2016 Dodge Dart vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2016 Dodge Dart is a model that stands out with a little more style, in a class that's for the most part, designed to satisfy daily-driver tasks, economically, rather than be flashy or sporty.

The Ford Focus sedan is still probably the most direct rival to the Dart, and it boasts somewhat better ride and handling than the Dart albeit with less interior space and back-seat room.

The Focus offers more tech, but check those option boxes and the price can get quite a bit higher than that of the Dart.

The Chevrolet Cruze is due to be redesigned this next year; in its outgoing generation it's been a handsome, solid performer offered with efficient turbocharged four-cylinder gas or diesel engines—and one of the quietest rides in the segment.

The Honda Civic gets decent fuel economy and has a very comfortable interior and full feature set, but it's mostly comfort-oriented in its current generation.

The Hyundai Elantra earns high marks for value, style, and overall popularity—although the design is now looking aged next to the other models in this class.

The Toyota Corolla is more exciting than previous models in terms of styling and appointments, although it still takes the pragmatic path (which again, is what most buyers here want).