2015 Dodge Avenger Pros vs Cons
When it comes to cars, James Murdock has the real-world experience to back it up. With an economics degree and over 20 years running the family dealership, he's managed it all - from sales to service and marketing. His role is to provide his expert opinion on vehicle performance and value. He meticulously fact checks all features and data with vehicle manufacturers to ensure the upmost accuracy.
What’s new for 2015?
The Dodge Avenger is expected to be discontinued. This means that no changes have been made for the 2015 model year.
Reasons You May Want to Consider a 2015 Dodge Avenger - The Pros
1) Edgy Styling
While some modern sedans tend to blend in with the crowd, the Dodge Avenger’s unique design helps it to stand apart from the rest. Featuring a bold grille and muscular body lines, the Avenger makes its presence known. If desired, the sedan can also be fitted with a rear spoiler and larger wheels.
2) Available R/T model
The R/T model is designed for the car shoppers who desire a more exciting driving experience. Strapped with a sports-tuned suspension system and a tweaked steering system, the R/T model is clearly the most exciting model in the Avenger lineup. The Avenger R/T also comes standard with a potent V-6 engine.
3) Admirable Fuel Economy
When equipped with the standard four-cylinder engine, the Avenger is able to maintain a fuel economy rating of 31 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the more powerful V-6 engine is able to average about 29 mpg on the open road. All trims come with an automatic transmission.
4) Low Cost
With a starting price tag of less than $20,000, the Avenger proves to be a great option for the drivers who are on a budget. However, a fully-equipped R/T model is unlikely to cost more than $25,000. In comparison, a top-of-the-line Honda Accord has an average price of about $34,000. Since the Avenger is no longer being manufactured, buyers will be able to save a lot of cash.
5) High-Powered Pentastar V-6 Engine
While the four-cylinder engine gets a tad bit better gas mileage, the award-winning Pentastar engine is certainly the most sought-after engine. The 3.6-liter, V-6 engine is able to push out a potent 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. During testing, the Avenger was able to reach 60 mph in about six seconds.
6) Modern Features
Drivers who desire a tad bit more luxury will likely opt for the 6.5-inch touch-screen interface. The thunderous Boston Acoustics audio system is also a big improvement from the Avenger's standard sound system. Some of the other noteworthy features include navigation, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated mirrors, and Bluetooth connectivity.
7) Custom Upgrades
Although the base model is attractive, some Avenger owners will prefer to install one of the optional appearance packages. Featuring a blacked-out grille and black wheels, the available Blacktop appearance package gives the Avenger a very aggressive character. Meanwhile, the Rallye appearance package equips the sedan with a rear spoiler and 18-inch performance wheels.
8) Straight-Forward Interior
Some of the other sedans on the market are equipped with a lot of complicated interior controls. Fortunately, the Avenger features a fairly simple interior. All of the controls are extremely easy to use. Instead of using a computerized instrument panel, the Avenger is designed with a traditional gauge cluster.
9) Available 6-Speed Transmission
The base SE model comes standard with a four-speed automatic gearbox. However, prospective buyers are encouraged to upgrade to the six-speed automatic transmission. Not only does the upgraded transmission perform better, but it also helps to improve the car’s efficiency.
10) Enjoyable to Drive
The Avenger is a joy to drive, especially the models that are equipped with a V-6 engine. While the Avenger is less expensive than the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, it can still match the on-road performance of both vehicles.
Reasons you may not want to buy a 2015 Dodge Avenger - The Cons
1) Lack of Advanced Safety Features
Unfortunately, the 2015 Dodge Avenger is not available with a lot of advanced safety features. Unlike some of its rivals, the Avenger does not offer blind-spot monitoring or a lane departure warning system. Furthermore, the Avenger does not even offer a rear-view camera as an option.
2) Medium-Sized Backseat
The Avenger provides ample leg room for the front-seat passengers. On the other hand, long-legged passengers may find the backseat to be quite confined. This could be a concern for the parents of growing children.
3) No All-Wheel Drive
All versions of the Avenger come standard with a front-wheel drive setup. While this sedan will perform well in rainy weather, it is not the best choice for icy road conditions. Vehicles such as the Subaru Legacy come standard with an all-wheel drive system.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
1) 2015 Dodge Avenger
2) 2015 Dodge Charger
3) 2015 Dodge Challenger
4) 2015 Dodge Durango
5) 2015 Dodge Dart
6) 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan
7) 2015 Dodge Journey
In regards to performance, the V6-powered Avenger is certainly faster than the Mazda 6 sedan. Equipped with a sporty suspension system, the Avenger R/T also offers better handling than the Chevrolet Malibu. When it comes to affordability, the Avenger is one of the most economical sedans on the market.
Conclusion:
It is hard to overlook the Avenger’s attractive price tag. While the SXT trim is very stylish, the speedy R/T model is a legitimate sports sedan. The Avenger’s only major flaw is that it does not offer any high-tech safety enhancements.
