Did the Dodge Stealth come in AWD?
The Dodge Stealth did offer all-wheel drive, but only on the turbocharged VR-4 variant. Non-turbo Stealth models were not equipped with AWD.
In more detail, the Stealth shared its platform and many options with Mitsubishi’s 3000GT lineup. The all-wheel-drive configuration was a hallmark of the high-performance turbo version, marketed in Dodge showrooms as the Stealth RT Turbo. This setup paired a twin-turbo V6 with an AWD drivetrain and, in several years, Mitsubishi’s active features such as four-wheel steering. Non-turbo Stealth models were typically rear-wheel drive, with AWD not being offered in the standard lineup.
Background: Stealth and its Mitsubishi twin
During the early 1990s, Dodge joined Mitsubishi in bringing the high-performance 3000GT family to the U.S. as the Dodge Stealth. The collaboration yielded two main directions: a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive variant designed for performance enthusiasts, and a non-turbo version that followed a more conventional drivetrain. The turbocharged Stealth RT Turbo (the VR-4 lineage in Mitsubishi terms) carried the AWD system and more aggressive hardware.
AWD availability in the Stealth lineup
Before diving into specifics, note that AWD was not a universal feature across all Stealth models. The following highlights summarize where AWD appeared and where it did not.
- Stealth RT (non-turbo): Generally did not come with AWD in US-spec cars; these were typically rear-wheel drive.
- Stealth RT Turbo (turbo, VR-4): All-wheel drive was standard on the turbocharged variants, often paired with other performance tech such as four-wheel steering (where equipped) and the twin-turbo 3.0L V6. This was the primary AWD configuration in the Stealth lineup from introduction through the mid-1990s.
In short, if you were seeking the AWD configuration in a Dodge Stealth, you were most likely aiming for the turbocharged Stealth RT Turbo, which aligned with Mitsubishi’s VR-4 platform.
Technical details and performance ( AWD VR-4 focus )
Drivetrain and powertrain
The turbo Stealth (VR-4) used Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive arrangement, distributing torque between the front and rear axles with a center differential and, in many years, engaging active features such as four-wheel steering. Power was generated by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, delivering substantially more output than the non-turbo models. The AWD system helped manage grip and acceleration, contributing to the Stealth’s performance image in the early 1990s.
Model years and market notes
From its introduction in the early 1990s through the mid-1990s, the Stealth RT Turbo remained the AWD-focused flagship in the Dodge lineup. Specific features like 4WS (where available) complemented the AWD setup, enhancing handling for a car of its era. The non-turbo Stealth RT remained more modest in performance and typically did not include AWD in the U.S. market.
Summary
Bottom line: The Dodge Stealth did come in all-wheel drive, but only on the turbocharged VR-4 version (the Stealth RT Turbo). Non-turbo Stealth models generally did not offer AWD. The Stealth’s AWD variant aligned with Mitsubishi’s 3000GT VR-4 platform, bringing turbocharged power, AWD traction, and, in some years, four-wheel steering to Dodge showrooms.
What this means for collectors and owners
For collectors, the AWD Stealth RT Turbo represents the peak of the model’s performance credentials, featuring the turbo engine, AWD drivetrain, and the era’s advanced handling tech. If you’re shopping for a Stealth today, verify the specific trim and year to confirm whether AWD, 4WS, and other performance options are included, as configurations varied by market and production year.
Summary of key takeaway: AWD was offered on the Dodge Stealth, but only in the turbocharged VR-4 variant. The non-turbo Stealth did not typically include AWD. The Stealth’s AWD story is closely tied to Mitsubishi’s 3000GT VR-4 platform and its performance-focused equipment.
