Avenger stands tall in midsize sedan segment

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Forget everything you knew about the Dodge Avenger. For 2011 the Dodge Avenger is significantly better. This new rendition should delight midsize sedan shoppers.

The 2011 Dodge Avenger offers attractive exterior and interior styling, loads of standard features and a much more pleasing ride.

Avenger’s newly styled exterior nicely blends athleticism with refinement and uniqueness. While many of Avenger’s competitors look like they came from a similar mold, Avenger stands out in a crowd.

The 2011 Dodge Avenger looks like it would be fun to drive, and it is. The cabin looks and feels more upscale and is now one of the quietest in the segment.

The view from behind the wheel is pleasing thanks to an all-new instrument panel with a soft-touch premium finish and nice-looking gauges. The seats are comfortable and supportive.

Up front it was easy for me to get comfortable, but taller folks will likely find the rear seat to be short on legroom when the front seats are fully rearward.

Rear headroom is adequate, though, and the trunk is nicely sized. You can get the 2011 Dodge Avenger in a variety of trim levels: Express ($19,245), Mainstreet ($21,340), Heat ($23,840) and Lux ($23,745).

The entry-level Express model features a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning with air filtration and a four-speaker CD audio system.

Stepping up to the Mainstreet adds a six-speed automatic transmission, alloy wheels, body-color heated outside mirrors, automatic climate controls, illuminated visor mirrors, LED interior lamps, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, six-speaker sound system and an electronic vehicle information center.

Stepping up to the Heat gets you a 283-horsepower V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, fog lamps, trunk lid spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 30-gigabyte hard-drive audio system with Gracenote music ID capable of storing about 6,700 songs.

The Lux model reverts back to the four-cylinder engine/six-speed automatic transmission, but includes chrome-clad 18-inch wheels and leather-trimmed seats. Lux buyers can opt up for the V-6 engine.

My 2011 Dodge Avenger tester was the Heat trim level and I thoroughly enjoyed the power from the new 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The V-6 is responsive, refined and fairly fuel efficient. My tester was rated at 19/29 mpg city/highway.

The six-speed automatic transmission delivered nice, smooth shifts and its operation was practically imperceptible.

The ride was well mannered and felt smooth and stable while highway cruising. Avenger’s agility is better, too, but don’t expect this sedan to carve up twisty roads without a bit of body roll. Overall, though, the new Avenger delivers a ride that is much improved over its predecessor.

For the safety minded, Avenger comes standard with front seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic stability control.

Dodge has done a great job of redesigning and re-engineering Avenger so it will stand taller in the highly competitive midsize sedan segment.

Check out Dodge Avenger at Tyson Motors.