2009 Dodge Caliber: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Dodge Caliber is the loss of all-wheel drive on the R/T, making every Caliber front-wheel drive. Otherwise, this is a light-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2009 Dodge Caliber
1st generation Caliber (2007-2012), third model year, pre-2010 interior refresh
Dodge positions the 2009 Caliber as a compact five-door hatchback with SUV-like attitude and useful everyday flexibility. The big selling points are its upright shape, fold-flat cargo area, clever storage touches, and bolder styling than most small cars of the time. In Dodge’s own marketing, it is the small car for shoppers who want more personality and cargo versatility than a basic compact sedan, with choices ranging from simple daily-driver trims to the high-output SRT4.
The 2009 Caliber lineup spans the practical SE Sport, the appearance-focused SXT Sport, and the sharper R/T Sport. At the top, the SRT4 Sport is the serious performance version, with a 285-hp turbocharged engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and 19-inch wheels.
What changed, by category
2009 Dodge Caliber specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, CVT | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23–24 mpg | 21 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27–30 mpg | 25 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 148–158 hp | 172 hp | 148–158 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 125–141 lb-ft | 165 lb-ft | 125–141 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18.5 cu-ft | 18.5 cu-ft | 18.5 cu-ft | 18.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.7 in | 35.7 in | 35.7 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Stability Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have all-wheel drive?
No. Dodge dropped all-wheel drive from the R/T for 2009, so every 2009 Caliber is front-wheel drive.
Which Dodge Caliber trims were added for 2009?
The 2009 lineup added four Sport trims: SE Sport, SXT Sport, R/T Sport, and SRT4 Sport.
What technology changed in the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
Hard-drive-based Uconnect audio and navigation systems became optional for 2009. They were not standard across the lineup.
Is the 2009 Dodge Caliber a major upgrade over the 2008 model?
No. The 2009 Caliber is a modest update, with added sound insulation and new optional audio/navigation systems, while all-wheel drive was removed from the R/T.
Did the 2009 Dodge Caliber receive new safety equipment?
No. There was no lineup-wide safety equipment upgrade for the 2009 model year.