Engine: 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4

Engine Options: 148-hp 1.8-liter inline-4; 158-hp 2.0-liter inline-4; 172-hp 2.4-liter inline-4; 285-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4

Transmission: CVT automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed manual; continuously variable automatic (CVT); 6-speed manual

Standard Safety Equipment: dual front airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, child safety seat anchors (LATCH)

Optional Safety Equipment: torso-protecting seat-mounted front side airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, tire pressure monitor, electronic stability program with traction control

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Belvidere, Illinois

Model Tested: Dodge Caliber SXT ($15,425)

Standard Equipment: YES Essentials cloth upholstery; tilt steering column; removable and washable vinyl cargo mat; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; floor mats, cargo area tonneau cover; cruise control; air conditioning with the interior air filter and Chill Zone; tachometer; Sirius satellite radio; 115-volt, AC power outlet; rechargeable rear flashlight; height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining 60/40 split folding rear seat; all-season P215/60R17 touring tires on aluminum wheels

Options as Tested: 158-hp 2.0-liter engine ($150); CVT ($1000); Premium Sound Group ($495) Boston Acoustics sound system with nine speakers, including two articulating liftgate speakers; AM/FM/MP3 stereo with six-CD in-dash changer with auxiliary input jack ($320); Driver Convenience Group ($760) with Dodge's UConnect hands-free cell phone link, HomeLink universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information center and tire pressure monitor; power sunroof ($795)

Destination Charge: 560

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 158 @ 6400

Torque: 141 @ 5000

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 23/27

Wheelbase: 103.7 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 173.8/68.8/60.4 inches

Track Front/Rear: 59.8/59.8 inches

Turning Cycle: 35.5 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 40.0/52.2/41.8 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.9/49.6/35.6 inches

Trunk Volume: 48.0 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson strut, coil spring-over gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar

Ground Clearance: 7.0 inches

Curb Weight: 3039 pounds

Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds

Tires: P215/60R17 all-season touring

Brakes: vented disc/drum with ABS and Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 13.6 Gallons