When it debuted in the 2013 model year, the Dart filled the Dodge brand’s 7-year vacancy in the compact car segment. That’s a long time for buyers to be looking elsewhere for a small sedan. But the Dodge Dart provides plenty of lures for price-savvy shoppers. One reason the Dart deserves attention is its interior design. The optional Uconnect infotainment system features simple-to-navigate and easy-to-read menus via an 8.4-inch touch screen. Large-sized control knobs are well-positioned, and the cabin showcases a tidy fit-and-finish presentation. The Dart also provides front and rear seat roominess more akin to a midsize sedan.

The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 4-cylinder engine is standard on the 2014 Dart SXT, Limited and GT. (In 2013 only the Dart GT was fitted with the 2.4-liter Tigershark as standard equipment.) This 4-cylinder produces 184 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 171 pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. A 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is standard on Dart Aero, while a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is standard on the base (SE) model. An independent MacPherson front suspension/ multi-link independent rear suspension and a 15:1 steering ratio helped convey the car’s sporty orientation during an extended test drive. Dart’s 3.0 lock-to-lock steering turns helps with parking maneuvers. With 2.4-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, Dart GT has a MSRP of $20,995 and collects estimated mpg of 22 city and 31 highway.