Price Point: 2013 Dodge Dart MSRP to Start from $15,995

The Chrysler Group’s first entry in the next-gen compact segment—the 2013 Dodge Dart—will open at $15,995 when it hits the ground this June, making it one of the least expensive compact sedans in the country. That’s really no surprise, as Dodge is slowly but surely developing a high-value positioning for its new products, but it’s still a fairly impressive accomplishment for a car that traces its roots back to one of Italy’s most famed performance marques.

“The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car, offering features and benefits never before found in a compact car,” said Reid Bigland, president and CEO of the Dodge Brand. “With class-leading style, customization, safety, technology, and interior levels of roominess, the all-new Dart perfectly blends Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge passion and style into one all-new car that customers will be proud to own and look forward to driving.”

2013 Dodge Dart MSRP Pricing — Competitive Comparison

The Dart’s MSRP compares favorably to its competition, but buyers should be aware that the Dart SE—the base model—does not include standard air conditioning; the only other mainstream compact sedan that offers a no-A/C entry model is the Honda Civic, with a starting price of $15,955. On the other hand, standard equipment here does include a new “Tigershark” I4 engine with a best-in-class 160 hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque, 10 airbags, projector headlamps, a soft-touch instrument panel, laminated windshield and special “Denim” cloth seats.

For some context, the price of admission to the rest of the Dart’s rivals is as follows:

• Kia Forte—$15,200
• Toyota Corolla—$16,130
• Nissan Sentra—$16,250
• Ford Focus—$16,500
• Hyundai Elantra—$16,695
• Chevrolet Cruze—$16,800

2013 Dodge Dart MSRP Pricing — Dart SXT

As for the rest of the Dart family, moving up to the Dart SXT adds another two grand to the bottom line—bringing the price up to $17,995—but it also adds air conditioning with a micron filter, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a six-speaker sound system, power locks/mirrors, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, remote keyless entry and more.

2013 Dodge Dart MSRP Pricing — Dart Rallye

At $18,995, Dodge will offer the Dart Rallye, with a custom appearance that includes model-specific, performance-oriented front and rear fascias, black headlamps bezels, projector fog lamps, a class-exclusive dual exhaust with bright tips, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls. Rallye drivers also will be able to add some actual performance, too, with an available 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged I4 engine that can develop 160 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.

2013 Dodge Dart MSRP Pricing — Dart Limited

The Chrysler Group’s award-winning Uconnect system, boasting an 8.4-inch touchscreen, is among the standard content on the Dart Limited, and the car’s $19,995 base MSRP also adds a 7-inch TFT reconfigurable instrument cluster display—the only one in the Dart’s class, as well as bright accents for the grille and door handles, projector fog lamps, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic on/off headlights, active grille shutters for enhanced aerodynamics (and fuel savings), and a more premium interior.

2013 Dodge Dart MSRP Pricing — Dart R/T

Finally—for now—the range-topping Dart R/T brings a full-on performance upgrade that includes a 2.4-liter I4 Tigershark MultiAir engine, worth 184 hp and 171 lb.-ft. of torque, along with 18-inch aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned suspension with frequency-sensing damping shocks, premium perforated Nappa-leather seats, a class-exclusive heated steering wheel, a dual-zone climate system, numerous R/T-only appearance enhancements, and an available six-speed automatic AutoStick transmission.