Essentially sharing top billing with its SXT sibling in the 2012 Dodge Caliber trim lineup is the Caliber SXT Plus. This 5-passenger, 5-door compact hatchback wagon comes in front-wheel- drive (FWD) only and offers 47.4 cubic feet of total cargo area, while a sport-tuned suspension gives it a tad more panache on the road.
Outside, look for a standard rear spoiler, 18-inch polished alloy wheels and heated power-adjustable mirrors, while the cabin boasts upgraded cloth upholstery, sport-oriented gauges and switches, reclining rear seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a fold-flat front passenger seat. Then there are such added standard goodies as a chilled beverage container, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and front and rear floor mats. Standard entertainment, of course, remains a 66-watt stereo with MP3-capable single-CD player, 4 speakers and satellite radio.
Of all the optional equipment for this top-shelf Caliber, probably the most noteworthy is a 368-watt Boston Acoustics system that boasts 9 Surround Sound speakers including a pair of articulating tailgate speakers, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls.
Further options include upgraded Uconnect infotainment with Bluetooth hands-free calling, a 6.5-inch display, 30GB hard drive and rear-seat DVD entertainment. Hard-drive-based navigation is also available, as is a power sunroof, each in standalone form, while a couple of optional Security Group packages add daytime running lights, front side-mounted airbags, remote engine start, a remote antitheft alarm and a trailer wiring harness.
The ubiquitous 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine with variable valve timing (VVT) remains the sole powerplant offering in the 2012 Caliber SXT Plus. Mated with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the four-banger is good for 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque, with mileage estimated at 24 mpg city/32 highway. Furthermore, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available in this flagship trim for added convenience, but mileage falls to 23/27. Finally, towing with either transmission is maxed out at 1,500 pounds with the proper equipment installed.
Standard safety features for the 2012 Caliber SXT Plus, meantime, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Front fog/driving lights also come standard, while the aforementioned Security Group packages are offered as optional safety items.
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