The Avenger doesn’t fit the boring label. With its sporty swagger, this front wheel drive sedan showcases power and attitude. And that’s supported by an interior design that doesn’t distract the driver from driving. Accomplishing simple tasks is intuitive, so tuning a radio station is a quick button swirl or a quick press of a pre-set button on the SE (base) model. Three large gauges provide a quick reference for the speedometer and other vehicle information. Long-legged front row occupants can get comfortable with more than 10 inches of seat travel. The four-door’s trunk provides 13.5 cubic feet of stow space.

With the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 283 hp at 6400 rpm and 260 pounds-feet of peak torque at 4400 rpm, the test-driven Avenger SE with optional 6-speed automatic transmission easily grabbed speed when requested. (Base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 173 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 166 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm.) Safety standards include electronic stability control/electronic traction control, side curtain airbags, and front seat side airbags. Sold in SE, SXT and R/T trims, the 108.9-inch wheelbase Avenger had its last significant redesign in 2011. Avenger SE with V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission collects estimated mpg of 19 city and 29 highway. The base model Avenger has an MSRP of $18,995; MSRP with V6 starts at $21,495.