Opting to run a bit leaner with their 2009 Avenger lineup, Dodge has done away with the AWD R/T trim. The Avenger, which replaced the Stratus in 2008, took its cue from the Chrysler Sebring, using the same platform to produce a four-door front-wheel-drive sedan that’s long on looks and value, but comes up a little short on performance, especially in the lower-end trims. A traditional style leader, Dodge has given the Avenger a bold, appealing look that sits well with owners of the '08. Three trim levels - SE, SXT, and R/T - provide some choice as to what will be packed inside this handsome exterior.

The Avenger’s base SE trim for 2009 gives considerable value and even a few frills. Powered by a 172-hp, 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve inline four in combination with a four-speed automatic transmission, the SE is great around town, but somewhat anemic on the highway. Standard features include a single-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player with AM/FM and Sirius Satellite radio, power windows and locks, front disc brakes, an exterior thermometer, child seat anchors, air-conditioning, and cruise control. An EPA estimated 21/30 mpg city/highway will have buyers taking a second look at the Avenger SE. Options include ABS, a sunroof, an 8-way powered driver’s seat, and a 6-disc DVD/MP3 player.

The 2009 Avenger SXT trim features the standard 2.4-liter I4, but can be equipped with a 2.7-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 delivering 186 hp. Both the I4 and the V6 are coupled with a four-speed automatic, but the 2.7-liter V6 is compatible with E-85 fuel. The EPA estimates a decent 19/27 mpg for the 2.7-liter using regular gas. The SXT provides a few more extras with 17-inch aluminum wheels (as opposed to the SE’s 16-inch steel wheels), front or four-wheel ABS and tinted glass. Options can include leather interior appointments, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), rear-seat DVD, MyGig multi-media system, the Uconnect hands-free communication system, and a Boston Acoustics sound system.

The Sporty Avenger R/T, available only in FWD for 2009, packs a punchy 3.5-liter, SOHC V6 and sport-tuned suspension. Combined with the standard six-speed automatic, this power plant delivers 235 hp and an EPA-estimated 16/26 mpg. Standard features include 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, an 8-way powered driver’s seat and fold-flat front passenger seat, climate control, and an MP3 auxiliary docking station. Optional equipment for the ’09 Avenger R/T is essentially the same as for the SXT.

Standard safety features on the 2009 base Avenger SE, scant compared with similar models, include advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental front seat mounted airbags, side curtain airbags. Four-wheel ABS is optional on the SE and standard on the SXT and R/T, while traction control and ESP are optional on all three trim levels. The Avenger garnered four- and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA.