Pros: Brash muscle-car styling and attitude; lots of unique trim options; value for the dollar; sporty handling for the class; ludicrous performance of SRT Hellcat model
Cons: V8 fuel economy; acceleration with V6 might not satisfy some buyers attracted by Charger’s muscular looks
CG Says: Dodge Charger gains two new models for 2017. Daytona and Daytona 392 have SRT Hellcat styling cues and uprated brakes. The base Daytona is powered by a 370-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, while Daytona 392 packs a 485-hp 6.4-liter (392 cubic inches) V8. All 5.7-liter V8s gain an active exhaust system. All Chargers now have an updated Uconnect operating system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Charger is a large, rear-wheel drive sedan with seating for five. Vast passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make the Dodge Charger a reasonable choice for buyers who need the room of a large car but don’t want to give up power or performance in the process. Safety features include blind-spot alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The standard V6 engine and smooth 8-speed automatic transmission are a fine team that we think will satisfy the majority of buyers both in terms of acceleration and, surprisingly, fuel economy. Those with the need for speed will find the R/T and SRT models with 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter V8s quite invigorating, though they have a copious thirst for fuel. For high-performance fanatics, Dodge also offers the outrageous SRT Hellcat, a supercar version of the Charger boasting 707 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Hellcats have an even greater thirst.
| Class | Large Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Dodge |
| Nation of Manufacture | Canada |
| Base Prices | SE: $27,995 AWD SE: $30,245 SXT: $29,995 AWD SXT: $31,995 R/T: $34,790 R/T Scat Pack: $39,995 Daytona: $39,890 Daytona 392: $44,995 SRT 392: $51,145 SRT Hellcat: $65,945 |
| Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 (SE, SXT) |
| Horsepower 292 or 300 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18-19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27-30 |
| Optional Engine 5.7-liter V8 (R/T, Daytona) |
| Horsepower 370 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
| Optional Engine 6.4-liter V8 (R/T Scat Pack, Daytona 392, SRT 392) |
| Horsepower 485 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 15 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
| Optional Engine supercharged 6.2-liter V8 ( SRT Hellcat) |
| Horsepower 707 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 13 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Test Drive: 2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Test Drive: 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Road & Track
Big Dodge Update: Meet the 2015 Challenger and Charger
2015 Dodge Charger: Same Room, More Vroom
2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: Reining in 707 Horses
