The Dodge Dart was brought back into production by the Fiat-owned Chrysler corporation in 2013. What many people may not know, is that the Dart is not a new player in the sedan segment. The Dodge Dart first rolled off the assembly line back in 1960, before fizzling out in North America after the 1976 model year. While the small, compact car may have made quite the comeback in recent years, it’s first start on the market was certainly a rocky one.
What has quickly become one of our favorite vehicles in Dodge’s lineup, the newest 2016 Dodge Dart is here in Miami, and it is quite the impressive little sedan. Aside from it’s intriguing model lineup, the new Dart has optional packages that turn the unassuming compact car, into a true presence on the road.
Before we get into the nitty gritty of what the 2016 Dart is capable of becoming, let’s take a quick look at what the Dart has going for itself this model year.
The newly refreshed 2016 Dodge Dart is a great entry level sedan, starting at just $16,995. Whether you are looking for a basic and dependable vehicle to get you from your house to the office, or want a fully equipped performance sedan that will get you there in style - Dodge has a Dart model that fits the bill.
The newest model of the Dart is not entirely redesigned, however the compact sedan has received just enough tweaking to keep our interest piqued. With five different trim level options, and plenty of engine choices to pick from, the 2016 Dodge Dart is as versatile, as it is affordable.
Before we dive into what gets the Dart really going, let’s check out what each one of the five trim levels offers to potential drivers. Explore below, and discover a sampling of what each of the 2016 Dodge Dart models offer, a little more in depth.
Featuring the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, this Dart impresses with an adequate 160 horsepower, power windows, and a CD/MP3 player. For the driver who needs a reliable car, and isn’t interested in all of the extra hocus pocus, this is the Dart model for them.
The first in the lineup to get a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the SXT manages 184 horsepower, and ups the interior amenity ante quite a bit. With a six-speaker audio system, aluminum wheels, air conditioning, keyless entry, and cruise control - the SXT offers the same reliability as the SE, with a little more oomph.
Which Dart model is not like the rest? THIS one. The Aero was specifically designed for optimal fuel efficiency, and accomplishes that with the help of a 1.4-liter turbo engine with 160 horsepower. Specially designed for low rolling resistance, the Dart Aero comes standard with active grille shutters, underbody enhancements to increase aerodynamics, and manages up to 41 MPG on the highway. Not too shabby.
The sporty version of the compact car, the Dart GT offers heated front seating, a standard remote start system, a sport-tuned suspension, leather seats, and 18-inch wheels. While it may not be able to compete with the true muscle cars on the American roadway, the GT at least looks the part. And to us, that’s half the battle anyway.
The mack daddy of the Dodge Dart lineup, the Limited truly pushes the limit when it comes to maximum amenities. Standard fare includes a sunroof, chrome trim, enhanced interior leather, a navigation system, and a refined suspension tuning. If you fell into the latter category of car owners who desire a stylish, impressive ride, then the Dart Limited is the way to go.
We have said it before, and we will say it again. The Dodge Dart is one versatile little ride. Easily able to fit into any lifestyle, the Dart can go from a basic commuter car, to a luxury, sport-tuned sedan. Wrapping your head around the true adaptability of the Dart can leave you reaching for that bottle of aspirin in your medicine cabinet, and we certainly wouldn’t want that.
Rather than leave you confused and in pain, we have opted to make a list of the available packages for the 2016 Dart, so you can see the totality of everything the little compact has to offer. From package options, to enhanced “groups,” here is everything you need to know about adding a little more attitude to your 2016 Dart.
This first package is available on the SXT model only, and adds a premium amount of attitude to the already eye-catching Dart. As the name suggests, the package gives the Dart a blacked-out edge. Featuring 18-inch Gloss Black Aluminum wheels, Gloss Black power exterior mirrors, a Gloss Black crosshair grille, fog lamp spear, and bezels. New for the 2016 model year, the Blacktop package adds a redesigned Sport Appearance hood, allowing for even more exclusivity than ever before.
Dodge was not going to let the high-end trim levels have all of the fun. This enticing package is available on both the base SE, and SXT Dart models for 2016. This enhanced group adds a performance-designed front fascia, projector fog lamps, premium cloth seats with accent stitching, 17-inch Granite Crystal Aluminum wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a dual exhaust system, rear stabilizer bar, a touring suspension, and the Sport Appearance hood on the SXT models. This exhaustive list of incredible upgrades starts at an additional $295 - a price that we believe, is well worth it.
Another package with a highly suggestive name, the Sun and Sound Group adds essentially what you would expect, to either the Dart SXT, or GT models. A premium radio with 8.4-inch touchscreen display, a 506-watt Alpine sound system with nine speakers, a Parkview rear back up camera, power sunroof, and a remote USB port are included in this group. Starting at $1,195, this group of options may be the right ticket into a technology-focused Dart, without paying a premium.
Again, whoever named these packages isn’t winning a subtlety award anytime soon, and that’s okay. Available on SXT models, this group adds heated cloth front seats, heated power exterior mirrors, and a remote start system. All of this starts at just $495.
This optional package tacks on an additional $1,095, and can be added to the GT and Limited models. The technology group may have been more appropriately named “Safety Group,” but we digress. Featuring automatic high beam headlamps, High-Intensity Discharge headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear park assist system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, and a security alarm. Essentially everything you need to feel safe, in just about any situation, can be found in this package.