Like the Little Engine That Could, the 2010 Dodge Caliber is chugging its brains out to climb Hatchback Hill, with some tweaks to engine efficiency, a slimmed-down trim lineup, and a few upgrades to cabin design and materials. In dropping the turbocharged SRT4 trim for the 2010 model year, the Caliber is left with the base SE, midlevel SXT, and top-shelf R/T, all of which are front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. Also eliminated is the 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine that was once the woefully underpowered and inefficient base powerplant for the pre-2010 Caliber SE and SXT. Sporting abundant cabin storage, decent cargo space (48 cubic feet in the higher trim levels with fold-down rear seats), a much appreciated Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, an outstanding safety record, and a miserly base price, this little-engine-that-might will have to overtake the likes of Volkswagen’s Golf and Hyundai’s Elantra to even approach the hilltop.

With Dodge’s deletion of the 1.8-liter and turbocharged 2.4-liter I4s, the Caliber is left with a 158-hp 2.0-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) inline four (I4) as its base engine and the 172-hp, 2.4-liter non-turbocharged I4 that equips the R/T trim. Both engines, though managed by a standard five-speed manual transmission, may also be matched with an available continuously variable transaxle (CVT), but with a noticeable degradation in fuel efficiency.

The base 2.0-liter I4 equips the SE and SXT trims, puts out 141 lb-ft of torque, and gets 23/31 mpg with the five-speed manual, 23/27 with the CVT. The Caliber R/T trim benefits from the 2.4-liter’s 165 lb-ft of torque and gets an EPA-estimated 23/29 with the five-speed stick and 21/25 with the CVT. Towing capacity ranges from 1,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter I4 to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine. A 161-hp, 236-lb-ft/torque 2.2-liter diesel engine, rumored to average 41 mpg, is available for those Calibers destined for the European market. When this train’s a-comin’ to the U.S. is anybody’s guess.

Despite its ballyhooed cabin-materials upgrade, the 2010 Caliber SE base has little going for it in terms of standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features, with 15-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler, cloth front bucket seats, tilt-wheel steering, and a single-CD player with four speakers being about all. The SXT trim level, meanwhile, approaches traditional appearance and cabin sophistication with 17-inch aluminum wheels, a fold-down front passenger seat, split-folding rear seatbacks, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, air conditioning with Chrysler’s innovative Chill Zone cooling bin, speed control, and satellite radio. The Caliber R/T adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and performance steering, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and nine Boston Acoustics speakers to the list of standard features.

Options are limited for the SE, with air conditioning and a 6-CD changer about the extent of available offerings. For the SXT, the popular Sport Appearance Package, with Boston Acoustics speakers and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, as well as the Convenience Package featuring UConnect/Bluetooth hands-free phone technology, heated front seats, a universal remote garage door opener, and a Vehicle Information Center are each available, with a power sunroof being a stand-alone option. The R/T offers DVD navigation and leather-appointed upholstery in addition to the SXT’s options packages.

Two of 2009’s biggest owner complaints for the Dodge Caliber have been addressed for 2010, with additional fuel efficiency and a slightly more refined cabin. However, expensive options, a poor turning radius, tepid acceleration, a general lack of build quality, and lackluster handling were also on the list of owner complaints, and no effort seems to have been made toward resolving those issues for 2010. On the plus side, Chrysler’s highly-touted Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, good safety scores, decent ride, and just plain value draw a lot of love from owners of the ’09 Caliber.