The Dodge Charger is one of the least-expensive ways to get rear-wheel drive performance with five seats and a large trunk. Whether the mainstream V6 version or one of the thunderous V8 models, all have space for people or car seats, but the looks say muscle car. And again, if you go for one of the more powerful variants, the speed will live up to the heritage of the model.
The Charger gets a new exterior for 2015, including a nose more reminiscent of the compact Dart. An eight-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the lineup, and electric power steering has been added. All-wheel drive is now restricted to V6 models, however. A new 7-inch color instrument cluster display is standard.
Dodge offers the Charger in a variety of engine and trim configurations, with six- or eight-cylinder engines and lots of options. Most buyers opt for the SE or SXT with a 3.6-liter V6 and 292 horsepower. R/T models get a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower, while a 485-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 comes with the R/T Scat Pack or SRT 392 models. Finally, there's the fire-breathing Hellcat and its 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
The base SE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, power amenities, a 5-inch UConnect touchscreen, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, USB inputs, dual-zone temperature control and a split-folding rear seat. Major options include the Popular Equipment Group with leather-wrapped interior accents and streaming audio, as well as a sunroof and a Sport Appearance Pack. All-wheel drive is also available.
SXT steps up the feature content with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, UConnect access for 911 emergency calls, 12-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror and 18-inch alloy wheels. All-wheel drive is also optional, and adds 19-inch wheels.
The R/T adds the 5.7-liter V8 engine, along with paddle shifters, larger brakes, 20-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, sport seats and a specially tuned suspension and exhaust note.
The harder-tuned Road & Track package brings selectable modes for the stability control, a 3.07 rear axle, heavy-duty brakes and a track suspension, as well as navigation, HID headlamps, cooled front seats, Nappa leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel.
The Scat Pack brings a beefier 6.4-liter V8, along with more aggressive front and rear styling, bigger exhausts, 9-spoke alloy wheels and a backup camera.
The full SRT version gets 15.4-inch front brakes, wider wheels, launch control and adaptive dampers, as well as a one-day driving school session at the SRT Driving Experience track.
The SRT Hellcat gets a new supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 707 horsepower and a 1/4-mile time of 11 seconds. It also gets special interior trim, two key fobs for full or restricted performance and special wheels and tires.
Logic suggests going with the fine V6 and its reasonably good efficiency. (All-wheel drive will be a bonus in snowy states.) But the Charger probably isn't the car you'd go for if you want logical. Opting for the R/T gets you a lot of performance for not too much money. Or go crazy and get one of the even bigger V8s for BMW M5-like acceleration -- if not refinement.
