Dodge Caliber



Overview of the Dodge Caliber
Learn about the Dodge CaliberSummary
Introduced in 2007, the Dodge Caliber is the marriage between a hatchback and a crossover utility vehicle (CUV). A sporty wagon that seats five with fun and family-friendly features, this spacious car has plenty of room that can be arranged to suit your needs—whether you’re transporting people, large items or both. While production may have stopped in 2012, the Caliber is still handy and reliable. With a lower price point than many of its peers and a cool, low-slung design, the Dodge Caliber is for drivers who want the perks of a station wagon but not its looks.
Safety
Earlier models of the Dodge Caliber included side curtain, overhead and knee airbags, along with pretensioners on the seatbelts and a security system. Standard safety features on Dodge Calibers include:
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking in adverse conditions (from 2008)
- Multi-stage airbags for the front of the cabin (from 2008)
- Sentry Key®, an immobilizing device that can disable the car if the correct key is not employed (from 2011)
- Hill Start Assist, which automatically applies the brake on steep inclines to prevent rolling (available with manual transmission only)
Additional airbags, such as seat-mounted side protection airbags, are optional. Some drivers feel that the standard safety equipment in the Caliber falls below the bar set by its peers.
Interior
Early Calibers have a fairly basic interior that relies heavily on no-frills plastic, and some models lack power windows. The Caliber knows how to have a good time, as evidenced by standard features such as an integrated drink cooler, rear speakers facing outward for tailgating and a cargo floor that’s easy to keep clean. Later versions included the ChillZone cooled glove compartment, as well as a rechargeable flashlight, cementing the idea that the Caliber is always ready for a little fun.
Technology
The Uconnect® communication system is an option for Calibers from 2009—with an upgraded version available as of 2014—and it's normally standard in the higher trim packages. Uconnect® is a voice-command system that allows for entertainment, navigation, a 3G mobile hotspot and phone access throughout your car. As of 2007, the top-level trims such as the SXT included a 115-volt outlet, while in the subsequent model year, a DVD system was introduced.
Space
The Caliber is smartly designed to take the greatest advantage of its cabin area, with a spacious interior as a result. Rear seats have a 60/40 split, and with the 2012 offering a fold-flat front passenger seat, there are lots of options to configure the Caliber’s space to balance between people and gear. The driver’s seat has five-way power adjustments for maximum comfort, and many Calibers are equipped with heated front seats and reclining rear seats. Older model Calibers had low supportive seats with plenty of space around extremities, and the newer versions are equally roomy. There are plenty of pockets and cubbies in the cabin to stash all things big and small.
Comfort
All Dodge Calibers come standard with front-wheel drive transmission, though there is an optional all-wheel drive transmission available on higher trim levels, like the R/T. Road noise across all Caliber model years is a perennial issue noted by some drivers. The Caliber uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, which many drivers feel is loud and slow to respond. In comparison, the available manual transmission is much more responsive.
Pros and cons of the Dodge Caliber
- Adequate storage capacity
- Passenger-friendly interior features
- Spacious interior
- CVT transmission can be noisy
- AWD available only on top models
- Seat-mounted side airbags are not standard
Safety ratings of the Dodge Caliber

Safety ratings provided by NHTSA
- Frontal crash rating
- Side crash rating
- Rollover rating
Specifications of the Dodge Caliber
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats5
- Doors5
- Fuel typeGas
- TransmissionAutomatic or Manual
- City consumption8.3 - 10.9 L/100km
- Highway consumption6.1 - 8.4 L/100km
- Width1747 mm
- Length4414 mm
- Trunk space500 - 525 L
- Cargo space1300 - 1400 L
Trims available with the Dodge Caliber
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the Dodge Caliber 2007 - 2012 is available in 7 trims:SE trim features and specs
Available with the SE trim:
- ISOFIX installation points
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the SE trim:
- Alloy wheels (optional)
- Short wheel base
- Steel wheels
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the SE trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (optional)
- Brake assist system (optional)
- Electronic traction control (optional)
- Stability control (optional)
- Tire pressure indicator (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
Available with the SE trim:
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Cruise control (optional)
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Satellite radio (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Radio
Heat trim features and specs
Available with the Heat trim:
- Electric windows
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Heat trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the Heat trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror
- Electronic traction control (optional)
- Stability control (optional)
- Tire pressure indicator
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
Available with the Heat trim:
- Bluetooth
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist (optional)
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Satellite radio
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Radio
R/T trim features and specs
Available with the R/T trim:
- Electric windows
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the R/T trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive (optional)
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the R/T trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Electronic traction control (optional)
- Four-wheel drive
- Stability control (optional)
- Tire pressure indicator (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
Available with the R/T trim:
- Bluetooth (optional)
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- Satellite radio (optional)
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Radio
Uptown trim features and specs
Available with the Uptown trim:
- Air conditioning (automatic) (optional)
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Heated front seats
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Uptown trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the Uptown trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror
- Electronic traction control (optional)
- Stability control (optional)
- Tire pressure indicator
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
Available with the Uptown trim:
- Bluetooth
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- Satellite radio (optional)
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Radio
Rush trim features and specs
Available with the Rush trim:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated front seats
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Rush trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the Rush trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Dimming interior mirror
- Electronic traction control
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
Available with the Rush trim:
- Bluetooth
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Radio
SXT trim features and specs
Available with the SXT trim:
- Electric windows
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated front seats (optional)
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the SXT trim:
- Alloy wheels (optional)
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights (optional)
- Short wheel base
- Steel wheels (optional)
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the SXT trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (optional)
- Brake assist system (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Electronic traction control (optional)
- Stability control (optional)
- Tire pressure indicator (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
Available with the SXT trim:
- Bluetooth (optional)
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control (optional)
- Hill start assist (optional)
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- Satellite radio (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Radio
SRT4 trim features and specs
Available with the SRT4 trim:
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Sport seats in the front
- Tire repair kit (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the SRT4 trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Daytime running lights
Available with the SRT4 trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Electronic traction control
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag (optional)
- Side curtain airbag
Available with the SRT4 trim:
- Bluetooth (optional)
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- Satellite radio (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Radio
Frequently asked questions about the Dodge Caliber
While asking price for the Dodge Caliber will depend on age, condition and trim package, expect to pay at least $3,000 for a previously owned certified and e-tested vehicle.
Some earlier models of the Dodge Caliber came with the optional all-wheel drive (AWD), but this feature was discontinued in 2009.
The Caliber is described by Dodge as being a sport tourer, but its lower height and overall design make this hatchback more of a station wagon than an SUV.
The Dodge Caliber was replaced with the Dodge Dart, the 2013 Dodge Dart being the first production year for the newly designed vehicle.
The Dodge Caliber has seating for five people, with two seats in the front row and an additional three across the back row.