What engine is a Dodge Avenger?
The Dodge Avenger has used more than one engine across its two generations. In the modern 2007–2014 model, it is powered predominantly by a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. The original 1995–2000 Avenger offered smaller four-cylinders and a V6 option, depending on the trim.
Two Generations, Different Engines
To understand what drives a Dodge Avenger, it helps to look at the two distinct generations and the engines offered in each period. Below is a breakdown by era.
First generation (1995–2000)
During its first incarnation, the Avenger shared a platform with the Dodge Stratus and offered multiple engine choices across different trims. The core options were:
- 2.0-liter inline-4
- 2.5-liter V6
These engines reflected the era’s emphasis on simple, reliable powertrain options for a mid-size sedan. The availability of each engine varied by market and trim level, with the V6 delivering higher performance for buyers seeking more power.
Second generation (2007–2014)
The second-generation Avenger, built on the Chrysler Sebring platform, centralized around a single core four-cylinder setup for most models, with the 2.4-liter inline-4 powering the lineup. This generation did not typically offer a factory V6 option in the Avenger, aligning with its positioning as a value-oriented mid-size sedan.
- 2.4-liter inline-4 (World engine family)
In this era, there were no mainstream diesel or turbocharged variants offered for the Avenger in the U.S. market, and the 2.4-liter engine was the standard powerplant across most trims.
Additional context and nuances
Engine availability can vary by model year, market, and trim level. Some related Chrysler Sebring/Stratus derivatives shared engines, but the Avenger itself followed the patterns described above for its two generations. If you have a specific year or trim in mind, I can confirm the exact engine configuration for that version.
Summary
In short, the Dodge Avenger’s answer is not a single engine. The first-generation model offered a 2.0-liter inline-4 and a 2.5-liter V6, while the second generation primarily used a 2.4-liter inline-4 as its standard powerplant. This reflects the car’s evolution from a more varied, performance-oriented option in the 1990s to a value-focused mid-size sedan in the 2000s.
