The Dodge Caliber never offered a CVT. It was available with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual across most trims, and the high-performance SRT4 variant used a six-speed manual. This article reviews the transmission options and explains why a CVT was not part of the Caliber lineup.
Transmission options that appeared in the Caliber
The Caliber's gear selections varied by engine and trim, but they did not include a continuously variable transmission. Here are the primary options used in production models.
- Five-speed manual transmission (for 2.0L/2.4L engines on base and mid-range trims)
- Four-speed automatic transmission (the standard automatic for most models)
- Six-speed manual transmission (restricted to the high-performance Caliber SRT4)
There is no CVT option in any Caliber variant; the model line relied on traditional automatics or manuals.
Why a CVT was not offered
CVTs were not a typical Dodge feature for this class of vehicle during the Caliber's production years. Factors included packaging constraints, cost considerations, and a focus on maintaining predictable throttle response in the Caliber’s front-wheel-drive platform. The SRT4’s emphasis on high-performance driving further favored a conventional manual transmission over a CVT.
Variant-focused note: the SRT4
Gearing choice for the performance variant
The Caliber SRT4 used a six-speed manual, with no CVT available. The six-speed manual was chosen to maximize engagement and throttle response for a hot-hatch experience in line with Dodge’s performance branding.
Summary: The Dodge Caliber did not feature a CVT transmission. It offered five-speed manual and four-speed automatic options across most trims, with the SRT4 variant using a six-speed manual. No CVT was ever offered in the Caliber lineup.