The best performance sedans typically come from the luxury makes, but the Dodge Charger brings such potency to the masses. Your cost and overall performance range from mild to wild, an unusual span among mainstream models.
What's New for 2018
For 2018, Dodge discontinued the Charger’s base SE model and realigned its engine offerings. All models are now rear-wheel drive, except for the all-wheel-drive only GT trim. The Rallye Group Package, previously available with the base models, is no longer offered. Now standard across the model line is a rearview camera and park assist.
Choosing Your Dodge Charger
Designed to seat five and with an emphasis on performance, the 2018 Charger supplies the amenities common to large sedans. The standard 3.6-liter V6 generates 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque or 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque with the GT grades.
Three V8 engines should satisfy most any buyer’s need for speed. A 5.7-liter V8 engine makes 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. The Charger’s largest engine, a 6.4-liter V8, packs 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. Exclusive to the SRT Hellcat is this Dodge’s most powerful engine, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with an output of 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. All four engines work alongside an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features include automatic headlamps with LED accents, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a rear spoiler. A tilt and telescopic steering column, dual-zone climate control, six-speaker audio system, and a seven-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, two USB ports, and an audio input jack are also included. Equipment availability varies depending on the selected grade.
Buyers have a choice of 13 exterior colors, including Redline Red Tricoat Pearl ($695) and up to three interior colors.
While 475 horsepower sounds like a lot, the R/T 392 and SRT 392 are really the sweet spot for the Charger. They also give customers a wide range of price and style options (including the flashy Daytona trim), and are the smart choice for performance-minded consumers.