Chrysler Sebring vs Dodge Avenger. Opposites

 

Dodge Avenger. Price: from $30,115. On sale: since 2007.
Chrysler Sebring. Price: from $36,240. On sale: since 2006.

These two sedans are built on the same platform, equipped with the same engines and very similar running gear. Moreover, they come off the same assembly line. But despite all the similarities, the cars turned out different, and it's not just about the appearance.

Chrysler Sebring

Some of the design solutions and structural elements we see on the Sebring today first appeared on the Chrysler Airflite concept of 2003. True, that was a coupe, but some ideas were successfully transferred to the production sedan. In particular, the Sebring received the radiator grille, front optics, and massive rear pillar from the concept.

Driving
In terms of handling, it is almost no different from the Avenger, except that the suspension seems a bit softer, and therefore more comfortable.

Interior
Visually, it seems smaller, although in reality the dimensions of the cars are almost identical.

Comfort
A typical American: the equipment is rich, there is everything and even more. Take, for example, the cup holder that can cool or heat a drink.

Safety
At a decent level. At least, there is no feeling of being unprotected.

Price
Quite justified.


Dodge Avenger

Despite sharing the platform with the Sebring, the Avenger cannot be called its complete copy. However, it doesn't look like a direct competitor either. The interior trim uses simpler materials, and the list of options is more modest. But the price is noticeably lower than that of the Sebring.

Driving
Unexpectedly good on the highway, and in the city it doesn't create problems either, although the suspension seemed too stiff to us.

Interior
Inside is spacious and quite comfortable, but, as before, the abundance of hard plastic is confusing.

Comfort
It is well suited for long trips, but the seats, contrary to stereotypes, are not at all like a home sofa.

Safety
Well equipped: there are both active and passive systems.

Price
Quite reasonable.


Despite all the external differences, these cars have one detail that immediately reveals their kinship. It's the roof. In everything else, they differ greatly. The Chrysler, which entered the market earlier, is an example of a classic American car in the usual sense. Well, or almost classic: it doesn't reach true American dimensions, but in everything else, it's a hundred percent Yankee. It is as simple as a hot dog, with the only difference that instead of mustard, this simplicity is generously seasoned with design finds. Examples don't need to be sought far: just look at the "combed" hood or appreciate the powerful stamping running from fender to fender. It became a kind of accent that added dynamics to the silhouette. This stamping almost exactly repeats the one on the Airflite concept of 2003. True, there it looked more harmonious, because the concept was a coupe, and the Sebring is a sedan. Although it's hard to believe, especially when looking at the car in three-quarter view: the trunk seems disproportionately small relative to the entire body. And yet it is so.

 

 

But the Avenger in this sense is a typical sedan: the trunk lid is clearly visible from any angle. Although, perhaps, there is more truck in its appearance than a passenger car. The shapes are too choppy and simple. But this does not prevent the Avenger from being memorable, and against the background of the Sebring, it looks even more interesting. Once you see it, you won't confuse it with anything else. Just as you won't forget the disappointment you feel when you find yourself in the cabin. Plastic, plastic, and more plastic. It's everywhere: whatever you touch, whatever you knock on, everything reeks of cheapness and ostentatious practicality. It's clear that washing off a dried hamburger or spilled cola from such surfaces is easier, but you shouldn't turn the car's interior into a kitchen countertop. You want something "soulful" — a soft dashboard or at least fabric-covered door cards. This is an American car — not Chinese or Korean, but American. And here you get the feeling that practicality and cheapness have become synonyms for Americans, and this, perhaps far-fetched, truth they impose on the whole world.

And it's a pity, because otherwise, it's hard to find fault with the interior of this car. There's a lot of space, ergonomics are tolerable. Only the algorithm of the steering column switches is unusual. Everything is still placed on them, up to turning on the interior lights. The interior looks good. There's plenty of places to put small items — there are even two glove boxes. And with space, everything is in order: four adults will fit without problems. It's just that the seats could be softer.

In the Sebring, the seats are also not too kind to passengers: the stiffness, especially of the backrest, is felt by the spine as soon as you sit behind the wheel. But, unlike the Avenger, here there is everything we are used to in expensive cars. This includes a soft dashboard, comfortable door handles, a high-quality audio system, and even something that five years ago one could only dream of. We're talking about that very cup holder with heating and cooling. And the sound insulation of the more expensive Sebring is noticeably better than that of the Avenger. Pebbles from under the wheels are not heard as clearly, and the hum of the engine is not as intrusive. In general, in the Sebring, everything is honest.
In character, the Avenger seemed more spirited. But, most likely, this impression is due to worse sound insulation. After all, the better the engine is heard, the more dynamic the car seems. And in terms of characteristics, they are almost no different. Except that the Sebring has a slightly higher top speed. Due to what? Apparently, due to a more aerodynamic body shape, because the engines and gearboxes of the cars are the same. In both cases, it's a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter engine and a 4-speed automatic. The combination is well chosen: neither the engine nor the gearbox gave us any complaints during the test on either car. And they handled well — no worse than European classmates.

In the end, it's worth adding that, unlike the Sebring, the Avenger is supplied to our market with a 2.0-liter engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Our verdict

Both cars have been sold here for more than a year, but they haven't caused a stir among buyers. The Chrysler Sebring sold about three hundred units last year, and the Dodge Avenger — even less than a hundred. Although, in our opinion, these cars deserve much more attention. At least in terms of driving qualities, they are not much inferior to the Europeans and Japanese that are more popular with us.

Data bank

Dimensions, weight