Edge owner will receive a thicker windshield to reduce cabin noise.

2012 Ford Escape/2012 Ford Escape Hybrid: The 2012 Escape and Escape Hybrid received no significant upgrades this year, probably because a fully redesigned model is expected for 2013.

2012 Ford E-Series: After 50 years on the market, the E-Series van has been honed to perfection. So much so that the only major upgrades for 2012 are one new color and an auxiliary input jack for the radio. In other major news, cast-aluminum wheels have been added as an option.

2012 Ford Expedition: Ford's largest SUV heads into 2012 with no major changes. In fact, there are no minor changes either.

2012 Ford Explorer: After a major redesign last year, the Ford Explorer gets only one significant change for 2012. In addition to the standard V6, a new 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been added to the options list. It delivers 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque and uses the same six-speed automatic transmission as the V6. Ford claims it will have best-in-class fuel economy numbers when the EPA gets around to issuing them. There are also four new exterior colors for 2012, but given that one of them is black, don't expect anything out of the ordinary.

2012 Ford F-150/2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor: The 2012 Ford F-150 gets a few minor upgrades this year. A new fully automatic four-wheel-drive system is now standard on all Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum models. It replaces the previous shift-on-the-fly system which is now standard on XL and FX4 Trim levels. A hill start assist system is now standard that holds the vehicle stationary for 2 seconds on uphill grades after the brake pedal is released. Most 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter models now feature an electronically-locking rear differential in place of the previous limited-slip differential. Other changes include the ability to flat-tow all 4x4 models and a new FX appearance package that includes 20-inch flat black wheels, body decals and black badges with red lettering.

2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty: The Ford Super Duty trucks not only received a full redesign last year, they even got a mid-year engine and frame update to further boost their capabilities. With all that improvin' going on, there wasn't much left for the 2012 Super Duty trucks. The upgrades for this year consist of a compressed natural gas/propane prep engine option and the availability of a 6.75-foot bed. That is all.

2012 Ford Fiesta: The Ford Fiesta had a huge introduction last year, so for 2012 Ford is merely trying to keep the momentum going with a few new appearance packages, one for the exterior and two interior packages. The Premium Sport appearance package for the exterior adds several blacked-out trim pieces that are similar to the European Focus RS. The package also includes unique 16-inch wheels and a lower final-drive ratio for slightly improved performance. The interior packages feature either white or red accents that highlight the seats, door panels, steering wheel and dash vents. They are available on all SEL and SES models.

2012 Ford Flex: Not much news for the Flex this year. After last year's addition of the ultra-deluxe Titanium model, all Ford has to offer this year are some newfangled armrests for the second row of Limited and Titanium models. The armrests flips out to not only give you somewhere to rest your elbow, they offer two additional cupholders as well. The one-touch power-folding third-row seat has also been added to the options list on Limited and Titanium models as well.

2012 Ford Focus: This is the Focus we have all been waiting for. Or at least some of us have been waiting for. It's the world Focus, or in other words, a Focus that hasn't been dumbed down for American drivers. A full redesign compared to last year's model, the 2012 Focus features a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a solid 160 hp and an optional dual-clutch automatic transmission. In super-efficient SFE trim, Ford says the Focus will get up to 40 mpg on the highway. Available in either sedan or four-door hatchback body styles, this Focus is also far better-looking than its awkward predecessors. A pure electric version of the Focus is slated to go on sale by the end of 2011, while a more powerful ST model is expected to arrive in 2012.

2012 Ford Fusion/2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid: Both the standard and hybrid Ford Fusion are carryover models this year. The only notable change is a switch to a standard six-speed automatic transmission on the popular SE model and revised suspension bushings on all models to reduce road noise.

2012 Ford Mustang/2012 Ford Shelby GT500/2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: The big Mustang news for 2012 is the addition of the Boss 302 model. It's essentially a track-oriented special edition with a high-revving 440-hp version of the GT's 5.0-liter V8. It also gets a heavily revised suspension with stiffer springs, thicker sway bars, five-way adjustable dampers and 19-inch Pirelli P Zero tires. For true track heroes, the Laguna Seca edition Boss adds a stiffer chassis, revised aero package and a rear seat delete to shave weight. Along with the new Boss models, there are a few across-the-board changes for 2012. Most notable is a driver-adjustable electric steering system that offers Comfort, Sport and Normal modes. Less notable are the new illuminated dual-visor vanity mirrors, universal garage door opener and visor storage. There is also a new Lava Red color that comes with a black interior with red accents. The optional Security package is also available with either HID headlights or a reverse-sensing system. And finally, the Shelby GT500 becomes the first Mustang to offer Ford's AppLink software for the Sync system that allows voice control of apps in your smartphone. Oh, and the GT500 (and Boss 302) offer optional Recaro seats, too, if you're into that sort of thing.

2012 Ford Ranger: The Ranger has finally been retired from the U.S. lineup.

2012 Ford Taurus: Not much news on the Taurus front this year. Ginger Ale Metallic is a new exterior color, while all Taurus models get integrated blind-spot mirrors on each side.

2012 Ford Transit Connect: The most notable change for the 2012 Transit Connect is a new XLT Premium Wagon that includes a three-passenger rear bench seat. It's available in three new colors — Winter Blue Metallic, Noisette Metallic and Dark Micastone Metallic. In less earth-shaking news, all Transit Connects now come standard with Roll Stability Control as part of Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control system. Ford also saw fit to improve the quality of the speakers, but did not specify in what way. An electric Transit Connect for fleet vehicle use has also been added to the lineup for 2012.