Jeep: What's New for 2012

What's New for 2012: All Makes

2012 Jeep Compass: A recalibration of the available CVT (continuously variable transmission) provides better launch acceleration, improved pedal response and reduced engine speed when accelerating at mid-throttle. Three new exterior colors will be offered: Copperhead Pearl Coat, Rescue Green Pearl Coat and True Blue Pearl Coat.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Improved fuel economy thanks to electric power steering is the big news for V6-powered Grand Cherokees in 2012. Two-wheel-drive models equipped with the Pentastar V6 see an improvement from 16 city/23 highway to 17 city/23 highway. Four-wheel-drive models improve from 16 city/22 highway to 16 city/23 highway.

V8-powered Grand Cherokees also offer improved fuel economy. Four-wheel-drive models improve from 13 city/19 highway to 13 city/20 highway. Improvements are a result of the MDS cylinder deactivation system, which allows the big Hemi to operate on four cylinders during low load. The six-speed 65RFE automatic transmission — available only with V8-powered JGCs — is also new.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: On sale now, the 2012 JGC SRT8 packs 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque from its 6.4-liter V8. Power goes to all four wheels through a variable torque split center differential and five-speed automatic transmission. It offers a five-mode Selec-Track system that integrates with all systems that can affect performance — stability control, suspension damping, shift logic, torque split, rear LSD operation and more to produce a machine that's both track- and boulevard-worthy.

2012 Jeep Liberty: Three Liberty trim levels are available for 2012: Sport, Limited and Limited Jet. Sport models now offer multiple new features including voice command, a universal garage door opener, compass and exterior temperature display in the gauge cluster as well as an overhead console and compass. All trim levels now include a rear parking sensor. Five new colors are available: Black Forest Green Pearl, Canyon Brown Pearl, Mineral Gray Metallic, Rescue Green Pearl and True Blue Pearl.

Also available on Liberty Sport 4x4 models is the Arctic package which includes front seat heaters, semi-gloss black 16-inch aluminum wheels, deep tint glass, tow hooks, blacked-out headlamps and standard foglamps. The cabin gets the black and Arctic Orange color scheme found on the Wrangler models. It also gets gray-faced gauges, a nine-speaker Infinity sound system and Mopar slush mats.

2012 Jeep Patriot: A recalibration of the available CVT provides better launch acceleration, improved pedal response and reduced engine speed when accelerating at mid-throttle. Four new exterior colors will be offered: Blue Streak Pearl Coat (late availability), Copperhead Pearl Coat (late availability), Rescue Green Pearl Coat and True Blue Pearl Coat (late availability).

2012 Jeep Wrangler: Like many other vehicles in the Chrysler line, the Wrangler takes possession of the Pentastar V6 for 2012. It offers a 40 percent improvement in power and a 10 percent improvement in torque over the outgoing 3.8-liter mill. Output is up to 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while fuel economy rises to 17 city and 21 highway mpg. Two transmissions are available: a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual.

Ride quality and interior noise levels are optimized for 2012. The new powertrain enlists all-new mounts which reduce noise in combination with added firewall insulation and a new engine cover.

The Wrangler Arctic Package is spun off the Wrangler Sahara model and includes touches as epically goofy as a ?Yeti Footprint? decal. It comes in a choice of Bright Silver, Bright White or Winter Chill exterior paint. The special model gets standard heated front seats and a body-color hardtop and fender flares, along with a Mopar black fuel filler door and taillamp guards. The cabin gets black Tectonic fabric with Polar White accents and orange piping.

The Wrangler Rubicon now shares a body-color hardtop with Sahara models.