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What is the difference between the Dodge Dart Rallye and SXt?

On a basic level, the Dart Rallye is the sport-oriented trim with more aggressive styling and a stronger emphasis on performance options, while the Dart SXT is the mid-range trim focused on value and comfort with a broader feature set. This article breaks down how they differ in engines, features, styling, and price across model years.


Engine options and performance


Two engines available


The Dart lineup offered two main engine choices, with Rallye and SXT commonly aligning with the more powerful option in many years. The 2.0-liter Tigershark I4 provided baseline performance, while the 2.4-liter Tigershark I4 offered noticeably more power for improved acceleration.



  • 2.0-liter Tigershark I4: a baseline engine found on the earlier Dart configurations; generally paired with a manual or automatic transmission depending on the year and market.

  • 2.4-liter Tigershark I4: the more powerful option (about 184 hp) that is commonly associated with the Rallye and was available on some SXT configurations; typically paired with an automatic transmission for smoother daily driving.

  • Transmission options: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic were available across different trims and years, with automatic more common when equipped with the 2.4L engine.


Overall, if you prioritize straight-line speed and a sportier feel, the Rallye’s typical alignment with the 2.4L engine translates to stronger performance versus an SXT configured with the base engine.


Exterior and interior styling and features


Sport cues vs. comfort and tech


The Rallye emphasizes sport styling and handling cues to convey a more performance-focused image, while the SXT centers on comfort, practicality, and technology. Exterior details, wheel choices, and available packages distinguish the two trims, with interior features often reflecting the intended buyer.



  • Rallye: sport-oriented exterior touches such as larger wheels (often 18 inches), sport-inspired grille and fascia, possible decklid spoiler, and a sport-tuned or firmer suspension on certain model years; these cues give the Rallye a more aggressive look and feel.

  • SXT: more understated styling with standard or smaller wheels (commonly around 17 inches), chrome or body-color accents, and a focus on convenience and technology options inside the cabin.


Because wheel sizes, suspension tuning, and available packages varied by year and market, exact appearances and handling characteristics could differ from one Dart to another.


Technology, features, and pricing


Year-to-year differences and value considerations


Feature content and technology options evolved during the Dart’s production run (2013–2016), and regional offerings varied as well. In general, the Rallye leaned toward sport-flavor options, while the SXT offered broader standard equipment and more upgrade paths for tech and comfort.



  • Rallye: available sport packages or equipment that enhanced the appearance and handling feel, with variations by year; pricing tended to reflect the sport-oriented content and any engine options selected.

  • SXT: broader standard equipment and optional tech upgrades, often delivering strong value when loaded with popular options like improved infotainment, connectivity, and interior features.


For prospective buyers, it’s important to verify the exact build sheet for a given model year and regional package, since trims shifted content and pricing over time.


Summary


In the Dodge Dart lineup, the Rallye and SXT serve different purposes: the Rallye is the sportier, appearance-oriented trim with stronger emphasis on performance cues and, in many years, the 2.4L engine option; the SXT is a mid-range trim prioritizing value, comfort, and technology, with flexible engine options and broader standard equipment. The precise differences—engine availability, wheels, suspension tuning, and tech content—vary by model year and market, so checking the specific build for a given Dart is essential. The Dodge Dart was produced from 2013 through 2016, and buyers today are mostly looking at used-models with year-by-year variations in features.

Does the Dodge Dart Rallye have a turbo?


The Dart Aero, Rallye, SXT, and Limited models are the only models available with the 1.4 L MultiAir turbocharged I4 engine.



What is the difference between rally and Rallye?


"Rallye" is a French spelling that refers to a car rally or a specific car model with an appearance package, while "rally" is the common English spelling for both a competitive car event and the general meaning of gathering people. Both spellings are pronounced the same, but "rallye" is more common in a French context or for specific product names, while "rally" is the standard term for the competition in English and for political or social gatherings. 

Feature Rallye Rally
Spelling French spelling for a car event or appearance package English spelling for both a car event and gatherings
Usage Often used for motorsports events in French or for specific car trim levels (e.g., Dodge Charger Rallye) Used for political or social gatherings, and the general competitive car sport
Pronunciation Identical to "rally" Identical to "rallye"
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What does Rallye mean in a charger?


A Dodge Charger Rallye is a trim level that primarily adds an appearance package to the V6-powered Charger SXT, featuring a more aggressive look inspired by the R/T model, along with performance and technology upgrades. It typically includes a blacked-out grille, a rear spoiler, 19-inch wheels, and a Beats by Dr. Dre audio system. Performance enhancements include an up-rated V6 engine with more horsepower and torque, paddle shifters, and other performance features.
 
Modern Charger Rallye (e.g., 2015-2017 SXT) 

  • Appearance: Blacked-out grille and fascia to mimic the R/T model, a rear spoiler, and 19-inch wheels. 
  • Performance: A 3.6L V6 engine that produces 300 horsepower (an increase from the standard 292 hp), 264 lb-ft of torque, and a sport-tuned suspension. 
  • Technology: Paddle shifters, a Beats by Dr. Dre premium sound system, and an upgraded infotainment system. 
  • Availability: The Rallye package was offered on the SXT trim, with the options for both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). 

Historical Charger Rallye (1972-1973)
  • Legacy: The Rallye package was first introduced in the 1970s as a high-performance model, distinct from later versions. 
  • Features: Models from the 1970s included a powerful 440 Magnum engine option and a variety of performance-oriented features such as performance suspension, distinct exterior styling, and interior upgrades. 
  • Muscle Car Heritage: The 1972 model is known for being the last of the muscle-car versions of the Charger, and surviving models are now valuable collector's items. 



What does SXT mean on a Dodge Dart?


What does SXT mean on a Dodge vehicle? SXT stands for "Standard eXTra". It is the base trim option for the Challenger, Charger, and Durango. Despite being the entry-level trim, the Standard eXTra offers incredible performance and technology.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.