Is a 2013 Dodge Dart FWD?
Yes—the 2013 Dodge Dart is front-wheel drive (FWD). It does not offer an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option in the U.S. market. This article explains the Dart’s drivetrain layout and the available engines for that model year.
In more detail, the Dart’s design centers on a front-drive platform, with all trims and engine options configured to send power to the front wheels. Below is a concise breakdown of its drivetrain and powertrain options, along with notes on performance and efficiency.
Drivetrain at a glance
Below is a quick summary of the Dart’s primary drivetrain characteristics for the 2013 model year.
- Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard across all 2013 Dodge Dart trims.
- There is no factory all-wheel-drive (AWD) option offered in the U.S. market for the Dart.
- Torque and traction characteristics depend on engine choice and tire size, but all trims rely on front-wheel drive.
In short, the 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles available in the U.S. were exclusively FWD, with no AWD variant from the factory.
Powertrain options
The 2013 Dodge Dart offered three gasoline engine choices, with transmissions varying by engine and trim. The information below outlines the typical pairings.
- 2.0L Tigershark I4 — approximately 160 hp; commonly paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive.
- 2.4L Tigershark I4 — around 184 hp; typically paired with a 6-speed automatic (and available with a manual on certain trims); front-wheel drive.
- 1.4L MultiAir Turbo I4 — about 160 hp (and stronger torque); offered with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic across select trims; front-wheel drive.
Note: Engine availability and transmission options varied by trim level and model year. All three engines were designed to drive the front wheels, with no AWD configuration offered in the U.S. market for 2013.
Fuel economy and performance notes
Fuel economy and performance depend on engine choice and transmission. The turbocharged 1.4L typically delivered the best real-world efficiency among the three, while the 2.4L provided the most horsepower in the lineup. All engines were paired with front-wheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, depending on trim.
What this means for buyers
For buyers, the Dart’s FWD layout means predictable handling in typical driving conditions and generally favorable efficiency for a compact sedan of its era. The absence of AWD can affect traction in poor weather, so appropriate tires and careful driving are important in snow or rain. The engine lineup offers a balance of performance and efficiency across trims, with transmission availability varying by configuration.
Summary
The 2013 Dodge Dart is definitively front-wheel drive, with no American-market AWD option. It offered three gasoline engine choices (2.0L, 2.4L, and 1.4L Turbo) and a mix of manual and automatic transmissions depending on trim. This drivetrain setup was designed to provide efficient, practical urban commuting with a range of power options.
