The 2011 Dodge Avenger receives a number of updates this year, including updated exterior styling, a revamped interior with higher-quality materials, added safety features and a more powerful 3.6-liter V6.
The 2011 Dodge Avenger is a midsize sedan that is offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Heat and Lux.
The Express comes with 17-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, cloth upholstery and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The 2011 Dodge Avenger is offered with either a four- or six-cylinder engine. The base 2.4-liter inline-4 is the only available choice for the Express and Mainstreet models and is standard on the Lux. This engine produces 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. The Express also comes with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the Mainstreet and Lux receive a six-speed. Fuel economy estimates for the four-cylinder Avenger stand at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the four-speed automatic and 20 city/31 highway and 24 combined with the six-speed automatic.
A 3.6-liter V6 that makes 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque is standard on the Heat and is available as an option on the Lux. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission for this engine. In Edmunds testing, an Avenger Lux V6 accelerated to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds, a quick time for this class. Fuel economy estimates for the V6 are 19 city/29 highway and 22 combined.
Performance with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is still far from impressive, though we suspect it will be adequate for many buyers' needs, especially when it's mated to the six-speed automatic transmission. With 110 hp more than the four-cylinder, the new 3.6-liter V6 is by far the more entertaining option, delivering strong acceleration with just a minimal sacrifice in fuel economy.