Description

012 Highlights Other than new trim level names, the 2012 Dodge Avenger is unchanged. Performance and mpg 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. In Edmunds brake testing, an Avenger with 18-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in an acceptable 127 feet. In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Avenger received the top rating of Good in the frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. Driving The 2012 Dodge Avenger drives down the road with poise. The suspension provides a supple, yet well-controlled ride, and handling is better than that of many other midsize sedans. The steering provides decent feedback, but isn't as responsive as the Accord's or the Fusion's. Performance with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is unremarkable, but it should be adequate for most buyers when it's mated to the six-speed automatic transmission found in the SXT. The 3.6-liter V6 is quite energetic and is one of the most robust engines in the segment, delivering strong acceleration without a tremendous sacrifice in fuel economy. 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. Rear visibility can be a bit tricky due to the Avenger's thick rear pillars, however, and neither a back-up camera nor parking sensors are offered. The Avenger also lags behind its competitors (and even some of its Chrysler-Dodge cousins) in terms of in-car electronics. The older Chrysler touchscreen interface was unintuitive when it was new and hasn't grown better with age. The standard stereo faceplate, however, is a model of simplicity and user-friendliness. The Avenger's principal demerit, however, is that it's a bit smaller than its competition. This is noticeable in the backseat as well as in the front, which features a slightly odd, elevated seating position to create more legroom. The 13.4-cubic-foot trunk is also a little on the small side.