2016 Dodge Dart

Replacing the Caliber, the Dodge Dart is still a relatively new venture for the automaker in the US. It competes against esteemed rivals that include the Volkswagen Jetta and the Toyota Corolla. That means it has to work that much harder to really challenge its competitors. Thankfully, it makes a valiant effort to do just that. Three powertrain configurations are offered, but only one of them lay claim to true sportiness. It boasts a commodious interior and sips lightly on the gas, presenting it as the perfect choice for those shopping with small families in mind. But does it steal the spotlight from far more popular options? Maybe not, because this is its last year in production.

The Dart is a car that looks like the result of a mom being asked to design a lukewarm and family-suitable version of the Charger. In its defense, it doesn't look like your average sedan in terms of exterior appearance. The rear end is probably where it stands out the most thanks to its full-frame LED taillight setup that nods to far more powerful and iconic Dodge products. Two chrome-licked exhaust openings poke out of the diffuser to elicit a sportier look than it needs. The front end isn't particularly edgy, but the way it is designed allows it to appear larger and lower to the ground than it really is. There is also a variety of exterior colors to choose from, best explored by pursuing the images provided in sales brochures. In terms of dimensions, the Dart has a length of 183.9 inches and a 106.4-inch wheelbase. It has a width of 72 inches and curb weight ranges from 3,186 pounds to 3,215 pounds.

There are three power plants available for the newest Dodge Dart. Unfortunately, you have to choose between power and fuel economy, since you simply cannot have both under one hood. The entry-level motor is a four-cylinder that displaces two liters to produce 160 hp and 148 lb-ft. It's the most lethargic of the three and needs to be furiously revved to unleash its potential. The turbocharged 1.4-liter puts out the same horsepower figure, but vastly improves torque figures. This unit focuses more on efficiency, but you can unlock some power above 3,000 rpm. The superior unit is the 2.4L that produces 184 horsepower. It is way more refined and easier to drive. Each engine can be mated to a six-speed manual 'box or a six-speed automatic. Notably, the 1.4L turbo can be specced with a dual-clutch.

The handling characteristics of these cars compensate for the somewhat lethargic performance from the less impressive powertrains. You'll enjoy a nicely-weighted steering wheel that inspires confidence through direct responses. It stays glued down in and out of corners when you ask it to, which makes it a rather fun vehicle to drive when you're in the mood for some mischief. Of course, your experience behind the wheel will ultimately depend on your choice of motor. You're not going to be as thrilled by the 2.0-liter as you would be by the 2.4L. The former will get you where you need to go but the latter will be far more entertaining. If you're after the sweet spot in the middle, the 1.4-liter does the run from 0 to 60 mph in around eight seconds. All vehicles have their top speed limited to 120 mph.

With so many different engine options, it is unsurprising that the consumption estimates differ a bit. The starter mill hooked up to the manual 'box attains EPA estimates of 22/34/27 miles per gallon city/highway/combined. Next up is the automatic version that returns figures of 24/33/27 mpg. Both configurations of the 2.4-liter achieve combined estimates of 27 mpg. The best-performing setups in terms of gas mileage use the 1.4-liter. With the auto it returns 27/38/31 mpg, while the manual version of the six-speed drops these numbers down to 27/36/30 miles per gallon.

Being a family-focused sedan, the Dart is on the more spacious side of things. That being said, the cabin does reveal its affordable prices. There is evidence of hard plastics here and there, but the cloth upholstery is decent and durable. Noise from under the hood inevitably manifests within the cabin but not to such a degree that it ruins the experience. Seating is comfortable and supportive enough to get the job done on longer journeys, and even taller adults will find a comfortable seating position in the front. There is an impressive amount of in-cabin storage space thanks to deep door pockets and ample storage bins located throughout the inside. As for trunk space, 13.1 cubic feet of cargo room is presented behind the second row for school bags or briefcases.

Dodge has culled the immense lineup over the years, leaving us with a few key specs rather than many with very slight differences. The base model is bare-bones as ever when it comes to features, especially in comparison to rivals in their entry-level forms. It lacks air conditioning entirely and offers manual windows and locks. Upper specs add keyless entry, air conditioning, and a six-speaker sound system. The Limited sits just below the top-tier variant and adds a driver's seat that is power-adjustable as well as a seven-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation. The top spec upgrades to an 8.4-inch touchscreen.

The 2016 Dodge Dart was awarded five out of five stars for safety in all categories except for the rollover test. The IIHS's review of the Dodge Dart resulted in a score of Good for each crash test, except for the front small-overlap, where it came off with an Acceptable rating. These reviews should be a consolation for the safety-conscious.

The price of the Dodge Dart ranges from extremely cheap to relatively affordable depending on the trim you opt for. The base price in 2016 started at $17,700, while the model with the highest cost would set you back around $20k off the dealer floor. In 2020, second-hand models can be found for between $8k and $12k.

The new Dodge Dart is a nice all-rounder thanks to its variety of motor choices and expansive interior, but it pales in comparison to the competition in the USA in 2016. Of course, it has potential in its most expensive form, but it depends on how much you're willing to spend. Still, there is a reason Dodge decided to give it the axe after this year.