2010 Dodge Avenger Review
2010 Dodge Avenger Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Pleasant highway cruiser, desirable high-tech options, good crash test scores.
Cons
- Unrefined four-cylinder engine with outdated four-speed automatic, poor performance, cheesy interior materials, small trunk, stability control unavailable on SXT.
What’s new
The Dodge Avenger's SE base trim has been dropped, while a midgrade trim known as the Express has been added.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Dodge Avenger simply isn't in the same league as top midsize sedans like the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Dodge Avenger SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$175/mo for Avenger SXT
Avenger SXT
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The 2010 Dodge Avenger leaves us wondering what it's supposed to be avenging. Perhaps the death of Chrysler's competitive-at-the-time "cloud car" midsize sedans, the Cirrus and Stratus of the mid-to-late 1990s? Alas, the Avenger is hardly up to the task, as it's outclassed in nearly every way by rival modern four-doors.
The Avenger's tough-guy grille might get you thinking that it's a decent performer, but looks are highly deceiving in this case. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor sounds coarse at higher engine speeds, and it makes do with a four-speed automatic even though every rival offers at least five speeds (or a CVT). The optional 3.5-liter V6 is down on power relative to other V6 family sedans, and acceleration consequently lags behind the pack. Even fuel economy is unimpressive.
The 2010 Dodge Avenger's interior is also a letdown. Its materials would barely pass muster in a cut-rate economy car, and build quality is lackluster. At least the highway ride is pleasant enough, which will be of interest to those who happen to rent an Avenger on vacation. Rear passenger space is adequate, but the seat itself is not particularly comfortable. What's more, the trunk is one of the smallest you'll find in a family sedan.
Clearly, there are better choices if you're shopping in this segment. Top picks include the Ford Fusion, Mazda 6 and Nissan Altima, as well as perennial favorites like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry. We're still not sure what this Dodge is avenging, but we'd recommend keeping it off your test-drive list.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive 2010 Dodge Avenger Express and SXT are powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission is a four-speed automatic. The Avenger R/T starts with the same engine and transmission, but it can be outfitted with an optional 3.5-liter V6 good for 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6 gets a six-speed automatic and yields a 0-60-mph time of 7.7 seconds, which puts it at the back of the back among V6-powered family sedans.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Dodge Avenger SXT are 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. The V6-powered R/T is rated at 16/27/20 mpg.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Dodge Avenger includes antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Stability control is optional on the R/T but unavailable on the SXT (though fleet buyers have the option of ordering stability control for the SXT).
In government crash tests, the Avenger earned a top five-star rating for its performance in head-on collisions. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Avenger a score of "Good" (the best possible) in its frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Driving
The four-cylinder 2010 Dodge Avenger offers sluggish acceleration and unrefined gearchanges from the outdated four-speed automatic. The optional V6 in the R/T is notably stronger and benefits from the six-speed automatic, but it's still one of the least powerful V6s in its class. Handling capabilities are likewise underwhelming, though the Avenger does have decent ride quality.
Interior
The poor quality of the Avenger's interior materials is a major letdown, especially if you compare the Avenger to cars like the Fusion or Accord. The R/T's sporty white-faced gauges brighten the scene a bit, but not nearly enough. The optional navigation system and touchscreen audio interface can be irritating to use, though its digital music storage and real-time traffic features are appreciated. The Avenger's rear seat is spacious enough for two adults, but the seat cushion is low and the outboard head restraints aren't adjustable as they are in most competitors. Trunk capacity is small for this segment at 13.4 cubic feet.
2010 Dodge Avenger models
The 2010 Dodge Avenger midsize sedan comes in three trim levels: SXT, Express and R/T. The SXT comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a cooled front storage compartment and a four-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. There are hardly any options for the SXT.
The Express adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foldaway heated mirrors, eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter and a six-speaker sound system with touchscreen stereo interface, digital music storage and steering-wheel controls. The R/T includes this equipment but adds foglamps, leather upholstery and a rear spoiler. It does not have the touchscreen stereo with digital music storage, but does feature a more conventional system with a six-CD changer.
R/T options include the Express' upgraded stereo or a further upgraded multimedia bundle featuring Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system, real-time traffic, digital music storage and the additional option of six Boston Acoustics speakers. Bluetooth is available separately on all trims, and 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels with performance tires can be had on the R/T. Also available on the R/T is a Premium package that adds automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, LED headliner accents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and remote engine start.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#27 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Avenger from 2008-2022.$447/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.16x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).10%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Dodge Avenger.
5 star(62%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(3%)
55 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love It!
cj2188, 10/28/2010
2010 Dodge Avenger R/T 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my brand new R/T Avenger a few weeks ago and I love it! I test drove so many vehicles before this one and nothing else compared to it overall (Mustang, Camry, Altima, Impala, G6 etc.) i also used to have a 300 Touring which i didn't like anywhere as much as I do this car. It drives great, has good inside space, great sound system and touch Screen with all the features that i … haven't seen in any other cars and it gets great gas mileage. Of course performance-wise your not gonna match a V6 or V8 but if you wanted something fast you wouldn't be considering a 4- cylinder in the first place.
5 out of 5 stars
Solid and Reliable.Love the simplicity of this car
Jon, 06/18/2017
2010 Dodge Avenger Express 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
It's not Japanese or European so naturally Edmunds didn't like the Avenger. I have enjoyed the ride, simplicity and overall reliability of this car. I have 180,000 miles on my car and not a days problem with it. I travel 120 miles a day and it is solid as a rock with no rattles. The sound system is amazing and the uconnect is awesome. To me this was Chryslers hidden gem that was … overlooked because of the problems with the early stratus and Sebring models from the late 90s and early 2000s. I have the 2.4 4 cylinder which is a good engine. Not a power horse but adequate. This car has been a good value and one of my favorite cars I have owned.
5 out of 5 stars
Love it!
dba22, 03/10/2011
2010 Dodge Avenger SXT 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I just bought a leftover 2010 Avenger on 2/22/11.
I looked at all the cars in the class, Malibu, Altima, Fusion, Camry, Accord - but I kept coming back to the Avenger.
This car was by far the best value!
All the "professional" reviews seem to hate on the Avenger, but I don't know why.
This car has it all: looks, features, great mileage, plenty of room.
I could not be happier with my … decision.
I got a new car with great warranty for the price of used.
Everyone that has seen and ridden in the Avenger can't believe what a great little car this is.
Definately worth a look if your in the market for a midsize car.
4.88 out of 5 stars
LOVE my Avenger!!! No regrets!
JMB*08, 08/05/2009
2009 Dodge Avenger SE 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/08 (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
I purchased my Avenger 2 months ago after a LONG search. I was a little worried about purchasing a Dodge but... Definitely no regrets! Great price. Avg 24 MPGs, nice smooth ride with lots of power even in my 4cyl engine. I find myself speeding a lot it's so smooth. Lots of room in back seat. I have 3 boys ages 13, 15, and 8 and they all fit very comfortably. Big sized trunk...I'm … routinely carrying 3 baseball bags, 4 folding chairs and 2 handled cooler with extra room left. Comfy front seats, LOVE the Sirus radio. And you cant miss the exterior looks! The Avenger is fierce looking...great style!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Dodge Avenger, so we've included reviews for other years of the Avenger since its last redesign.
2010 Avenger Highlights
SXT
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,230 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $175/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Avenger include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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