The mid-size sedan segment has never been without tough competition. With models like the Altima, Malibu and perennial sales champion Camry rounding out the very best, Dodge had its hands full when it set out to launch the new Avenger sedan.
The good thing for Dodge is that it had a head start on others in the market, the great thing for the Avenger is that one of those head starts was the Dodge Charger. The Charger has distinctively bold styling that is recognizable as nothing other than a Charger. That's hard to do these days, but those authentically Dodge lines are the signature style that really separates the Avenger from everything else in the segment.
I had the opportunity to test out the Dodge Avenger R/T with all-wheel drive (AWD). This is the top-of-the-line model in a lineup including three front-wheel-drive models: SE, SXT and standard R/T. Base priced at $24,995, my tester had a couple of additional option packages added on that brought the relatively low base price up to $30,820.
While the Avenger addresses many of the most important characteristics delivered by the competition, I thought it exceeds expectations in a couple areas. Firstly, the exterior styling. While it is not exactly the Charger, between the headlight assembly, the bold grille and the rear profile, this is easily the most aggressive car in this segment. Add to that the R/T signature 18-inch rims and you have yourself a mid-size sedan with an attitude.
Granted, that "attitude" is not for everyone, but the exterior style (with AWD) is what makes this sedan stand out. Unfortunately, Avenger is not perfect and it falters slightly once you get inside. Hard plastic surfaces are not on anyone's list of must-haves, but they are necessary in many manufacturers' approach to keeping the costs down. Therefore, Avenger's long equipment list, power and exterior style come at the expense of the interior dash and door materials, which are below average for this segment.
It's not hard to get past the materials when you get situated in the cabin. My tester had wonderful two-tone leather seating with heated front controls and heated-cooled cup holders. Brash white-backed gauges and chrome trim carry the aggressive exterior inside. My steering wheel had audio controls for ease of channel and function changes.
Seating in front is comfortable with good sightlines for the driver. Rear passenger comfort was good, but two adults are all you will want to slide into the back seats. Rear seats split 60/40 to offer access to relatively small trunk quarters. Also, that refrigerator glove box is still a feature that impresses many of my passengers.
On the electronic side of things, Avenger again exceeded expectations by showing that its rough and tough exterior really has a soft side - inside. I found the upgraded Harmon-Kardon Nav-Audio system featuring a Boston Acoustics speaker group, Sirius satellite radio access and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system to be more audiovisual options than I can possibly need.
Standard on the Avenger R/T is a 3.5-liter V-6 (235 horsepower) mated to a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. Remember, R/T models can be configured with either FWD or AWD. My AWD model held the road and, with the optional stability control, it performed well in most driving situations. I found acceleration good enough for all highway merging and dodging through rush-hour traffic.
Standard Avenger safety equipment features front side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Antilock brakes are standard on all models except the base SE, while V6 SXT models and R/T models get the preferred four-wheel disc brakes. Stability control is optional on all trim levels, except the SE.
Fuel economy is 15 city and 24 highway, slightly lower than normal for this class, but at 3,355 pounds this sedan is a little heavier than the competition. That extra weight really makes the bigger V-6 engine with the quick-shifting six-speed transmission of the R/T a recommendation if you don't want those aggressive exterior looks to go to waste.
Overall, looks often make or break many consumer choices. Given this is the really big upside to Avenger, you will see a real love-it or hate-it response from the buying public. The real story is not styling cues, but a real competitor from Dodge that in R/T form delivers a fun driving experience with nice interior comfort. |