Dodge offers its midsize sedan in three trims namely SE, SXT, and R/T. The base trim among all is not impressive and tends to be an underappreciated one while the other two start to get better in every department possible. The SXT adds features that enhance one’s comfort and the R/T, on the other hand, is a performance-oriented platform. We see price varying throughout from the base to the apex simply because of upgradation in different assets like the manual air conditioning in the SE trim improves to automatic temperature control in the SXT and 4-speaker format mutates to 6-speaker audio unit for the same sets respectively. The R/T has the same foundation of difference as it gets the 3.6 L V6 engine for a much sportier pursuit instead of I-4.

Not just performance-wise but corresponding attachments to assist those pursuits which include the mentions of the 18-inch polished and painted cast-aluminum wheels and decklid spoiler have been added as well in the R/T while the SE settles down with the 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels at the max. Even the touches are far better in the SXT and R/T as compared to the SE as it has been kept devoid of leatherette clouding on the seats, inserts, and steering wheel. The SXT may follow SE in feature-deficit when heating functions for the seats are brought into the discussion as it is exclusively bestowed inside the R/T only.

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The Avenger SXT is the best value trim as it is fitted with all the modern features and certainly has the most options to choose from. However, going for the R/T trim would be enticing if you are a sport-mode enthusiast but then it is a matter of extra investment. Therefore, we would recommend the mid-level trim for its affordability and value proposition that can be availed of at a much lower and affordable price tag.

Dodge has provided some good and sensible powertrain options on its midsize sedan. Starting with the 2014 Dodge Avenger’s base SE trim, it has a standard 2.4L in-line 4-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Producing over 173 hp of power and 166 lb-ft of torque, the SXT trim has the same engine but with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Avenger R/T features a 3.6L Flex Fuel V6 variant with the same six-speed automatic gearbox and puts in a power of 283 HP of power and 260 lb-ft of torque.

The 2.4L engines give a decent acceleration to the Dodge Avenger as it takes around 10 seconds to touch 60 MPH starting from a standstill. The top speed for this engine is recorded to be 129 MPH while it takes around 17 seconds to complete a quarter-mile. The V6 engine boosts the midsize sedan to 60 MPH in just 6.1 seconds while the quarter-mile is completed in 14.8 seconds and it also improves the top speed to 150 MPH.

After individual boasting cometh the comparison. While the Kia Optima has the best power and torque figures, it is not the best performing midsize sedan out there. The Mazda 6 takes that spot with an almost parallel powerful powertrain. Moving to the Fusion, it has almost similar engine specs as that of the Dodge but is relatively quicker in all parameters. Part of the reasons can be attributed to its fine-tuned transmission. It is important to notice that Avenger lags behind others by more than a second at the least despite having competitive pricing only. Maybe it is one of those sections where it has got the biggest backlash.

The 2014 Dodge Avenger is equipped with a 16.9-gallon fuel tank and upon that the 2.4L engine gives decent MPG figures such as 21 in the city and 30 on the highway. Opting for the 3.6L V6 would turn these numbers down to 19 and 29 respectively, which does not make a huge difference. However, there would be trips to the gas station to fill up this midsize sedan more often than its rivals as it reads 507 miles at its peak while others take this figure beyond 550 miles.

Though the other engines are powerful, they are that much more efficient as well. Dodge has given the Avenger the largest fuel yet it is not enough to shun it from being placed at the bottom. On the other hand, the Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion take big strides with 606 miles and 629 miles range coverage in single fueling but if we have to name only one between the two it has to be the Mazda 6 for its better economy of 29 MPG.

To make Dodge Avenger affordable, the brand has used budgeted medium-grade plastic materials on the inside for most of the sectors. The SE trim is probably the most underwhelming as it lacks both feel and ambiance. Meanwhile, the SXT and R/T improve the impression with the standard automatic climate control and leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel. The charm does intensify with an optional power operating sunroof as well in them. The higher trims have also been given power-adjustability in their realms but it is that heat-assist that is exclusive for the R/T format. Talking about seating and comfort, the midsize sedan from Dodge makes enough space for five adults with its passenger volume of about 100 cubic feet. All in all, it is satisfactory in all senses in the higher orders.

With a balanced cabin spaciousness in both rows, the Avenger inclines to have the smallest cargo capacity yet the margin is significantly lower only. But the Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion are also relative to the former in terms of their seating arrangements with a parallel capacity to seat 5 in a roll. Even Kia can’t be kept out of scope despite having the least legroom in the second row as the overall picture is quite promising. So in this segment, we prefer not to have a leader of the pack and rate them at par with each other. However, in terms of cargo capacity, the Ford is the undisputed leader having 16 cu.-ft of space, whereas the Dodge performs underwhelmingly, having a trunk volume of 13.5 cu.-ft.

Some of the key interior features are:

• Cruise Control
• Power steering
• Front and Rear cup holders
• Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel
• Front and rear door pockets

How intuitive is the 2014 Dodge Avenger’s Infotainment unit?

Offering some of the best comfort and convenience features, the infotainment system is not the strongest point in the Dodge Avenger. The first two trims in the lineup have a simple Media Center 130 infotainment unit while the R/T trim gets the Media Center 730N as a standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. This system can be chosen as an option in the SXT trim or even a lower version, called the Media Center 430, is offered and has the same screen with some deleted features. Apart from this, the audio in the base trim is provided by a four-speaker music system while the higher trims have six speakers in the cabin. 

Some of the features are:

• External Memory Control
• Graphic Equalizer
• CD/ MP3/ AUX input
• Uconnect
• Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity

The 2014 Dodge Avenger surely has the simplicity borrowed from the brand’s reputation but the awe-factor is absent. There are enough exterior features like a black grille, body-colored power mirrors, and tinted glasses all around but not appealing in any regard. Even the R/T trim gets standard features like a decklid-mounted spoiler, dual exhaust tips, and automatic headlamps which are no less than commonplace. A combination of crease and body line with a dull front fascia is what you would see visually or virtually. Either it is a 17-inch wheel or an 18-inch polished and painted cast-aluminum wheel, none does any better to improve the presence.

The Dodge Avenger is just as wide, tall, and heavy as the Ford Fusion weighing over 3400 lbs, meaning they are hardly distinct from one another as far as handling is concerned. Mazda’s dimensions are a little more compact and balanced and also weigh the least, which explains its performance timings and better dynamic persona altogether. Last but not least is the Kia Optima which is in the middle of the extremities and thus maintains its complacent status. The Ford and Mazda have similar ground clearances of 6.4 inches and also have the longest wheelbases of 112.2 and 111.4 inches. On the other hand, the Dodge is almost two inches shorter and sports a ground clearance of 6 inches.

Some of the key exterior features are:

• Fog Lamps
• Rear spoiler
• Signature appearance packages
• Chrome alloy wheels
• Rallye Appearance Group 

Well, one of the highlights of the Avenger whose applaud is overdue is its safety prowess. The unibody construction with multiple active features is among the few whose energy dissipation and upheaval countering are priced exceptionally low. Be it the Electronic Stability control or the 4-wheel ABS along with Brake Assist, all are content in their functionalities. Even the crash test ratings by the NHTSA and IIHS narrate the same story as it scores an overall 4-star rating and “good” in most of the parameters except in the driver-side front overlap respectively. Thus, for a sedan of such a price tag, these assists are fairly enough.

Some of the key safety features are:

• Rear child safety locks
• Electronic Stability control
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Tire-Pressure Monitoring System
• Auto-delay headlamps
• Engine Immobilizer

It is certainly not an easy job to be the most affordable vehicle of a brand that is popular for its gigantic and monstrous power and performance. Though it has given its best yet it misses out to match what others are capable of achieving except its safety and handling thereby it is not recommended to be owned in the first place. It is even getting out of production, so one should avoid it keeping the maintenance ease in mind.