You want a Jeep. You don’t want a Jeep that’s been transformed into an SUV or one of the higher end models. You want a Jeep that screams off-roading fun. Will the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara fit the bill and give you the features and charm you desire?
What does the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara have to offer?
- 4×4 power in true Jeep styling
- 3.6L V6 engine
- 285 horsepower to really dig into the dirt
- Six-speed manual transmission with overdrive
- 2,000 pounds of towing capacity
For those who love the thought of off-roading fun, this clearly sounds like a solid choice. Before you make any buying decision, you’ll want to know more about this vehicle’s specs. We’ll break that down.
You can gain even more insight by checking out the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara’s Vehicle History.
Is the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Right for You?
The Jeep Wrangler Sahara is the mid-trim option from this manufacturer this year. The base model is the Sport, which offers fewer features and the same engine. The upper trim option is the Rubicon, which takes styling to new heights and then some.
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara is a solid investment, with a new starting price of $27,970. This 4×4 has plenty to love, especially if you are a true Jeep loyalist. It has the exposed doors and hood hinges (and the removable doors) that make this vehicle a real Jeep.
Dive into the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara’s Performance
There are a few things that help this model stand out. First, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler’s engine is the same across all three trim options. It is a 3.6L V6 engine. This vehicle gets 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. It has the power you need, in most cases.
What you will notice is that this vehicle features a manual transmission. It has a manual shifter for the four-wheel drive transfer case as well. If you are looking for an automatic transmission, there is an optional five-speed available. It’s probably the better option for rough terrain.
What you’ll find is that the standard six-speed manual transmission has ample power behind it. It also features Command-Trac four-wheel drive, which is an exceptional option in terms of control. You’ll get that positive engagement from this vehicle. It feels heavy and hard-working.
Keep in mind, this manual transmission is just available in this particular vehicle – not even other manufacturers offer it. If a powerful manual transmission is your goal, you’ll find this is the right choice.
That’s not to say you are going to get anywhere super fast with this vehicle. The V-6 engine goes from 0 to 60 in about 6.8 seconds. It’s about the experience, not the speed, right?
This vehicle has 2,000 pounds of towing capacity available. If you have a small trailer, this could help you to get where you need to be with ease.
As for fuel economy, that engine doesn’t give you much. The EPA-estimate for this vehicle is 16 city and 21 highway for a combined 18 miles per gallon.
Finally, we have to take into consideration safety and performance. This is where the 2012 Sahara may get you. As of October 2020, there are 10 recalls on this model, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They focus on the electrical system, airbags and powertrain.
It doesn’t have an overall safety rating. However, it has tested moderately across the board for safety.
The Exterior Body You Want in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
For the off-road lover, there are a few key benefits to the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. One of them is that it has good ground clearance. That’s as much as 10.6 inches in the front. It also comes with nice 18-inch tires (Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires, to be exact).
This, plus the overall stability control system that’s on board this vehicle provides drivers with the ability to tackle even some rough rocks. If you want a sporty vehicle for real off-road adventures, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara does a solid job of getting you there.
You can also upgrade the Sahara with a hardtop. That’s just in case you don’t have the flexibility of using this vehicle just for adventures.
Let’s Take a Look at What’s inside
While the exterior of this vehicle is all about rough and tough styling, the interior offers enough features to meet most of your needs. That includes upgradable options such as heated leather front bucket seats. The leather is smooth and supple.
There are a few upgradable features with the tech and infotainment on this vehicle as well. You can choose the connectivity package, which gives you access to Bluetooth and a USB port.
There’s also another option – the Media Center package. This gives the Jeep Wrangler Sahara a hard drive for all of your music. It also comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with GPS navigation system. It comes with SiriusXM Travel Link as well. Unfortunately, these are optional upgrades.
Should You Choose The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Over the Other Trims?
Jeep is the type of car you have to love to own. When you are comparing the three trim options with the Jeep model for this year, you’ve got a solid mid-range in the Sahara. It’s priced about $3,000 under and over the other trims. It most certainly gives you key features.
There are a lot of upgrades to consider, though. If you want the tech and the improved features, you may want to upgrade to the top tier option. For those who want just enough to love, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara does a solid job.
Want More Information Before You Buy?
To learn more about the Jeep Wrangler Sahara for 2012, take a look at what other owners of the vehicle have to say. That’s going to give you the most insight possible. You can check out the Jeep Wrangler Sahara’s Vehicle History to get a real look at this car’s performance.
