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Dodge Caliber Crossover 1.8 SE 5dr

For Base model still gets air-conditioning and a CD Player, and its chunky, utilitarian looks will appeal to some. Fuel economy from the 1.8 is reasonable, keeping running costs down.

Against Performance is poor, with the 148bhp engine struggling against the Caliber’s weight. Grey interior is drab, and lacks the visual appeal of better-equipped models.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

Cheapest model emphasises the Caliber's flaws, with a drab grey cabin and a gutless engine. Look higher in the range if your really want its distinctive looks.

Key facts

0–60mph: 12.2 secs
Top speed: 118 mph
Average mpg: 38.7
Tank range: 437 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Dodge Caliber Crossover range

Cheaper

Crossover 1.8 SE 5dr
£13,495
Crossover 1.8 SXT 5dr
£14,995
Crossover 2.0 SXT (CVT Auto) 5dr
£15,995
Crossover 2.0 CRD SXT 5dr
£16,995

More expensive

Crossover 1.8 SE 5dr
£13,495
Crossover 1.8 SXT 5dr
£14,995
Crossover 2.0 SXT (CVT Auto) 5dr
£15,995
Crossover 2.0 CRD SXT 5dr
£16,995

The Dodge Caliber Crossover full review Read in full

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Petrols sluggish; diesel performs well
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Comfy ride; handling off the pace
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Not bad with the diesel
Buying & Owning
2 out of 5 stars
So-so running costs; poor residuals
Quality & Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Build poor; reliability hard to predict
Safety & Security
3 out of 5 stars
Fairly good beyond base spec
Behind The Wheel
2 out of 5 stars
Cabin feels cheap
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Not as good as expected
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
All versions well equipped

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Small family cars are getting better and better, so the Caliber already seems a good few years out of date. It’s not a bad car, but unfortunately it battles with rivals in probably the most competitive sector of the market.

The handling is poor and prone to understeer because the suspension is set up for comfort, and the cabin is swathed in hard, scratchy plastics. The driving position also suffers because there isn’t enough steering wheel adjustment.

However, the car does make up some ground by way of a comprehensive equipment list. Dealers will discount aggressively, too, so opt for higher-specced Sport versions.

The VW-sourced turbodiesel is strong, if a little gruff, but the 1.8 and 2.0 petrols have surprisingly close power outputs. Both struggle with the Caliber’s bulk and are best avoided, and CVT auto versions suffer from shocking residuals - as low as 26% after three years.