During the first three years of production, the Avenger sedan offered a range of three engines in the
United States, each catering to a different cost and performance profile.
The 2.4-Liter World Engine
The entry-level option, present in the SE and SXT versions, was the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
from the GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance) family. This engine, the result of cooperation between
Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai, used dual variable valve timing (VVT) to balance power and economy.
Producing 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, it allowed the Avenger to achieve up to 30 miles per
gallon (mpg) on the highway, a competitive mark for the time. However, this engine was frequently criticized
for being noisy and harsh under heavy acceleration, especially when mated to the four-speed automatic
transmission that was standard on these versions.
The 2.7-Liter Flex-Fuel V6
The intermediate option for the SXT version was Chrysler's 2.7-liter V6 engine. With 189 horsepower,
this powertrain offered a more linear and smoother power delivery than the four-cylinder. One of its great
advantages was the Flex-Fuel technology, allowing the use of gasoline or E85 ethanol. Despite the extra
refinement, its consumption was higher, and it was also limited by the four-speed automatic transmission.
The 3.5-Liter High Output V6
The top-of-the-line R/T version received the 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivered 235 horsepower and
232 lb-ft of torque. This engine was significantly more powerful and transformed the Avenger into a truly
fast sedan, capable of making overtakes with ease. The technical differential of this version, besides the
engine, was the six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick function, which allowed manual shifts and
offered closer gear ratios for more agile acceleration.
In 2008, the Avenger R/T could also be equipped with an on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system,
something rare in the affordable mid-size sedan segment. This system sent torque to the rear wheels only
when necessary, such as during hard acceleration or on slippery surfaces, improving stability and traction.
However, due to the additional weight and the impact on fuel consumption, the AWD version was discontinued
after the 2008 model year.