Dodge->ke28 unveiled the Avenger->ke2188 to the North American market back in 1995 as a two-door coupe. The model was produced until 2000 when Dodge decided to replace it with the Stratus coupe. Dodge used the Avenger name once again in 2007, but this time it was a sedan. The model remained untouched until 2011 when Dodge offered a small revision.

The current Avenger won the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" from 2009 to 2012, thanks to a very long list of standard safety and high-tech features that offer the driver and passenger the safest ride in the segment. There is also the V-6 engine which transforms it into the most powerful V-6 midsize sedan.

For the 2013 model year, the Avenger continues to remain unchanged. There is a choice of three trims -- SE, SXT and the R/T -- and the latter adds a sporty exterior look and a highly equipped interior. There is also a special Avenger Blacktop Edition, which adds an enhanced exterior look.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2013 Dodge Avenger.

2013 Dodge Avenger

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Dodge Avenger
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 173 @ 6000
  • Torque: 166 @ 4400
  • Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2013 Avenger continues to offer the same updated exterior look that Dodge announced back in 2011. This includes a revised lower front fascia and a chrome grille up front. On the rear, the Avenger gets LED taillights and an exhaust system with dual end pipes.

For the 2013 model year, customers can choose between eight exterior colors:

-Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat

-Black Clear Coat

-Redline 2 Pearl Coat

-Bright White Clear Coat

-Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat

-Blue Streak Pearl Coat

-Crystal Blue Pearl Coat

-True Blue Pearl Coat

Standard Exterior Features

-Tinted Glass Windows

-Laminated Windshield and Front Door Glass

-Power Exterior Mirrors

-LED Tail Lamps

-Security Alarm

-Grille with Bright Crosshairs

-Body-Color Door Handles

Dimensions:

Overall Body Width

72.8 In.

Overall Height

58.4 In.

Overall Length

192.6 In.

Overhang - Front

40.2 In.

Overhang - Rear

41.8 In.

Track - Front

61.7 In.

Track - Rear

62.7 In.

Turning Diameter - curb-to-curb - Left

36.5 Feet

Turning Diameter - curb-to-curb - Right

36.5 Feet

Wheelbase

108.9 In.


Interior

The interior offers all the features required by a family car. The seats are not sporty, but they are soft and supportive, while the dashboard is basic and offers silver bits surrounding the air vents and the gauge cluster.

Standard Interior Features

-*Premium interior with soft-touch surfaces

-*Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes

-*Electronic stability control with traction control and electronic roll mitigation

-*Advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags -*Side-curtain and front seat-mounted side airbags

-*Laminated front windshield and front-row side glass

-*Power locks

-*Power mirrors

-*Air conditioning

-*Remote keyless entry

-*Premium cloth seats

-*Speed control

-*Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and speed controls

-*Outside temperature display in gauge cluster

-*CD with four speakers

-*60/40 rear seat with trunk pass through

-*Fold flat front passenger seat

Dimensions:

Cargo Capacity (Trunk)

13.5 cubic-feet

Head Room - Front

40.0 In.

Head Room - Rear

38.3 In.

Hip Room - Front

52.6 In.

Hip Room - Rear

52.8In.

Leg Room - Front

42.4 In.

Leg Room - Rear

36.2 In.

Passenger Interior Volume

100.2 cubic-feet

Seating Capacity - Maximum Seating

5

Seating Capacity - Standard Seating

5

Shoulder Room - Front

56.3 In.

Shoulder Room - Rear

56.0 In.

Trunk Lift-Over Height

30.5 In.


Drivetrain

The 2013 Avenger comes with a choice of two engines. The base setup is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 173 horsepower for the base SE version, while top versions gets a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers a total of 283 horsepower.

Buyers can choose between two transmissions for the four-cylinder engine engine: the standard six-speed manual or an optional a four-speed automatic. The V-6 model comes only in an automatic. With the manual transmission and four-banger in tow, the Avenger gets 20 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway. The city rating jumps to 21 mpg with the automatic transmission, but the highway rating falls to 29 mph. With the V-6 engine, the Avenger gets 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

2.4-Liter I4 DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine

3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine

Horsepower

173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm

283 horsepower at 6,400 rpm

Torque

166 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm

260 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission


Prices

Model

Price

Avenger SE

$19,395

Avenger SE V6

$22,095

Avenger SXT

$22,395

Avenger R/T

$25,695


Options

Power Express Open/Close Sunroof

$1,095

Engine Block heater

$95

Smoker's Group

$50

Sun and navigation Group

$1,450

Uconnect 430

$695

Uconnect 730N SAT/CD

$995

Leather trimmed bucket seats

$795

Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth

$495

Cold weather group

$295

Rallye appearance group

$495


Competitors

Mazda6

The new Mazda6 was unveiled at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show and went on sale at the end of 2012.

The 2014 Mazda6 is offered with a standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission that helps deliver a fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined.

On the U.S. market, the new Mazda6 is priced from $20,880.

Kia Optima

The 2014 Optima is offered with two engines: a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine. Output is ranges from 200 to 274 horsepower and both engines are offered with a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

Conclusion

The 2013 Avenger is a car that will do exactly what Dodge designed to do: offer your family a smooth ride and a low price. Additionally, it comes with quite a powerful V-6 engine that helps make up for the buzzy four-cylinder engine that comes standard. What we do not like about the Avenger is the fuel economy, which is a little bit too low for a midsize car at 21 mpg city.

Category

Rating

Details

Driving

B+

Compliant and smooth ride, soft suspension

Performance

B-

A rather powerful V-6 engine

Look

C

Nothing impressive, just an ordinary midsize sedan

Value

A

$19,000 midsized family car that will do the trick for you

Overall

B-

The ride is compliant, the handling is good, but the six-speed automatic does not shift properly