Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Sporty SRT8 trim is revived, featuring V-8 engine
- V-6 engine is available with 8-speed automatic transmission
- SXT trim adds a mid-range level of luxury

Exterior Features
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that traces its roots to the late 1960s muscle-car era. Today's 2012 Charger is a large sedan available with sporty performance features. The high-performance SRT8 trim, which disappeared from the 2011 lineup, is revived for 2012.

Interior Features
The Charger is sold in four trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, and SRT8. Standard equipment on the SE includes cloth upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, power driver's seat, full power accessories, keyless entry, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SXT adds the 8-speed automatic transmission, remote ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and more. The R/T steps up to a V-8 engine, 18-inch wheels, sport suspension and front seats, and Xenon headlights. The SRT8 employs a larger V-8 engine, 20-inch wheels, high-performance suspension, and upgrades to the brakes, tires, steering wheel, audio system, and interior. Heated rear seats are also standard with the SRT8.

Optional Features
All-wheel and rear-wheel drive (AWD and RWD) are available; leather upholstery is optional on the R/T and SXT; and some of the SRT8's performance features are also available on other trims. A navigation system is optional on the upper trims, and a sunroof is available on all but the SE trim.

Under the Hood
The Charger's standard power plant is a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that delivers 292 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5.7-liter V-8 engine that generates 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque is standard on Charger R/T. The SRT8 exclusively features a 6.4-liter V-8 engine that delivers 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Dodge Charger are:
- Charger SE: 18/27/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Charger R/T with RWD: 16/25/19 mpg
- Charger R/T with AWD: 15/23/18 mpg
- Charger SRT8: 14/23/17 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Dodge Charger include traction control; anti-lock brakes; front-seat side air bags; and side curtain air bags. A blind-spot warning system, rearview camera, and other safety features are optional.

In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Charger received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for all impact tests.