What engine does my Dodge Caliber have?
Most Dodge Calibers sold in the United States and Canada use either a 2.0-liter inline-4 or a 2.4-liter inline-4 from Chrysler’s World engine family. The exact engine depends on the model year, trim level, and market.
To confirm your specific engine, check the vehicle’s VIN, the under-hood label, or the door jamb/sticker, and reference the owner’s manual or service records. This guide outlines the typical options and how to identify which engine is in your car.
Engine options for the Dodge Caliber
2.0-liter I4 (World engine)
The baseline engine found on many Caliber trims in North America is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the World engine family. It typically delivers around 148 horsepower and about 139 lb-ft of torque, with performance tuned for efficiency rather than sport driving. This engine is commonly paired with a manual or optional automatic transmission, depending on the model year and trim.
2.4-liter I4 (World engine)
The larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder is used on higher trims and some all-wheel-drive configurations. It generally produces about 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, offering stronger acceleration while still maintaining reasonable fuel economy for a compact SUV hatchback. This engine is often paired with a CVT or a conventional automatic, depending on the market and year.
Note that exact horsepower and torque figures can vary slightly by model year due to tuning, emission standards, and transmission pairing. Always verify with official documentation for your specific vehicle.
How to identify your engine
To determine the exact engine in your Dodge Caliber, use these steps to locate engine-specific codes and documentation.
- Check the door jamb or glovebox sticker for the engine size listed in the vehicle specification section.
- Inspect the engine bay for a stamped code on the valve cover, intake manifold, or engine block that indicates the engine displacement (2.0L or 2.4L).
- Read the vehicle identification number (VIN) and decode the engine type from the 8th character, which often identifies the engine family or displacement for FCA vehicles; consult the official VIN decoding resource if you’re unsure.
- Review the original window sticker (Monroney label) or the owner’s manual, which typically state the engine option explicitly.
- Look at service records or the dealership’s build sheet, which usually list the installed engine at the time of manufacture.
- If available, ask a Dodge/Chrysler dealer to run a VIN-based build specification to confirm the exact engine match.
Confirming the engine ensures you source the correct parts and follow the appropriate maintenance schedule for your Caliber’s powerplant.
Why it matters for maintenance and parts
Knowing whether you have the 2.0L or the 2.4L engine matters for oil type and capacity, timing belt/chain considerations (where applicable), cooling system components, and compatibility of intake/exhaust parts. While both engines share the same family, the 2.4L generally requires more robust cooling and may have different spark plug gaps, fuel injector specs, and belt routing. When ordering parts or planning service, always confirm the exact engine option to avoid incompatible components.
Summary
In most Caliber models, the engine options you’ll encounter are the 2.0-liter I4 or the 2.4-liter I4 from Chrysler’s World engine family. The 2.0L typically focuses on efficiency, while the 2.4L offers more power. To be certain, verify via the VIN, door jamb/window stickers, and the vehicle’s documentation, or consult a dealer with your VIN for an exact engine specification.
What engine is in a 2010 Dodge Caliber?
Standard for the Caliber's SE and SXT models is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 148 horsepower. It's mated to a five-speed manual transmission, though a continuously variable transmission is available. Optional on the SE and SXT models is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower.
What engine is in a Dodge Caliber?
The Dodge Caliber was offered with several four-cylinder gasoline engines, including a base 1.8L, a 2.0L, and a more powerful 2.4L engine. A turbocharged 2.4L engine was also available in the high-performance SRT4 model, which produced significantly more horsepower. Additionally, European models had a turbo-diesel engine option.
Standard gasoline engines
- 1.8L: The base engine, producing around 148 horsepower.
- 2.0L: Offered with different horsepower ratings depending on the model year, sometimes paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- 2.4L: Found in models like the R/T, providing more power than the base engines for better performance.
Performance and diesel engines
- 2.4L Turbo: This turbocharged engine was featured in the SRT4 model and delivered 285 horsepower.
- 2.0L CRD Turbo-Diesel: A diesel option available in the European market.
Transmission options
The engines were paired with various transmissions, including five-speed and six-speed manual gearboxes, and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
What size engine does a 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT have?
2007 Dodge Caliber Specs, Features & Options
| Save 1 of 3 Caliber SXT Sport Wagon 4D | Save 2 of 3 Caliber Sport Wagon 4D | Save 3 of 3 Caliber R/T Sport Wagon 4D |
|---|---|---|
| See Pricing See Cars in Stock | See Pricing See Cars in Stock | See Pricing See Cars in Stock |
| Engine | ||
| 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter |
| Cargo Volume |
What does SXt mean on a Dodge Caliber?
In Dodge's world, SXT means “Standard eXTra.” It means this trim has extra features that go beyond the basic model. These extras make driving better without making the car too expensive. The exact features in the SXT trim can change based on the Dodge model and year.
