2012 Dodge Caliber SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

The 2012 Dodge Caliber SUV Crossover was expected to enter the market with the same finesse as its popular predecessor, the Dodge Neon. Unfortunately, it hasn't yet lived up to those expectations, and it has yet to be given the benefit of the significant re-engineering enjoyed by other Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. As a result, despite its low price and solid fuel-efficiency, it struggles to compete with peers such as the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus.

The 2.0 liter I-4 engine offers 158 horsepower with a choice between CVT (continuously variable transmission) or manual transmission. If you opt for the CVT, you can expect to lose gas mileage, as it drops from 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway to only 23 and 27 respectively. The other issue with the CVT transmission is noise - the cabin is loud due to the CVT design. The power under the hood would normally be enough to ensure rapid acceleration and easy merging and passing on the highway. However, the Dodge Caliber SUV Crossover is heavier than the competition at 3,012 pounds, making it somewhat sluggish. Brakes are a high point on this model, offering reliable slowing and stopping on command.

The standard safety features on this SUV include active front head restraints, electronic stability control (not offered on the SE trim), sentry key engine immobilizer, and several airbags, such as advanced multi-stage front airbags and supplemental side-curtain airbags. Front seat side supplemental airbags are not offered on the SE, and they are an option on the higher grade versions of the Dodge Caliber SUV Crossover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the car and gave it a "good" (highest score) for a frontal -offset crash test, however the side-impact crash test scored only a "marginal" (second-to-worst possible ranking). The roof strength was average at "acceptable".