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Muscle automobiles are supposed to bark via the neighborhood between streetlights, and the Dodge Charger has been off its leash for loads of years now. Greater than a decade into its present era, the seemingly ageless Charger comes normal with a 292-hp V-6 and rear-wheel drive, with an all-wheel drive possibility must you want it. Contemplate this model the calm older canine of the lineup. However there’s additionally bark and chew within the Charger household. Step as much as the R/T trim for the 370-hp 5.7-liter V-8 engine. Scat Pack fashions get much more energy, with a 6.4-liter, 485-hp V-8. The tire-killing supercharged Hellcat models get even wilder however are reviewed individually. If the Charger drives like an outdated cop automobile, that’s as a result of it’s. And whereas the world shifts to various power, the Charger retains on chugging alongside as a sedan model of the coupe-bodied, gasoline-fired Challenger. At some point automobiles just like the Charger will likely be in opposition to all the principles, however for now this V-8-powered sedan stays loud and proud.
For 2023 Dodge has dropped not-so-subtle hints of the present Charger’s end-of-year demise. Whereas this chapter involves an in depth, we count on the next-generation Charger to incorporate an electrical powertrain with horsepower on the forefront of that effort. The 2023 Charger wears particular commemorative “Final Name” plaques beneath the hood to point that that is the ultimate mannequin 12 months of the present era, and Dodge will supply fashionable colours from the automobile’s previous, together with Plum Loopy, B5 Blue, and Chic Inexperienced. All R/T fashions achieve a brand new “345” badge on the entrance fender to pay tribute to the Hemi V-8 engine that resides beneath the automobile’s lengthy, vented hood.
We expect the Charger R/T, with its 370-hp 5.7-liter V-8, has the proper mixture of energy and options. Those that need all-wheel drive are restricted to the V-6 variations. The larger 485-hp V-8 that comes with the Scat Pack makes accelerating nice once more however prices about $5000 greater than the R/T. Together with a typical 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, our selection features a throbbing dual-mode exhaust, a leather-wrapped efficiency steering wheel, and 20-inch rims. We would additionally add the Driver Comfort Group (blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, heated exterior mirrors, and upgraded headlights) and the Efficiency Dealing with Group (20-inch wheels with all-season efficiency tires, Brembo brakes, and sport-tuned suspension).
The Charger channels its NASCAR roots with massive V-8 energy and rowdy sounds. Nonetheless, not each Charger has a mighty Hemi V-8 beneath the hood—what a pity—however they do all share a superb eight-speed automated transmission and normal rear-wheel drive. In distinction, the V-6 is subdued however does add the provision of all-wheel drive. Dodge does not construct a Charger with a guide gearbox, however it could be a lot cooler if it did. The usual V-6 is not any slouch, but it lacks the giddy-up of front-drivers such because the Nissan Maxima. The extra highly effective variations excel on the strip, the place the 485-hp Charger R/T Scat Pack posted a formidable 3.8-second dash to 60 mph. The 370-hp Charger has sufficient ponies to outrun most household sedans. The bright (Green Go) Charger we paraded around town had a quiet and composed experience. Its massive 20-inch wheels had been relaxed on most surfaces, however obstacles reminiscent of railroad crossings and potholes disrupted its composure. The large-bodied sedan was remarkably balanced when cornering, too. Though the V-6 version we tested had almost equivalent cornering grip, the Daytona’s hefty horsepower benefit amplified the enjoyable. The electrically assisted energy steering contributes to the Charger’s purposeful management, however its suggestions is simply too heavy and gradual to be participating. We have examined a number of Chargers for emergency braking, and the most effective outcomes got here from the high-performance fashions with upgraded brakes and stickier summer time efficiency tires.
The Charger is an enormous, heavy automobile with a wholesome urge for food for gas. Though it has below-average EPA estimates within the metropolis, it has pretty aggressive freeway rankings. Whereas we’ve not examined the 5.7-liter V-8 on our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy route, which is a part of our extensive testing regimen, we have now examined the V-6 with all-wheel drive and the bigger 485-hp V-8. Surprisingly, each engines had been inside 1 mpg of one another, with the six incomes 26 mpg on the freeway and the eight incomes 25 mpg. For extra details about the Charger’s gas economic system, go to the EPA’s website.
The Charger’s inside is very purposeful but the other of luxurious, with extra rubberized supplies than the set of an grownup movie. Other than wonderful rear-seat legroom, its passenger area is barely under common. The cabin’s simplistic design is basic muscle automobile, however choices are plentiful. Though its trunk quantity is much like these of most rivals, the Charger was capable of match an additional carry-on field than its rivals. It held 18 complete with the rear seat stowed, beating the Maxima and the fastback-hatchback Kia Stinger by three. Its middle console options loads of spots for small gadgets and a slot alongside the shifter that’s excellent for storing your smartphone.
Each Challenger has a model of the superb Uconnect infotainment system. Which means normal Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a part of a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Though the system we examined elicited good response instances, some non-compulsory controls can solely be accessed by way of the touchscreen; a Wi-Fi hotspot is also unavailable.
The large Dodge sedan does supply a number of driver-assistance technology, together with adaptive cruise management and automatic emergency braking. Nonetheless, these options value additional, and base fashions are excluded from probably the most superior choices. For extra details about the Charger’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:
Dodge offers a mean restricted and powertrain guarantee set that aligns with the Maxima’s protection, however the Kia Cadenza has a considerably longer powertrain guarantee and the Toyota Avalon affords complimentary upkeep.
Specs:
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED: $41,325 (base worth: $34,340)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port gas injection
Displacement: 220 cu in, 3604 cc
Energy: 300 hp @ 6350 rpm
Torque: 264 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automated with guide shifting mode
CHASSIS:
Suspension (F/R): management arms/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy MXM4, 235/55R-19 101H M+S
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 120.2 in
Size: 198.4 in
Width: 75.0 in Peak: 58.2 in
Passenger quantity: 102 cu ft
Trunk quantity: 17 cu ft
Curb weight: 4281 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.6 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 35.0 sec
Rolling begin, 5–60 mph: 6.8 sec
High gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
High gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.9 sec @ 95 mph
High pace (governor restricted): 132 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY:
Noticed: 20 mpg
75-mph freeway driving: 26 mpg
Freeway vary: 480 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Mixed/metropolis/freeway: 21/18/27 mpg