Car news! Dodge Dart Sedan

Dodge Dart Sedan

Full 2015 Dodge Dart Review

What's New for 2015

The 2015 Dodge Dart's touchscreen adds Android smartphone compatibility for Bluetooth phones and streaming music, as well as USB connectivity to play music from the device. The CD player is no longer standard on all models and is now a stand-alone option available on certain trims. Finally, the 2.4-liter engine is now available with Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) specifications in the 14 California Air Resources Board (CARB) states.

Introduction

With its eye-catching sheet metal and roomy cabin, the 2015 Dodge Dart makes a strong first impression. However, get to know the sedan and it becomes clear it falls short of its rivals in fundamental areas. Whether or not this good-looking Dodge is the car for you will depend on where your priorities lie.

In many ways, the Dart is a rewarding companion. Its sheet metal is striking enough to turn heads, and its cabin is both accommodating and attractive. The available touchscreen infotainment interface looks slick and modern, and leads the pack with its user-friendly design and expansive functionality. Non-GT trims of the Dart boast impressive handling, and the sedan's safety scores are beyond reproach.

However, the Dart lacks an overall refinement that its main rivals possess and stumbles in areas that are of importance to many buyers in this segment. First of all, its powertrain lineup misses the mark. The base engine is slow and unremarkable. You get good fuel economy with the Aero trim's turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, but its unrefined automated manual transmission makes smooth driving difficult. Meanwhile, the 184-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder that's standard on most trims provides satisfying acceleration, but fuel economy is middling. Another weakness concerns seat comfort, as the Dart's front seats are marred by placement and contours that will likely make them an unpleasant fit for many passengers.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2015 Dodge Dart is a five-passenger compact sedan available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Aero, GT and Limited.

The base SE comes sparsely equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, power windows, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, a folding rear seat, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, an MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The optional Convenience Group adds underbody aerodynamic enhancements, active grille shutters, body-color door handles, power mirrors and locks, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, steering-wheel audio controls, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a USB port.

The SXT gets many of the Convenience Group features as standard (the USB port, active grille shutters and underbody enhancements are not included), and then adds 16-inch aluminum wheels, automatic headlights, upgraded cloth upholstery and interior trim, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a sliding front armrest, a rear seat armrest with cupholder and a six-speaker sound system.

The fuel-economy-themed Aero has all the SXT's standard equipment (minus the auxiliary audio jack, CD player, rear seat armrest and 60/40-split rear seat), and adds low-rolling-resistance tires (16-inch), active grille shutters, underbody aerodynamic enhancements and the Technology Group.