2012 Dodge Caliber vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

There are many more good hatchback entries on the market today than when the Caliber first launched five years ago.

The Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3 have a little less passenger space, but they're more exciting to drive and better in most other respects.

The 2012 Mazda3 can now also be had with new SkyActiv powertrains that allow up to 40 mpg.

Another alternative is the new Ford Focus, which is offered in a four-door hatchback and is very stylish inside and out, as well as appointed with breakthrough features such as MyFord Touch.

The Toyota Matrix is a taller hatchback alternative, and while it offers a lot of versatility and cargo-friendliness, its back seat space is tight.

Finally, one other all-new model, and one that's perhaps closest to the Caliber in concept, is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport; like the Caliber, the Outlander Sport has a roomy interior, gas mileage that's unremarkable, and a CVT that's not an ideal companion; however, the Mitsubishi has somewhat more impressive interior materials and handles a bit better.