2021 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 models

Cons: V8 fuel economy; acceleration with V6 might not satisfy some buyers attracted by Charger’s muscular looks

CG Says: The 2021 Dodge Charger adds a new SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody model that packs a 797-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Dodge claims the Hellcat Redeye is the world’s fastest mass-produced sedan with a 203 mph top speed and that it can accelerate through the quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at 129 mph. The existing SRT Hellcat Widebody sees horsepower increase from 707 to 717. 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 Hellcats. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic. All-wheel is only available with the V6. Widebody models includes Bilstein 3-mode electronically damped suspension and fender flares to accommodate wider tires. 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. Standard performance items for the Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat models include 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. 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 Widebody and SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody with supercharged 6.2-liter V8s with up to almost 800 horsepower. Hellcats have an even greater thirst.