SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 375 hp 5A)
SXT Plus 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
SRT8 392 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M)
SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 470 hp 5A)
SRT8 392 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 470 hp 5A)
R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
R/T Plus 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 375 hp 5A)
R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
SRT8 392 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 470 hp 5A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?R/T Classic 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
R/T Classic 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
SXT Plus 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Rallye Redline 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 372 hp 5A)
SRT8 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M)
R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 372 hp 5A)
R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
SXT Plus 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Overall Rating
Starting at a price of $26,000, it is on par with the similarly capable muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang.
Similar to its outgoing 2011 model, the 2012 Dodge Challenger is mostly a carry-ver model with subtle tweaks. Starting at an MSRP of $25,195, the 2012 Dodge Challenger gets a renamed "SXT' base trim and some newly available optional features. For 2012, the Dodge Challenger can now be paired with an 18-speaker Harman-Kardon audio and zinc paddle shifters with the SXT and R/T models.
The SRT8 is now available with new 2-way adjustable suspension damping and a heated steering wheel. Despite very minimal updates, the 2012 Dodge Challenger is still unlike any other car in the market. Not the most athletic for sure but the Challenger offers ample fun, power and practicality with a piece of American pride. However, with a similar intent and price tag, the likes of Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, give it a tough fight.
We would recommend to opt for the 2012 Dodge R/T as it adds more comfort features to the base SRT variant. Available at a price of $31,000, it provides great value for the money spent. It also gets a powerful V8 engine that provides great overall performance. With the R/T, you could add the R/T Plus package that adds in performance steering, brakes, shocks, and stability control.
Rallye Redline 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
R/T Classic 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 372 hp 5A)
SRT8 392 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 470 hp 5A)
R/T Classic 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 372 hp 5A)
R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 372 hp 5A)
Starting at a price of $26,000, it is on par with the similarly capable muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang.
Similar to its outgoing 2011 model, the 2012 Dodge Challenger is mostly a carry-ver model with subtle tweaks. Starting at an MSRP of $25,195, the 2012 Dodge Challenger gets a renamed "SXT' base trim and some newly available optional features. For 2012, the Dodge Challenger can now be paired with an 18-speaker Harman-Kardon audio and zinc paddle shifters with the SXT and R/T models.
The SRT8 is now available with new 2-way adjustable suspension damping and a heated steering wheel. Despite very minimal updates, the 2012 Dodge Challenger is still unlike any other car in the market. Not the most athletic for sure but the Challenger offers ample fun, power and practicality with a piece of American pride. However, with a similar intent and price tag, the likes of Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, give it a tough fight.
The 2012 Dodge Challenger is available in three variants, namely the SXT, R/T, and the SRT8 392. The base SXT starts at a price of $26,000 and gets multiple features as standard which provides great overall comfort. The R/T variant is available at $31,000 and adds in more interior features like heated seats, automatic headlights, and leather upholstery. The SRT8 392 is the top trim and gets the biggest 6.4-liter V8 engine, which is the most powerful in the line-up. The SRT8 392 also gets the performance-tuned suspension, bigger tires, a better audio system, and a 6.5-inch infotainment system.
Trims |
SXT |
R/T |
SRT8 392 |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$26,000 |
$31,000 |
$50,000 |
Key Features |
18-inch alloy wheels |
Adds to the SXT: |
20-inch chrome wheels |
cruise control |
automatic headlights |
rear spoiler |
|
automatic climate control |
leather upholstery |
performance-tuned suspension/steering/brakes |
|
Six-way power driver seat |
heated front seats |
steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles |
|
six-speaker sound system |
auto-dimming rearview mirror |
6.5-inch display screen |
|
Boston Acoustic speakers |
We Recommend
We would recommend to opt for the 2012 Dodge R/T as it adds more comfort features to the base SRT variant. Available at a price of $31,000, it provides great value for the money spent. It also gets a powerful V8 engine that provides great overall performance. With the R/T, you could add the R/T Plus package that adds in performance steering, brakes, shocks, and stability control.
The 2012 Dodge Challenger is available in three engine options. The base SXT variant gets a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 305 hp along with 268 lb-ft of torque. The R/T variant gets a bigger 5.7-liter V8 engine that provides 372 hp along with 376 lb-ft of torque.
The top SRT8 392 variant gets the mighty 6.4-liter V8 that generates 470 hp and an equal amount of torque. All the engines are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission and deliver the power to the rear wheels as standard.
Model |
Dodge Challenger Coupe |
Chevrolet Camaro Coupe |
Ford Mustang Coupe |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$25,195 |
$28,430 |
$26,310 |
Engine |
3.6-liter V6 |
3.6-liter V6 |
3.7-liter V6 |
Drivetrain |
rear-wheel drive |
rear-wheel drive |
rear-wheel drive |
Transmission |
5-speed Automatic |
6-speed Manual |
6-speed Manual |
Power |
305 hp @ 6350 rpm |
323 hp @ 6800 rpm |
305 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Torque |
268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm |
278 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm |
280 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm |
0-60 mph (sec) |
5.8 |
5.2 |
5.2 |
Quarter-mile (sec) |
15.1 |
14.1 |
14.8 |
Top Speed (mph) |
114 |
- |
- |
The Chevrolet Camaro is the most powerful among the competition with a power output of 323 hp, while the Ford Mustang generates the same power as the Challenger along with improved torque. The Camaro and Mustang reach the 60 mph mark in 5.2 seconds, while the Challenger takes 5.8 seconds.
The powerful engines with high power output and quick acceleration gulp down more fuel to provide that performance. But the Challenger provides a decent fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city, which improves to 27 mpg on the highway. Thus the Challenger provides a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg. Along with that, the Challenger has a 19.5-gallon fuel tank capacity, which provides a maximum range of 526 miles.
Model |
Dodge Challenger Coupe |
Chevrolet Camaro Coupe |
Ford Mustang Coupe |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
18 |
17 |
17 |
MPG (Highway) |
27 |
28 |
26 |
MPG (Combined) |
21 |
20 |
20 |
Fuel Capacity (gal) |
19.5 gal. |
19 gal. |
16 gal. |
The Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang have a similar fuel economy in the city, but the Camaro provides a slightly better mileage of 28 mpg on the highway. Both of the rivals provide a similar combined mileage of 20 mpg, but with a bigger 19-gallon fuel tank as opposed to 16 gallons in the Mustang, the Camaro provides a better range.
Over the years, the interior of this muscle car has changed from a hard ride to incorporations of more comfort features. The seats are nicely bolstered and provide great lateral support in the front.
The Challenger can carry up to 5 people inside the cabin and provides the best-in-class spacing for each individual passenger. Even if the Camaro has the maximum passenger volume, the Challenger manages to provide better headroom and legroom to the occupants.Â
Model |
Dodge Challenger Coupe |
Chevrolet Camaro Coupe |
Ford Mustang Coupe |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Passenger Volume (cu-ft) |
91.5 |
93 |
83.3 |
Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
39.3/58.2/42 |
37.4/56.9/42.4 |
38.5/55.3/42.4 |
Rear Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
37.4/53.9/32.6 |
35.7/50.4/29.9 |
36.5/45/29.8 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
16.2 cu.ft. |
11.3 cu.ft. |
13.4 cu.ft. |
The 2012 Camaro and Mustang can carry only 4 passengers inside the cabin and provide considerable spacing. The Mustang has the lowest passenger volume of 83.3 cu.ft. The Dodge Challenger has a maximum cargo volume of 16.2 cu.ft. This is followed by the Mustang with a cargo capacity of 13.4 cu.ft, while the Camaro has the lowest cargo capacity of 11.3 cu.ft. Major interior features include-
As standard, the 2012 Dodge Challenger does not impress us with the infotainment system as it gets all the basic features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, and the CD player.
But with optional packages, we have the option to add a 6.5-inch display screen, better Boston Acoustic speaker, and digital music storage. There is not a lot to offer when it comes to the infotainment system in the 2012 Dodge Challenger, but here is a list of those features:
The 2012 Dodge Challenger has that signature muscle car look with its wide body and longer length. The huge hood and flat front is not the most aerodynamic design, but that is what all the muscle cars are about.
The bigger 20-inch chrome wheels go with the overall design. While the driver has a clear view in the front, it is difficult to get a considerable view from the rear glass.
Model |
Dodge Challenger Coupe |
Chevrolet Camaro Coupe |
Ford Mustang Coupe |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3834 lbs. |
3741 lbs. |
3453 lbs. |
Length (in) |
198 in. |
190 in. |
188 in. |
Width (in) |
76 in. |
76 in. |
74 in. |
Height (in) |
57 in. |
54 in. |
56 in. |
Ground Clearance (in) |
6 |
4 |
5 |
Wheelbase (in) |
116 in. |
112.3 in. |
107.1 in. |
The Dodge Challenger is the heaviest among the competition with a curb weight of 3,834 pounds, while the Mustang is the lightest at 3,453 pounds. The Challenger is the longest as well with 198 inches and has the maximum ground clearance of 6-inches. All the vehicles have a similar footprint on the road. Few key exterior highlights of the Challenger are-
The 2012 Dodge Challenger has not been tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS has given it a ‘Good’ rating for all the segments in the testing. The IIHS has also awarded the Challenger as a Top Safety Pick in the large sedan segment for the year 2012. Along with that, the Challenger is equipped with multiple safety features that improve the overall safety factor. Here is a list of all those features:
The 2012 Dodge Challenger is one of the most powerful muscle cars that you can find in the market. With multiple engine options ranging from 3.4-liter V6 to 6.4-liter V8, there is one Challenger available for every need and liking. Not just the engine, but the interior design is upgraded to provide better comfort. It is one of the safest muscle cars at the core level and can easily double down as your daily driver as well. Thus if you are looking for a powerful yet comfortable muscle car, the 2012 Dodge Challenger is the one to look out for.