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: The Dodge Charger has a reshuffled model lineup for 2018. The base model is now SXT and all-wheel-drive models are badged GT and GT Plus. All models now have standard rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Charger is a large, rear-wheel drive sedan with seating for five. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 292 or 300 horsepower. Three V8s are available: a 370-hp 5.7-liter, a 485-hp 6.4liter, and supercharged 6.2-liter in the SRT Hellcat. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic. All-wheel is only available with the V6. 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 | SXT: $29,590 SXT Plus: $31,590 AWD GT: $33,590 SXT Plus Leather: $34,590 R/T: $36,090 AWD GT Plus: $36,590 Daytona: $40,090 R/T Scat Pack: $41,090 Daytona 392: $46,090 SRT 392: $52,240 SRT Hellcat: $60,090 |
Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 (SXT, SXT Plus, SXT Plus Leather, GT, GT Plus) |
Horsepower 292 (SXT) 300 (GT) |
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
What’s New for 2019: Chrysler, Dodge, and Fiat Cars
2015 Dodge Charger: Same Room, More Vroom
2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: Reining in 707 Horses