Is the 2013 Dodge Dart FWD or AWD?
The 2013 Dodge Dart is front-wheel drive (FWD) only; all-wheel drive (AWD) was not offered for this model year. This article explains the drivetrain setup and what that meant for performance and options.
Drivetrain configuration
For the 2013 Dart, every model came with front-wheel drive. Dodge did not offer an all-wheel-drive variant for this compact sedan, focusing instead on efficiency, handling, and a lower price point in the crowded mid-size segment.
Powertrain options
Although there was no AWD, the Dart gave buyers a choice of engines that could be paired with a manual or automatic transmission, all routed to the front wheels. Typical engine options included a 2.0-liter Tigershark inline-four, a 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four, and in some trims a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo. The available transmissions varied by engine and trim, but all configurations remained front-wheel drive.
Why there was no AWD option
Chrysler designed the Dart primarily as a fuel-efficient, affordable compact with a front-drive layout to maximize interior packaging and efficiency. Introducing AWD would have added cost, weight, and complexity without a clear market demand for this segment at that time. The Dart’s platform and engineering were anchored in FWD commonality with other small cars in the lineup.
Market context and legacy
In its lifecycle, the Dart did not receive an AWD option, and the model eventually ended production with the broader decline of the Dodge Dart lineup in the mid-2010s. For buyers seeking AWD in a compact Dodge product, options were limited and generally redirected to other FCA offerings or later models that adopted different drivetrains.
Summary: The 2013 Dodge Dart was exclusively front-wheel drive. No AWD variant was offered, and the model relied on a mix of efficient engines and transmissions paired with FWD to meet its competitive goals.
