Two engine options were offered for the 2012 Dodge Avenger: a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 3.6-liter V6. The four-cylinder was the standard setup for most trims, while the six-cylinder was available on higher-performance configurations.
Engine options for the 2012 Avenger
The following outlines the powertrains available in that model year, including typical output figures and where they appeared in the lineup.
Four-cylinder option
The 2.4-liter inline-four (Tigershark) produced approximately 178 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, and it was the common choice for the base and mid-range trims.
- 2.4-liter inline-four (Tigershark): ~178 hp, ~166 lb-ft of torque; usually paired with a four-speed automatic in many configurations.
In everyday use, the 4-cylinder Avenger prioritized efficiency and solo drivability, making it the default setup for most buyers.
Six-cylinder option
The 3.6-liter V6 (Pentastar) delivered about 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and it was typically found on higher-trim or sport-focused variants.
- 3.6-liter V6 (Pentastar): ~283 hp, ~260 lb-ft of torque; commonly associated with higher trims such as the R/T or packages that added sport-oriented features.
The V6 offered a notable boost in performance for buyers seeking stronger acceleration and a more assertive driving feel.
Availability by trim
Engine availability varied by model year and market, with the V6 not being a baseline option. It appeared mainly on sport-oriented or top-tier variants, while the 4-cylinder was the standard powertrain for most configurations.
- R/T and other higher-trim configurations: 3.6L V6 commonly featured or offered via optional packages.
- Base and mid-range trims: typically equipped with the 2.4L inline-four by default; V6 could be added only in certain packages or markets.
Prospective buyers and used-car shoppers should verify the exact engine on a given car via the VIN or window sticker, since production options could vary by date and region.
Summary
The 2012 Dodge Avenger offered two engine choices: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The four-cylinder served as the standard option for most trims, while the six-cylinder provided a power boost on higher-trim or sport-oriented configurations. When shopping, confirm the specific engine installed on the vehicle to ensure you’re getting the desired balance of efficiency and performance.