2019 Dodge Charger

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 2019 Dodge Charger now offers a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for the base SXT model and the formerly all-wheel-drive GT is now only available with rear-wheel drive. GT and R/T models get suspension upgrades and the Scat Pack gets an optional Bilstein adaptive damping suspension with Auto, Sport, and Track modes. Both Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat models receive standard Launch Assist and Line Lock. Launch Assist uses wheel-speed sensors and modulates engine torque for optimal traction in high-speed launches, and Line Lock engages the front brakes but keeps the rear wheels free for “burnouts” at a drag strip. 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 Scat Pack 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.