Expert Advice for Hatchback
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2021 Hyundai Veloster Configurations
Between transmission options and trims, there are 8 possible 2021 Hyundai Veloster configurations.
Thidas Senanayaka
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE Vs. XSE: Which Is Better?
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback comes in a variety of trims—but what, exactly, sets the SE and XSE apart?
Jacqulyn Graber
Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE vs XSE: Which Is Better?
Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE and XSE both have 168-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder engines, but the XSE is $3,000 more. Find out what you’re paying extra for here.
Amber Reed
Toyota Corolla Cross vs. C-HR: Which Is Better?
Toyota Corolla Cross vs. C-HR: it’s the battle of the subcompact SUVs—which one of these Toyotas can go the distance?
Ethan Moser
Should You Take the Dodge Caliber Off Road?
The Dodge Caliber is a compact wagon that offers the utility of an SUV, allowing it to withstand mild off-roading with ease.The Dodge Caliber isn’t the most ideal off-road vehicle, but if you’re looking for a compact car with tons of added utility, the Caliber’s 7.7-inch ground clearance will be plenty for gravel roads and campsites.
While it only offers the power of a compact car, the Dodge Caliber is much more able than many of its competitors to tackle bumpy roads. However, its front-wheel drive setup is not optimal for slippery or exceptionally rugged conditions.
Taking your hatchback to the cabin for the first time and not sure how it’ll fare on sketchier roads? Jerry, the car insurance comparison super app, is here with the Dodge Caliber off-road rating. Read on to learn more about this sport wagon’s specs.
Can the Dodge Caliber go off road?
A Dodge Caliber won’t offer the power or durability you need for off-roading, but it excels on bumpy roads and gravel streets with its higher-than-average ground clearance.
The whole idea of roads is to provide a comfortable surface for cars to drive on. When removed from the pavement, serious damage may occur unless the car is sufficiently equipped.
Let’s take a look at what the Dodge Caliber does and doesn’t have going for it in terms of off-road ability.
Ground clearance
If it weren’t for its minimum ground clearance of 7.7 inches, the Dodge Caliber would be a decisively terrible vehicle to take off road. But you can do a lot with this extra ground clearance!
A minimum of 8.8 inches of ground clearance is recommended by experts for off-roading—so the Caliber falls just shy. Either way, since it’s so small, it excels at rolling over uneven terrain without high-centering itself.
Torque
Now for the bad news… the Dodge Caliber maxes out its torque with 141 pound-feet at 5,000 rpm. This is simply not enough low-end muscle to push over large obstacles or power through muddy terrain.
Solid low-end torque is key to off-roading success. Because vehicles may need to climb steep surfaces from a near standstill, lots of power is required at very low RPMs.
Tires
Your tires are the other end of the traction equation, transferring power from the wheels to the ground. They can only do so if they can grip the surface you’re driving on adequately.
A 2012 Dodge Caliber was available with 15, 17, or 18-inch wheels. While a used Caliber likely won’t have its original tires, its stock tires were P205/70R15.
For off-roading, you would optimally want a set of all-terrain tires. But note that this type of tread wears out faster and requires replacement sooner than more standard all-season tires.
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive are pretty much mandatory off road to reduce slip and aid in difficult handling scenarios. The Caliber was only offered with front-wheel drive, though.
Additionally, the 2.0-liter inline-four engine gets only 158 horsepower. Let this be a reminder that the Caliber is a compact hatchback—not a compact SUV.
However, if you only need to tackle mildly rough terrain—like dirt or gravel roads—you’ll be just fine.
The Dodge Caliber offers fantastic fuel efficiency for a 2012 vehicle, with the five-speed manual transmission version getting 24/32 mpg city/highway and the continuously variable transmission getting 23/27 mpg.
Off-road rating: In a Pinch
Now we have all we need to provide you with the Dodge Caliber’s off-road rating according to Jerry’s proprietary DIRT classification system.
Cameron Thiessen
2006 Pontiac Vibe Ground Clearance
A 2006 Pontiac Vibe has a ground clearance of 5.9 inches. When it was discontinued in 2009, the Vibe’s ground clearance was 6.2 inches.
Melanie Johnson
Mazda 3 Hatchback Ground Clearance
The Mazda 3 Hatchback’s 5.5-inch ground clearance is designed for superior street and highway handling, not off-roading.
Jasmine Kanter
Honda Crosstour Ground Clearance
The Honda Crosstour started at 8.1 inches of ground clearance in 2010 and gradually decreased to 6.2 by 2015.
Sarah Williams
Subaru Impreza Ground Clearance
The latest Subaru Impreza has a ground clearance of 5.1 inches, which is lower than previous models.
Drew Waterstreet
Toyota Prius C V6
The Toyota Prius C doesn’t come with a V6 option—nor does any Toyota hybrid. For a hybrid with a V6, you’ll have to upgrade to a luxury brand.
Macy Fouse
How to Build a Custom Volkswagen GTI
From out-of-the-box trim options to factory upgrades and aftermarket modifications, this guide will help you build a custom Volkswagen GTI.
Cameron Thiessen
Beginner’s Guide to Car Types
There are lots of different types of vehicles on the road, such as sedans, coupes, trucks, and minivans.
Cameron Thiessen
How To Build a Custom Subaru WRX
Find out what factory trim levels and aftermarket upgrades are best for your Subaru WRX.
Zachary Morgan
How To Build a Custom Mini Cooper
Customize your Mini Cooper with advanced trim levels, optional upgrades, and after-market mods.
Jacqulyn Graber
Mini Cooper Towing Capacity
With the right hitch, your Mini Cooper can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Sophie Boka
Honda Civic EX Lease
Leasing a Honda Civic EX will cost drivers between $372 and $561 a month for a 36-month lease.
Ethan Moser
What Is a Hatchback?
A hatchback is a passenger car with either two or four doors featuring a two-box configuration.
Mariza Morin
Honda Civic Si Lease
The average cost of a Honda Civic Si lease can range from $380 to $400 per month.
Tiffany Leung
Honda Accord Sport Lease
The average cost of a Honda Accord Sport lease ranges from $425 to $625 a month.
Alison Daurio
Everything You Need To Know About Car Body Types
Car body types range from regular sedans and hatchbacks to sporty convertibles and coupes, not to mention rugged SUVs and trucks.
Jason Tushinski
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