Vehicle safety data is provided by IIHS, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries on the nation's highways.
If you’re in the market for a high-caliber vehicle that offers competitive fuel economy, utility and a suite of safety technologies, check out the 2010 Dodge Caliber four-door compact hatchback.
For 2010, the front-wheel-drive Dodge Caliber is minus the high-performance SRT4 trim and is now only offered in SE, SXT and R/T trims. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine has also been discontinued. On the plus side, the interior has been completely redesigned, boasting new instrumentation, a center storage bin and padded armrest for the center console. The 2010 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a 2.0-liter, 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 2.4-liter, 178-horsepower four-cylinder engine, each mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT with manual-shift mode. EPA estimated fuel economy ratings range between 21-23 mpg in the city and 25-27 mpg on the highway.
Competing with Toyota Matrix and Volkswagen Rabbit, the 2010 Dodge Caliber sits higher than most of its compact hatchback rivals on standard 15-inch steel wheels (SE). Also available are 17-inch painted aluminum (SXT) and 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels (R/T). The R/T also gains a sport-tuned suspension and steering system.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber holds up to five occupants in standard cloth or optional leather-trimmed seats. The SE is bare bones and most features can only be had as options, including air conditioning, power mirrors, locks and windows with speed-sensitive door locks, a beverage cooling bin, 60/40-split rear seat that folds flat and reclines and a fold-flat front passenger seat for more cargo room. The mid-grade SXT offers all these features as standard and adds keyless entry, cruise control and sattelite radio. A voice-activated navigation and audio system (Uconnect), rechargeable flashlight stored in the cargo area, sunroof, heated front seats and a six-CD changer are available as options.
When it comes to safety, what separates the 2010 Dodge Caliber from the competition is a standard driver’s knee airbag to keep you positioned properly in the event of an accident. Additional standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags, Smart Key (which immobilizes the engine in the event of a theft attempt), an electronic stability system, traction control and available antilock braking system.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber four-door compact hatchback struts a redesigned interior and provides plenty of standard safety features and available interior technologies.