There are times when a car can really get you excited when you’re behind the wheel, and when you’re testing numerous vehicles, that doesn’t always happen. I can tell you that I was just as excited to drive the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus the last day of my test week as much as the first, and that is why folks buy certain cars and keep them for years.
Exterior
Dodge already had a solid product on their hands with the Dodge Charger, but after a refresh on the exterior of the 2012 Charger, this car is flat out gorgeous! Our test model was very confident with 20-inch aluminum chrome clad wheels, redline three-coat pearl exterior paint, smartbeam headlamps, power moonroof and a sleek rear body color spoiler. The looksof the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus is striking, and it stands out from the other sport sedans on the road.
Interior
Dodge did a fantastic job combining sport with luxury in the interior of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus and we were amazed at just how far Dodge has come in fit, finish and design of their interiors. The options were limitless with steering wheel paddle shifters, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated sport tan nappa leather bucket seats, driver/passenger power 4-way lumbar adjust, heated second row seats, heated cooled front console cup holders, rain sensitive windshield wipers, navigation system, satellite radio, and 9 amplified speakers with subwoofer with 506 watt amplifier. There is more room than one could ask for with a huge trunk as well. For me, the interior is a throwback to days gone by with all the technological touches one needs.
Performance
This is a Charger, so performance is make it or break it with this car. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivered 292 horsepower along with improved performance and class-leading fuel efficiency of 19mpg city and 31 mpg highway driving. That’s pretty impressive, and Dodge deserves credit for coming through with an 8-speed auto transmission with E-shifter, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, performance touring suspension, electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, hill start assist, rain brake support, ready alert braking, electro hydraulic power steering and remote start. The acceleration is extremely smooth and powerful with plenty of horses under the hood to satisfy those looking for a sports sedan or a flat-out muscle car. When I’m zipping in and out of lanes, it really helps to have the blind spot with rear cross path direction working for me as it clearly makes me a better driver. The new 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus looks fast and Dodge backed up the appearance with a speedster that also delivers excellent fuel economy.
Overview
Dodge really stepped up their game with the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus and for a price of $34,510 as tested, this almost full-size sports sedan delivers bang for the buck. The styling is top of the line and proudly screams “American,” and with as many people that stopped to ask about the car (including at stop lights), Dodge truly has a winner in the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus. This is the type of car that people long for, and with the 31mpg highway driving, now they don’t have to sacrifice fuel economy to buy the car they really desire!
