What kind of engines do Dodge Darts have?
Over its history, the Dodge Dart has been offered with a range of engines—from modern four-cylinders in the 2013–2016 era to older inline-sixes and V8s in earlier generations. This article breaks down the engine options by era, highlighting what powered the Dart in its most recent model years and what powered the classic versions.
Modern Dodge Dart engines (2013–2016)
The contemporary Dart lineup sticks to four-cylinder power and front-wheel drive, with a mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged options to balance efficiency and performance. Here are the engines that were available.
Engine options
- 2.0-liter Tigershark I4 — typically about 160 horsepower and around 148 lb-ft of torque.
- 2.4-liter Tigershark I4 MultiAir2 — around 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque.
- 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo I4 — a turbocharged option available on select trims, generally paired with similar turbo-friendly torque figures (engine offered for enhanced efficiency and performance, with exact output varying by model year and configuration).
Concluding paragraph: The modern Dart emphasizes efficiency with a straightforward four-cylinder lineup. The base 2.0L provides everyday practicality, the 2.4L adds stronger performance for sportier trims, and the 1.4L turbo offers a more spirited yet efficient choice on capable configurations.
Earlier Darts and legacy engines
The original Dodge Dart family, which began in the 1960s, used Mopar inline-six engines and various small-block V8s. Across decades, Darts offered a mix of robust six-cylinder powerplants and V8s for performance-minded buyers, reflecting Mopar’s broader strategy for compact cars in those eras.
- Inline-six engines from the Slant-Six family—known for durability and straightforward performance in mid-century Mopars.
- Small-block V8 engines—used in higher-trim or performance-oriented Darts, spanning a range of displacements typical for Mopar V8s of the era.
Concluding paragraph: In contrast to the modern four-cylinder focus, early Darts leaned on a combination of reliable inline-sixes and versatile V8s to appeal to everyday drivers and enthusiasts seeking more power, a hallmark of the muscle-car era.
Summary
Across its long history, the Dodge Dart has offered a spectrum of engines—from the six- and eight-cylinder legacy of its early days to the efficient, four-cylinder lineup of the modern model. Today’s Darts prioritize fuel economy and urban usability with multiple four-cylinder options, while vintage Darts showcased Mopar’s traditional inline-six and V8 powertrains. This mix reflects the car’s evolution from a compact family sedan to a platform that catered to both practical daily use and performance-minded buyers.
