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The 2013 Dodge Avenger stands out as refreshingly different, design-wise, yet in most other respects it falls woefully short in a class of high-achievers. Its gotten closer to a car worth considering in the crowded mid-size market and farther from just a rental-car mainstay—well give it that—but essentially, as we say with the closely related Chrysler 200, its a case of too little, too late.

Within the past several years, Chrysler has given it a new V-6, a retuned suspension, and a mostly new interior. Its undoubtedly better than it was before, but models introduced in recent years like the new Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima, along with the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima introduced a couple of years ago, have kept the competition tough.

For most everyday buyers, the 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower four-cylinder and four-speed automatic should be skipped right over and left to the rental fleets. The four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic—the default combination throughout most of the rest of the model line—is quite perky, but theres a bit too much coarseness at times. Otherwise, the 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 thats optional is a vast upgrade, with a strong, smooth demeanor. Most of the time, the six-speed automatic is a good companion, with smooth shifts under full-throttle acceleration, but in lighter-duty driving theres some shuddering and indecision. Also, the V-6 has a bit of an issue with torque steer. The Avenger has old-fashioned hydraulic power steering, and a lower ride height in front than in back; together they give it decent road manners and feedback, but its not happy and taut at most speeds.

The 2013 Avenger can look deceptively small compared to some of the newer mid-size designs, with their elongated rooflines, but its arguably about the same size as a Sonata or Optima. Front seats are comfortable and a bit on the wide side, but they lack much back support; in back theres enough legroom, although the mini-Charger roofline can make it feel a bit confining. Entry and exit can be an issue in the back seat, too, thanks to high sills and a low roofline.

Safety has been an areas where the Avenger doesnt disappoint. Its an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and it comes with curtain airbags and stability control. On the other hand, with the roofline blocking visibility, theres no rearview camera or blind-spot monitor.

Dodge has reduced prices on the top-of-the-line R/T model, and its added leather and heated seats to the SXT options list for 2013. The base Avenger SE includes air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; 17-inch wheels; a split-folding rear seat; and cloth upholstery, but its the only model in the lineup to be saddled with a four-speed automatic. The SXT adds a power drivers seat, 17-inch alloys, fog lamps, leather trim, automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and more. A Bluetooth hands-free interface is lacking from much of the lineup, but Satellite radio and a USB port are standard or optional on all models, and a navigation system is now offered on the Avenger, as is a Boston Acoustics premium sound system.

For 2013, theres also an enhanced Rallye appearance group that brings 18-inch alloy wheels, black-bezel headlamps, a body-color grille, rear spoiler, and available black-and-red cloth interior.

Articles Source : thecarconnection