The Dodge Dart (PF) 2.4 MultiAir II, produced from 2013 to 2016, represented a mid-range offering within the revived Dart lineup. Positioned above the 1.4L Turbo and 2.0L Tigershark engines, and below the performance-oriented R/T trim, this variant aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable power for the compact sedan market in North America. The PF Dart, built on a modified Fiat Compact Wide (CUSW) platform – a derivative of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta – was Dodge’s attempt to re-enter the compact car segment with a more modern and European-influenced vehicle. This particular 2.4L configuration was a key component of Dodge’s strategy to offer a diverse powertrain selection to appeal to a broader range of buyers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dodge |
| Model | Dart |
| Generation | Dart (PF) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 MultiAir II (184 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg, 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp, 123 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm, 155.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78 Hp/l |
| Torque | 232 Nm @ 4800 rpm (171.11 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | ED6 |
| Engine displacement | 2360 cm3 (144.02 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1496 kg (3298.12 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 371 l (13.1 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4672 mm (183.94 in.) |
| Width | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Height | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 112 mm (4.41 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.285 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.49 m (37.7 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Dart variant is the 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four engine, designated ED6. This engine utilizes Fiat’s MultiAir II intake valve control technology. MultiAir II electronically controls the opening and closing of intake valves, allowing for precise control of air intake and improved combustion efficiency. This system, unlike traditional camshaft-based valve timing, allows for independent control of each valve, optimizing performance and reducing emissions. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design and multi-port fuel injection. The 2.4L engine produced 184 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 171 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The standard transmission was a 6-speed manual, offering drivers a more engaging experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.4L MultiAir II-equipped Dart offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the base 1.4L Turbo. While not a sports sedan, the 184 hp engine provided adequate acceleration for everyday driving and highway merging. The 6-speed manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection and helped to keep the engine in its optimal power band. The gear ratios were tuned for a balance of fuel economy and responsiveness. Compared to the 2.0L Tigershark, the 2.4L offered a more refined driving experience with smoother power delivery. However, it didn’t possess the low-end torque of a turbocharged engine, requiring the driver to rev the engine slightly higher to access its full potential.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.4L MultiAir II was typically offered in the Limited and R/T trim levels. The Limited trim included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system, and alloy wheels. The R/T trim added sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling cues, and upgraded interior materials. Optional extras included a premium sound system, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the Limited and could be upgraded to leather on the R/T. The dashboard featured a modern design with a prominent touchscreen display and a user-friendly interface.
Chassis & Braking
The Dodge Dart PF utilized an independent McPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The Limited and R/T trims generally featured larger stabilizer bars for improved cornering stability. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. The Dart’s chassis was designed to balance ride comfort with handling precision, making it a suitable daily driver.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the Dodge Dart’s styling and interior quality, but noted that the 2.4L MultiAir II engine, while adequate, wasn’t a standout performer in its class. Fuel economy was competitive, averaging around 29 mpg combined. Compared to rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3, the Dart offered a more distinctive design but lacked the same level of refinement and driving dynamics. The 2.4L version was often seen as a good compromise for buyers who wanted more power than the 1.4L Turbo but didn’t need the performance of the R/T. Reliability was a concern for some owners, with reports of issues related to the MultiAir system and electrical components.
Legacy
The Dodge Dart PF, despite its initial promise, was discontinued after only three model years due to lackluster sales. The 2.4L MultiAir II powertrain, while technically advanced, proved to be somewhat problematic in terms of long-term reliability. On the used car market, these Darts are relatively affordable, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for MultiAir system issues. The engine’s complex valve control system requires careful maintenance and can be expensive to repair. Despite its shortcomings, the 2.4L Dart represents an interesting chapter in Dodge’s history, showcasing the brand’s attempt to embrace European engineering and design principles in a mainstream compact car.
