The base engine for the Sundance is a 93-horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder. It provides 121 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. A new 2.5-liter engine became optional in 1988, providing 100 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 135 pound-feet at 2800 rpm. Through 1992, another optional engine was a turbocharged version of the larger 4-cylinder was provided. It delivered 150 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm, until an upgrade for 1991 provides 152 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque at 2400 rpm. Standard transmission for all three engines is a 5-speed manual. Optional for the three engines is a 3-speed automatic. For 1993, a 3.0-liter V6 joins the powertrain lineup to power the new Duster sporty model. It provides 141 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 171 pound-feet at 2400 rpm.