Introduction
The
Dodge Avenger is a midsize sedan that shares its architecture with the
Chrysler 200 Sedan. While the
Chrysler is also offered as a
convertible, the Avenger is not.
Dodge claims the Avenger is the most affordable midsize car in America, the most affordable midsize car with V-6 power, and the most affordable midsize car with leather upholstery. All of these claims are made based on the starting price for that feature.
The Dodge Avenger competes in the midsize car segment, the best-selling market segment in the United States. It vies for buyers against the likes of the
Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200,
Ford Fusion,
Honda Accord,
Hyundai Sonata,
Nissan Altima,
Toyota Camry, and
Volkswagen Passat.
Exterior Features
While the 2013 Dodge Avenger shares the platform and 108.9-inch wheelbase of the Chrysler 200, it features unique styling. Seventeen-inch steel wheels with wheel covers are standard, and the SXT trim level has alloy wheels. The sport-oriented R/T trim has a sport-tuned suspension, body-color grille, headlamps with black bezels, R/T hood-to-fender stripes on the front quarter panel, rear spoiler, and unique 18-inch polished aluminum wheels.Interior FeaturesThe Dodge Avenger seats five. Standard interior features include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment,
split-folding rear seat with trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD stereo, auxiliary input jack, outside-temperature display, and theft-deterrent system. The trunk has 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Optional Features
In addition to the features on the base model, the SXT has automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver's seat, heated power mirrors, satellite radio, trip computer, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, and alloy wheels. In addition to the V-6 engine, the R/T has leather upholstery, heated front seats, a Boston Acoustics sound system, USB port, music hard drive, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine starting, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, fog lights, sport-tuned suspension, and 18-inch wheels.
Options start with a Sun/Sound package with a sunroof, as well as a navigation system, music hard drive, real-time traffic information, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, USB port, satellite radio, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. A Rallye Appearance package comes with 18-inch twin-spoke wheels, a rear spoiler, dark-tinted headlamps, and a body-color grille. A Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and remote engine starting. Many of these features are available as stand-alone options.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Dodge Avenger offers two engines--a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V-6. The 4-cylinder generates 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque. It is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission in the base model, and a 6-speed automatic with Dodge's AutoStick manual shift capability in the Avenger SXT. The R/T trim comes with the V-6. This flex-fuel-capable engine produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and it is available only with the 6-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Dodge Avenger are:
- Avenger with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic transmission: 21/29/24 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Avenger with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission: 20/31/23 mpg
- Avenger with 3.6-liter V-6 engine: 19/29/22 mpg
Safety
The 2013 Dodge Avenger comes standard with dual front air bags, front side air bags, curtain side air bags, anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes with bra
ke assist and electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, electronic stability control, active front head restraints, and a tire-pressure monitor.
In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program, the 2013 Dodge Avenger received 4 stars (out of 5) in the frontal crash, rollover, and side-impact tests, resulting in a 4-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2013 Dodge Avenger "Good" (the Institute's highest rating) in its moderate front overlap, side-impact, roof strength, and rear crash protection tests. It also posted an "Acceptable" rating in the new small overlap front crash test, qualifying it as a "Top Safety Pick Plus," the Institute's highest rating.
Technology
Dodge Avenger buyers have a choice of three audio/entertainment systems. The base system can play CDs and MP3 files, and it comes with an auxiliary input jack. Uconnect Media Center 430, which is standard in the R/T and optional otherwise, can also play DVDs and it has a 6.5-inch touch screen and a 40-gigabyte hard drive with 28 GB of music file storage. Uconnect Media Center 730N adds a navigation system, voice commands, Bluetooth streaming audio, USB port, and one year of Sirius/XM Travel Link with real-time traffic information.
2013 Dodge Avenger Summary, Photos & Specs2012 Dodge Avenger Quality Ratings
Dodge Car & Truck Quality Ratings2013 Dodge Buyer's Guide
