Dodge Expands Avenger V-6 Lineup

Dodge is adding a V-6 to its entry-level Avenger. Previously available only on uplevel models, the 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission are now available on the base Avenger SE. It's EPA-rated at 19/29 mpg city/highway.

For 2012, the Avenger comes in five trim levels: SE, SE V-6, SXT, SXT Plus and R/T. The 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine continues to be standard on the entry-level SE and volume SXT models.

Aside from the powertrain, the new SE V-6 adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual exhaust with bright tips and a body-colored rear spoiler to the base SE. It starts at $21,495, excluding destination. Four-cylinder SE models start at $18,995.

Comments

I drove an Avenger and it surprised me how much I liked it. It may have helped that I had the cool R/T model. The red accents and real aluminum (very rare) in the interior were nice touches

I test drove the 2012 Avenger R/T and was very impressed overall. The only real negative for me was I didn't feel the transmission performance lived up to the performance of the rest of the vehicle. Looking at the mileage numbers, I can't see why anyone would buy the 4 cyl. version of this vehicle.