2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $243,200–$316,406
Fuel Economy 10 MPG
Seating 4 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $5,250/yr

Key Specifications — 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Engine6.7L 12-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG11 / 18 MPG
Combined MPG14 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$5,850
Seating Capacity4 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$243,200–$316,406

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom

With an overall Carivo score of 6.3/10, the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom earns a Fair rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Value at 4.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. Buyers should review the score breakdown carefully and consider higher-rated alternatives before committing.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 5.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 5.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 8.8/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.

Priced from $243,200–$316,406, 10 MPG, seating 4, the Rolls-Royce Phantom sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 4.0/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: Based on our scoring, the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom underperforms its segment peers across multiple dimensions. Unless there's a specific reason it fits your situation — price, a particular trim's features, or availability — there are better-scored alternatives at similar price points worth considering first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom ranks #1302 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 1% of the segment. Its 6.3/10 overall score is 1.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $243,200 starting price is about 779% above the segment's median of $27,664.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Phantom Year Should You Buy?

Across the Phantom model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 6.5/10$266,000 Read review →
2014 6.5/10$266,000 Read review →
2013 6.3/10$254,600 Read review →
2012 (this review) 6.3/10$243,200

Pros & Cons — 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

Similar Sedan to Consider

Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur
2014 Bentley Flying Spur
6.8/10
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2026 Bentley Flying Spur
2026 Bentley Flying Spur
6.8/10
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2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost
2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost
6.6/10
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2026 Rolls-Royce Ghost
2026 Rolls-Royce Ghost
6.6/10
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More Rolls-Royce Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Rolls-Royce models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.