Debuting with a lot of fanfare for the 2013 model year, the Dodge Dart marked the first domestic launch of a new model from Chrysler's new European corporate parent. Combining modern Italian underpinnings with an iconic American nameplate and flavor, the new compact seemed like a recipe with a lot of potential. But the first two Darts we tested left us feeling it wasn't ready for the big leagues.
A 2014 update brought quite a few tweaks, which make it a more palatable car. But the Dart still falls well short of competing with the best models in the class. It has a solid feel and a relatively quiet interior, and it offers certain upscale features that aren't usually found in a compact sedan. But the Dart's Achilles' heel is its powertrains; none of the three available delivers the refinement, performance, or fuel economy of higher-rated competitors.
The biggest change for 2014 was a reconfiguring of the engine lineup to make the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission the primary powertrain. That combination is considerably more responsive than the other choices, but it returned a so-so 27 mpg overall in our testing and emits an annoying clatter at idle. Other available engines are the notably underpowered 160-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which gets the same 27 mpg overall, and a 160-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes the car stumble at low speeds when paired with the optional automated-manual transmission.
The Dart corners responsively and securely, whether cruising on a two-lane backcountry road or being pushed to its limits at our track. The ride is steady, if firm. And you can get a wide variety of optional features that aren't available on many competitors, including a blind-spot warning system, automatic high beams, and a heated steering wheel. Controls are mostly simple, and the easy-to-use Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system is among the best.
Model year 2014 has also brought revisions to the dashboard and seats. But overall, the Dart's interior accommodations still don't measure up well. The front seats aren't supportive enough and despite the car's generous dimensions, the rear seat is rather tight. The low roof and thick pillars hinder visibility and access. The Dart also gets rather expensive when you start adding options, although plenty of discounts are available.