Other than some minor changes to standard equipment, the 2013 Dodge Avenger is unchanged.

In a hotly contested automotive category filled with excellent choices, sometimes good isn't quite good enough. Such is the lot of the 2013 Dodge Avenger.

Viewed in isolation, the Avenger is certainly likable enough. After an extensive makeover that rectified a number of significant weaknesses, the Avenger is a perfectly competent choice for families looking for an affordable midsize sedan. Notable strong points include a powerful V6 engine and a well-crafted interior with generous use of soft-touch materials. Not to be overlooked is its very attractive sticker price that can be thousands less than some of the category leaders.

With these strengths come a number of notable drawbacks, not the least of which is the base model's four-cylinder engine, which has enough power to handle this small package but fails to impress nevertheless due to its four-speed automatic transmission. The suspension gives the car passable handling, though here, too, the Avenger trails a number of its competitors. Even the otherwise agreeable passenger cabin suffers a lack of sought-after electronic features like a rearview camera, plus the backseat is less roomy than those in many of its rivals.

The 2013 Dodge Avenger is a midsize sedan available in three trim levels: SE, SXT and R/T.

The base SE comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack.

Options include 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, satellite radio and a V6 package that bundles the larger engine and six-speed automatic transmission with 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and dual exhausts.

The SXT adds a number of desirable features to the SE's standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded transmission, automatic headlights, foglights, heated outside mirrors, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Options here include the V6 engine, a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded audio systems with a USB port, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio and a touchscreen navigation system. A Rallye package that adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and assorted appearance items inside and out is also available.