Which of these distinctive, powerful four-door sedans is for you?
There are two sedans — the Dodge Avenger and the Dodge Charger — with potential to take the streets by storm as two sharp-looking vehicles that really perform.
While the swaggering Dodge Charger is an obvious choice the for performance-minded driver, don’t count out the Dodge Avenger. It’s got plenty of potential to be a solid contender for the street.
As you pit these two Dodges against each other during your vehicle search, the details and features here can help you with your decision.
Dodge Avenger Overview
Although it started out as a family car, the Avenger has evolved into a high-performing sedan. The Avenger’s combination of solid performance and entertainment features make this vehicle, which ended production in 2014, a delight to own.
Dodge Avenger Trims
Dodge Avenger models shoppers search for on carmax.com include these trims:
Dodge Avenger SE
Dodge Avenger SXT
Average Prices2
(for popular searches on carmax.com on 4/19/2018)
2014
Dodge Avenger SE: under $14,500
Dodge Avenger SXT: under $15,500
2013
Dodge Avenger SE: under $14,000
Dodge Avenger SXT: under $15,000
2012
Dodge Avenger SE: under $14,500
Dodge Avenger SXT: under $15,000
2011
Dodge Avenger Express: under $14,500
Powertrain
For the best performance, it’s important to find a used Dodge Avenger that’s equipped with the Pentastar® V6 engine.
This powerful engine, as found in the 2014 Dodge Avenger SE, gives you 283 hp on demand, for quick launches off the starting line. Car & Driver says that with this big six-cylinder setup and the smooth six-speed automatic transmission, you can reach 60mph in 6.2 seconds.
Fuel Economy: What Can You Expect?
The Avenger can deliver reasonable fuel economy — the 2014 Dodge Avenger SE (with the 3.6L six-cylinder engine) returns an estimated 19 city/28 hwy mpg on regular gas1. A four-cylinder Avenger like the 2014 Dodge Avenger SE, on the other hand, delivers 20 city/30 hwy mpg with the six-speed automatic and running on regular gas.
Entertainment Features
The 2013 Dodge Avenger's ultra-smart Uconnect® system keeps you entertained while you’re on the road; this device pipes in your music and podcasts through a surround-sound speaker system, and you’re in control via a 6.5-inch touchscreen, buttons on your steering wheel, or voice commands.
The Avenger’s Uconnect system also has the ability to tie into an available Wi-Fi signal (that can be activated with a subscription and compatible data plan) so passengers can use their devices on the go.
Safety Ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave 2012-2014 Dodge Avengers an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Dodge Charger Overview
The Dodge Charger has been stealing the hearts of Mopar muscle car fans since it was first released more than 50 years ago. Now, Charger fans can also enjoy an extra dose of style and comfort.
Dodge Charger Trims
Popular, available Chargers at carmax.com, as of April 20, 2018, include these trims:
Dodge Charger R/T
Dodge Charger Scat Pack
Dodge Charger SE
Dodge Charger SXT
Average Prices2
(for popular searches on carmax.com on 4/19/2018)
2017
Dodge Charger R/T: under $28,000
2016
Dodge Charger SXT: under $22,500
Dodge Charger R/T: under $26,500
Dodge Charger SRT 392: under $44,500
Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack: $38,000
2015
Dodge Charger SE: under $21,000
Dodge Charger SXT: under $23,500
Dodge Charger R/T: $28,000
Dodge Charger SRT 392: under $42,500
2014
Dodge Charger SE: under $19,500
Dodge Charger R/T: under $24,500
Powertrain
The Charger offers two different engines in recent models — each with impressive performance. The most powerful option is the 707-hp, 6.2L V8, available in the 2017 Dodge Hellcat Charger. The Hellcat’s power is put to the ground through a five- or eight-speed automatic transmission. If you prefer solid performance in all-weather conditions, look for a 2016 Dodge Charger SXT with the 3.6L V6 and all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy: What Can You Expect?
It depends on the trim you choose. A 2016 Dodge Charger SXT, with a 3.6L V6 and AWD, delivers an estimated 18 city/27 hwy mpg (on regular gas and with an eight-speed automatic transmission).1 The 2017 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack, with rear-wheel drive and a big 6.4L V8, delivers an estimated 15 city/25 hwy mpg (with an eight-speed auto transmission and premium gas).
Entertainment Features
At the heart of the 2016 Charger R/T’s entertainment system is a completely customizable eight-inch cluster display, which connects to a six-speaker, surround-sound system. You can connect many of your mobile device’s apps to the cluster display on a 2015 Dodge Charger SXT to activate their unique features.
Safety Ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave 2014 Dodge Chargers its highest overall five-star safety rating. The 2016-2017 Chargers also got five out of five stars (2015 Chargers were not rated by NTSA at the time of this writing). Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
The bottom line
With the Dodge Avenger and Dodge Charger so similar in both their function and style, weighing the small details is the only way to make the choice between these two powerful vehicles.
With either option, you’ll be able to enjoy a very stylish performance automobile with a solid track record in a very competitive market.
If you decide neither option works for you, try weighing the relative merits of other vehicles in this class, which include CarMax sports cars like the higher-performing Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro.
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