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Is the 2012 Chevy Captiva AWD?

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport sold in the United States was not offered with all-wheel drive; it came with front-wheel drive only. In other regions, some Captiva variants did offer AWD, but the U.S. model year 2012 Captiva Sport did not include an AWD option.


US market: drivetrain and trim overview


The 2012 Captiva Sport in the United States was a compact crossover based on GM’s global platform lineage. It was typically equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as the standard configuration. An all-wheel-drive option was not available for this model year in North America.


Below is a quick breakdown of the key drivetrain and trim details for the 2012 Captiva Sport in the U.S. market:



  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard; no all-wheel drive (AWD) option offered

  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic

  • Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder

  • Trim levels: Typically included LS and LT variants with standard convenience features; AWD was not an available option


In short, buyers shopping for a 2012 Captiva Sport in the U.S. should not expect an AWD version; the vehicle was marketed and sold with FWD only.


Global context: where AWD was available on Captiva models


Beyond the United States, Chevrolet’s Captiva nameplate has appeared in various markets, sometimes under different branding (such as Opel Antara in Europe). In many of these markets, all-wheel drive (often marketed as 4x4) was offered on certain Captiva configurations, depending on the country and model year. The presence of AWD is therefore market-specific rather than universal for the Captiva nameplate.


To illustrate, some non-U.S. markets historically provided AWD on Captiva variants with different engines or trims, while others offered only two-wheel-drive configurations. If you’re evaluating a specific global Captiva model, the exact drivetrain should be confirmed via the VIN, window sticker, or local dealer specifications for that country and year.


How to verify a used 2012 Captiva’s drivetrain


When checking a used 2012 Captiva for AWD capability, look for documentation and physical indicators: the window sticker or a VIN-based build sheet should specify the drivetrain; absence of AWD badges or a drivetrain designation indicating four-wheel drive is a strong clue that the vehicle is FWD.


Summary


For the 2012 Captiva Sport sold in the United States, AWD was not available; the model was offered with front-wheel drive only. In other regions, AWD could be present on certain Captiva variants, underscoring the importance of market-specific specifications and VIN verification when assessing a used vehicle.

How many miles can a 2012 Captiva last?


The estimated lifespan of a Chevrolet Captiva is 125,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.



Is the Chevy Captiva AWD?


The Captiva is a front-wheel or all-wheel drive SUV; the engines were supplied by Holden in Australia, the Family II naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol or the Alloytec Holden V6 built in Australia, and later a 2.0-L turbo-diesel supplied by VM Motori in South Korea.



Is a 2014 Chevy Captiva front-wheel drive or rear wheel drive?


Front wheel
Drivetrain

Transmission6-speed automatic
Drive typeFront wheel drive



How much is a 2012 Captiva worth?


The value of a 2012 Chevy Captiva Sport varies by trim, condition, mileage, and location, with a typical range between $1,396 and $3,966 according to Edmunds. Resale and trade-in values are generally lower, with estimates around $4,000 for resale and $1,500 for trade-in for the LTZ model, while prices on car listing sites can be higher depending on condition and features.
 
Factors influencing value

  • Trim level: The LTZ trim was the most expensive when new and holds a slightly higher value compared to the LT and LS trims. 
  • Condition and mileage: The specific condition of the vehicle, including its history of accidents or maintenance, and the total mileage are the biggest factors in determining its current value. 
  • Resale vs. trade-in: Your value will be different depending on whether you are selling to a private party or trading it in at a dealership. Trade-in values are typically lower. 
  • Location: The prices listed can vary by region and are influenced by local market demand. 

Estimated value ranges
  • Private party sale: Expect a range from approximately $3,436 (for an LS model) to $5,217 (for an LTZ model). 
  • Trade-in value: This is usually lower, with estimates for an LTZ model around $1,520. 
  • Edmunds estimate: A broad range for a 2012 Captiva Sport is $1,396 to $3,966, which accounts for a wide variety of conditions and mileages. 
  • CarGurus estimate: This site estimates the trade-in value around $1,895 and the private sale value around $4,433, though their data is limited. 

How to get a more precise valuation
To get the most accurate value for your specific vehicle, it is recommended to use online valuation tools and input your car's details, such as its exact mileage, condition, and features. You can also check Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get a personalized estimate.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.