Give Chrysler some credit. In an era of shared platforms and cloned styling, my tester for the week, the 2013 Dodge Avenger SE, distinguishes itself from others in the gelatinous mid-size segment. The fact that it manages to have some personality, and maintain an affordable price tag is fantastic.
The Avenger’s bunk mate in the Chrysler household is the Chrysler 200, but there is little family resemblance. Instead, the Avenger does have some familial traits of other Dodge cars including the identifiable grille, as well as some of the muscle-focused look of the Charger. You’ll notice a definite family resemblance to the Charger in the rear fender and extended wheel wells of the Avenger.
Inside, the Avenger has a simple interior that is not as sporty as the Charger or as luxurious as the Chrysler 200. It is worth noting that the materials used inside the 2013 Avenger are updated from previous generations. Soft-touch materials on both the door panels and the dashboard are appreciated and give the Avenger a more current feel.
A tilt/telescoping steering column, heated front seats and LED lighting also provide an updated appeal. Chrysler’s easy-to-use Uconnect system makes connecting and interacting with mobile devices easy and offers hands-free, voice activated commands for safe driving.
Because it’s a Dodge, you expect nice performance from the engine. And this current model delivers with a 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. With this bigger engine, the Avenger delivers 283-horsepower, while offering smooth shifting and controlled torque. It’s not a jackrabbit off the line, but will more than hold its own in all driving conditions.
The front-wheel drive Avenger hangs with the mid-size competition, and throws just enough muscle around to differentiate itself.
The Avenger has four trims, with two different engines, including a smaller 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. The base SE (available as a 4-cylinder or a V6), the SXT and the top-of-the-line R/T offer various options from basic cloth seats, to leather-trimmed seats and numerous other amenities.
Fuel economy for the Avenger is average, especially for the V6 engine, where the SE has a government rating of 19 city and 29 highway.
In a week’s worth of driving, I averaged 25.6 MPG. It’s worth noting that the 4-cylinder engine has an EPA rating of 21 city and 30 highway, so there’s not a lot of difference in fuel economy in order to get more power. I’d recommend the larger engine, so you can fully enjoy the Avenger.
The basic SE starts at $18,995 putting it near the top of the mid-size segment in affordability. Even decked out with the bigger engine and optional packages like a spoiler, heated front seats and all-season tires, my tester had a total price of $23,825. The top-of-the-line R/T is priced just over $25,000, so the consumer can still feel like they’re getting more for less.
The 2013 Dodge Avenger is a mid-size sedan that seems comfortable in its own skin.
With distinguished looks, upgraded interior materials and a capable engine, the Avenger is able to remain viable in the ultra-competitive mid-size segment.
Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-2115. Follow him on Twitter @wheelseditor