The 2016 Dodge Dart Rallye SXT and I got to be good friends over the course of 750 miles that took me to Suncadia, Chehalis, Burlington, Camano Island and other assorted destinations.
It was more than enough time for me to determine the new Dodge Dart provides compact car buyers with the value and features people crave – namely a distinctive, sporty exterior, excellent gas mileage, sleek interior design that’s well-crafted with high-quality materials, class-leading safety and security features – and most of all, value for your hard-earned buck.
It stands to reason the Dodge Dart has strung together a series of year-over-year sales gains, including an all-time sales record in 2015.
SXT features a new sport appearance hood and Rallye appearance package that adds 17-inch granite crystal aluminum wheels, rear stabilizer bar, fog lamps, black headlamp bezels, black grille surround with black crosshair and black bumper, and dual rear exhaust with bright tips. A Laser Blue Pearl coat of exterior paint simply upped the ante.
Way too cool for someone in the waning years of their 50s.
The Dart SXT seats four adults in comfort, five in a squeeze. And it averages almost 35 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving that included Snoqualmie Pass and some stop-and-go I-5 grinding.
My tester was powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine with MultiAir2 technology, delivering 184 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with a six-speed Powertech automatic transmission with auto-stick. It’s not a race car, but the Dart is not under-powered and was fun to put through its paces.
The Dart’s chassis is engineered to deliver steering precision and sporty handling dynamics ,but with the ride comfort that makes the daily commute something to look forward to. The exceptional balance of fun-to-drive dynamics, ride comfort, a quiet cabin and emergency handling characteristics is accomplished through the suspension bushing tuning and the Dart’s exceptional body structure.
The SXT goodie bag is plentiful. Highlights include a navigation system, LED racetrack tail lamps, automatic headlamps, Uconnect 200 AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with audio input jack for mobile devices, Bluetooth, rearview mirror with microphone, steering wheel with audio controls, speed control, 60/40-split folding rear seat with armrest storage, cup holders and trunk pass-through, six speakers, security alarm, overhead console with sunglasses holder, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet in front console, front and rear floor mats, and a 600-amp maintenance-free battery.
The Dart is loaded with more than 60 available safety and security features, which give both drivers and passengers peace of mind. The most impressive are electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, hill-start assist, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and 10 airbags.
The Dart is also available in SE, Aero, Limited and GT trim levels.
2016 DODGE DART RALLYE SXT
BASE PRICE: $19,395
AS TESTED: $24,510
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.
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