Dodge Avenger - Vehicle Overview

The Dodge Avenger returns for the 2012 model year with a few modest changes. The five-seat Avenger is related to the Chrysler 200 — formerly the Sebring — and both cars got a new interior, a revised suspension and a new V-6 engine option last year.

The 2012 model year sees the introduction of the new Avenger R/T. The performance-oriented sedan features a 283-horsepower V-6 engine, a stiffer suspension and unique exterior and interior cues.

The R/T's monochromatic exterior carries a rallye-themed flavor with its tinted headlamps, unique 18-inch aluminum wheels, a rear deck lid spoiler, dual exhaust tips and stripes on the front fenders.

Inside, the R/T features leather-trimmed sport seats and a touch-screen Boston Acoustics stereo with a 28-gigabyte hard drive for music storage. A center-mounted tachometer in the instrument panel bears the R/T badge, and the pedals have an SRT-inspired appearance. A perforated leather steering wheel has red accent stitching, and the interior gains red ambient lighting.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Dodge Avenger is a midsize sedan available in SE, SXT, SXT Plus and R/T trim levels.

The base SE comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Optional are satellite radio and a package containing heated front seats and an eight-way power driver seat.

The SXT adds to the SE's standard equipment with 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded transmission, heated folding mirrors, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. A touchscreen stereo interface that includes digital music storage is optional.

The SXT Plus includes that touchscreen interface along with a V6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps and foglamps. Both SXT models can be equipped with the Cold Weather Group, which adds heated front seats and remote ignition.

The R/T adds different 18-inch wheels, upgraded steering, a sport-tuned suspension, the Cold Weather Group, cloth/leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system with an iPod/USB audio interface.

The SE, SXT and SXT Plus can be equipped with Bluetooth phone connectivity. A sunroof is optional on all but the SE, and all Avengers can be equipped with a fold-flat front passenger seat. Optional on the SXT Plus and R/T is a navigation system that includes real-time traffic, Bluetooth audio and an iPod/USB audio interface.

Interior

The Dodge Avenger's design team did a remarkable job last year of transforming the old, low-rent interior into something that's now fully competitive for the midsize sedan segment. The general dash design and control layout are pretty much the same as before, but because the materials are substantially better, the overall ambience is greatly improved.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Dodge Avenger SE and SXT are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard on every Avenger. The SE gets a four-speed automatic transmission and the SXT has a six-speed automatic. EPA estimated fuel economy is average for a midsize sedan, with 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the four-speed and 21/31/24 with the six-speed.

The Avenger SXT Plus and R/T get a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, an Avenger with this engine went from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds -- a quick time for a midsize sedan. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19/29/22.

Safety

Every 2012 Avenger comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, active head restraints, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.