Read More Customer Reviews

2012 Dodge Avenger UT

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.  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. 

Interior Features of the '12 Dodge Avenger

The prevailing impression inside the Avenger is that there's a lot of room to maneuver and stretch. It feels big inside, yet not too big outside.  Rear-seat legroom is good.  The doors are designed well, with comfortable leather armrests (in our Avenger Mainstreet), a good grab handle, door pockets, and small levers that make opening the doors easy. Besides the simple and roomy layout, anoither great part of the interior might be the expensive feel of the leather used on the steering wheel, on Mainstreet and up models.  The fabric is good and rugged, and the seats are comforastble for cruising and long hauls.  For 2011, there's new ambient interior lighting, and steering wheel controls. Some models have the optional Media Center with SIRIUS satellite radio, a 30 gb hard drive, iPod connectivity, streaming music capability and a navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time information, all controlled on a relatively simple 6.5-inch touch screen. It also had the power sunroof.  Safety equipment standard on all models includes electronic stability and traction control, ABS, six airbags, active head restraints, front airbags, front side airbargs, airbag curtains, tire pressure warning, and a LATCH child-seat system.

Driving Impressions of the '12 Dodge Avenger

Wonderful suspension, cornering and ride.  There's very little body roll, reduced vehicle motion, improved isolation, better steering precision and increased grip, thanks to wider tires.  On smooth curves it dives in with accuracy; and on choppy ones it stayed stable. Bumps don't upset the Avenger, it fends them off well.  Noise and vibration is well isolated from the cabin, as Dodge boasts, and the harder you run it, the smoother it gets. It pushes the midsize car briskly, more than fast enough to keep up.  The 3.6-liter V6 is quite energetic and is one of the most robust engines in the segment, delivering strong acceleration.

Model Lineup

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.

Conclusions

The Dodge Avenger has a great ride, a fine tuned suspension, it rides well and there is virtually no body roll.  The interior is also nice as well as the exterior.  If you are in the market for a new car, then take a look at the 2012 Dodge Avenger.  To learn more about the 2012 Dodge Avenger, click here.

Some of the information for this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com