The Dodge Caliber is available in four models, all with four-cylinder engines. A 148-horsepower 1.8-liter with a five-speed manual is standard in SE and SXT, a 158-hp 2.0-liter with a continuously variable automatic (CVT) is optional for the SE and SXT, a 172-hp 2.4-liter with either the five-speed or the CVT is standard in R/T, and the SRT4 has a 285-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed manual. The 2.0-liter engine is available only with the CVT.
The SE ($16,460) has cloth seats; tilt steering column; an AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers and an auxiliary input jack; a 60/40-split folding rear seat; removable and washable vinyl cargo mat; and P205/70R15 tires on steel wheels. Air conditioning is not standard, nor are power windows. The SE comes with manual roll-up windows and manual outside mirrors. Options for the SE are as extensive as the standard equipment is basic. The air conditioning system ($1250) includes an interior air filter and a Chill Zone inside the glove box that holds four half-liter water bottles. An uplevel stereo adds MP3 capability and a six-disc CD changer.
The SXT ($17,850) comes standard with air conditioning with the interior air filter and Chill Zone; Sirius satellite radio; anti-lock brakes; power windows, mirrors and door locks; floor mats; cruise control; stain-resistant seat fabric; remote keyless entry; 115-volt AC power outlet; a flashlight-like removable lamp that stows and charges in a receptacle in the rear headliner; height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat; a reclining 60/40-split rear seat; and all-season P215/60R17 touring tires on aluminum wheels.
SXT options include a sunroof ($795); the Driver Convenience Group ($795) with Dodge's uconnect hands-free cell-phone link, HomeLink universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information center and a tire pressure monitor; and the Premium Sound Group ($495) with Boston Acoustics sound system with nine speakers, including two articulating liftgate speakers called MusicGate Power.
The R/T ($20,295) comes with the SXT items, plus a variety of other features, including a sport suspension with performance steering, and P215/55R18 all-season performance tires on aluminum wheels. Options exclusive to R/T are the Leather Interior Group ($595) with leather seating surfaces and a manual lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, and chromed 18-inch wheels ($700).
The SRT4 ($24,840) has a turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter engine pumping out 285 horsepower through a Getrag six-speed manual transmission. Suspension, brakes and steering are beefed up to handle the increased performance, and aluminum wheels wear W-rated, P225/45R19 all-season tires. The SRT4 has unique body aero add-ons, including a large rear spoiler.
The SRT4 gets sport bucket seats, a carbon fiber and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a reconfigurable display, a boost gauge, a six-disc CD changer, and aluminum pedals. The only options are a Kicker audio system ($675), a sunroof ($795), polished aluminum wheels ($400), and summer performance tires.
There are actually many more options than there is space to list here, so any potential buyers are advised to consult with their local Dodge dealers to determine those features which are most important for their needs.
Safety features that come standard on all Calibers include multi-stage front airbags and full-coverage side-curtain airbags. Optional on SXT and R/T area a couple of Security Groups ($695 for the SXT, $1,875 for the more comprehensive package on the R/T), which include a variety of safety and security items.