2014 Dodge Avenger Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Sunday driving just got a new edge in the muscle car, the 2014 Dodge Avenger. A sporty but affordable car in the mid-size range, the Avenger comes in three different models the SE, SXT, and the R/T giving the consumer an opportunity to get the car of his dreams on a budget. Here are other reasons why this car might be the car for you.

Fuel Economy and Handling:

*The SE and SXT models have a fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway on average.

*Front and rear stabilizer bars give you a smoother a ride, especially when going down long and winding roads.

*MacPherson struts provide a balanced ride for better handling and a quieter ride.

*Multi-link suspension allows the car to have a smooth ride over rough surfaces by allowing the rear wheels to move independently.

Economy

*MSRP list prices range from $20, 595 for the SE and to $25, 795 on average for the SXT and R/T models. Making the Dodge Avenger an economical car for the many features.

Engine

*Engines in the SE and SXT are standard four cylinders with 173 HP. Four cylinder engines come equipped with Variable Valve Timing, essential for an even ride. But, for a better kick to your morning and more power to your Sunday drives, the option to get is the 3.6 litre V-6 Pentastar, the best-in-class engine with 283HP. It also offers 260 lbs ft of torque while still maintaining a fuel economy of 29 mpg.

*Ride and handling are refined. Dodge Avenger suspensions are tuned to the performance you choose. For a calm and relaxing ride, the SE and SXT are the models of choice. For a faster performance and a car that hugs curves of the road, the R/T model is the car to acquire.

Safety

*The independent insurance for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Avenger its Top Safety Pick for 2013, the highest rating given.

*In a government crash test, 4 stars (out of 5) were given for frontal impact and side impact safety.

*The 2014 Dodge Avenger also includes standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and six airbags (front, Side-Curtain, and rear).

*The available Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) keeps you alert for any problems within in the car. It also features a tire pressure gauge letting you know when a tire needs pressure saving you on tires and fuel.

*Brake Assist helps decrease the stopping distance when the brakes are not applied hard enough or soon enough.

*All-Speed Traction Control helps the wheels hugs the road when they are slipping.
Electronic Stability Control phases in when it detects the car deviate off the path you intended. It engages the Antilock Brake System (ABS), All-Speed Traction Control, and Brake Assist to keep maintains your intended route.

*Front head restraints prevent head and spinal injuries by decreasing the space between the headrest and head.

*For those with children in tow, the Avenger features the LATCH child anchor seat system.

*The Avenger also features a keyless entry system and The Sentry Theft Deterrent System is a system that only allows a coded key to start the engine.

Exterior and Interior Design

*The interior design is sporty, as well as comfortable, and includes premium cloth bucket seating. The interior comes with air conditioning, power locks, power mirrors, and a steering wheel that has audio and speed integration so you can keep your eyes on the road.

*A CD player with four speakers surrounds you in sound for those long drives in the country.

*Need a little extra room to haul various items, the Avenger offers 60/40 rear seating with trunk pass thru and fold flat passenger seat.

*Another option that might be considered is the Uconnect system that allows all the communications such as phone calls, ( sending and receiving), navigation, and select music all from one centrally located area.

The 2014 Dodge Avenger has the following packages available:

*Blacktop: Body color spoiler, 18 inch Gloss Black Aluminum Wheels, Gloss Black Grille, available leather trimmed seats, and black headlamp bezels. There are options for what kind of coat you want in the Blacktop Package: Black Clear Coat, Redline 2 Coat Pearl Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic and Billet Silver Metallic coat.

*Rallye Appearance Package: 18 inch aluminum wheels, Black Headlamp Bezel, and Body-Color Spoiler.

*The sun and sound group package: Features of this package include open/close power express sun roof, 6.5 Inch Touchscreen Display, Garmin GPS Navigation system, SiriusXM Travel link with one year of service included, Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, and Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Microphone.

The exterior sports a crosshair grille with a honeycomb texture. Lighting includes halogen headlamps, Ring of Fire Taillamps, and fog lamps to light your way through the night and fog.

Considerations

*Reviews of the Avenger indicated that the backseats were uncomfortable and the trunk space is smaller than other midsize range cars.

*While the interior looks classier from previous models, Dodge still used plastic materials for the interior making the interior look low budget.

*The fuel economy was below average, reviewers commented that the Avenger did not reach the fuel economy of what was advertised.

*The fundamental design of the Avenger has not changed making it behind the times of other cars in its category.

*Rivals in the midsize range such Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, found that the 2014 Dodge Avenger lacks in fuel economy, roomy interior, and a classy interior.

The 2014 Dodge Avenger is an affordable, muscle car in the midsize sedan range with a Top Safety Rating. It has many features to offer and with possible options for an even sportier look. Reviews have ranged from fun car to drive to poor fuel economy and uncomfortable seating. When looking around, it might be wise to consider the Avenger but to shop for other vehicles in the midsize car and price range.