The Dodge Charger is one of the few four-door muscle cars left on the market and is also a rarity for combining full-size interior space with rear-wheel drive. This is an aging car that was first introduced in 2006 and has really only seen updates since then, though Dodge has done a good job of adding modern technology without over-complicating this handsome big sedan.
There are a number of updates for 2018 that touch just about all models in the Charger's varied lineup.
Dodge has broadened the availability of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, which is now offered in five distinct trims including the SXT, SXT Plus, SXT Premium Plus, GT AWD and GT Premium Plus AWD. The SXT Plus gets the option of a Super Track Pack appearance group that also brings Nappa seats with perforated Alcantara inserts int he SXT Premium Plus.
The GT AWD uses an uprated 300-hp version of the V6 and gets Dodge Performance Pages, gloss black fascia and 19-inch wheels.
High-performance SRT Hellcat versions get a number of changes too: the Hellcat adds a new grille and badging, black vapour chrome wheel finish, Brembo brake calipers painted black, orange or gunmetal gray, an available Demonic Red leather interior and new red instrument panel badging.
Meanwhile, the SRT 392 trim gets standard lightweight low gloss-black wheels and can be optioned with Brass Monkey wheels.
There's also a new-generation Uconnect 4 infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration that's standard in the SXT that can be optioned to Uconnect 4C with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and further augmented with navigation.
All models also get a backup camera as standard and there's also a suite of SiriusXM connectivity apps that facilitate roadside assistance calls, travel planning and traffic information.
What doesn't change are the Charger's basic specs. The 3.6L V6 starts out with 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque that swells to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the GT AWD and SXT models with the Super Track Pack.
Next up is a 5.7L V8 good for 370 hp and 395 lb-ft used in the R/T and Daytona trims.
R/T 392, Daytona 392 and SRT 392 cars share a 6.4L V8 that makes 485 hp and 475 hp.
Finally, a supercharged 6.2L V8 lends the Hellcat 707 hp and 650 lb-ft.
All engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features include things like a seven-inch customizable gauge cluster display, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-way power driver's seat, two USB charging ports and a pair of 12-volt outlets, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, 17-inch aluminum wheels and passive keyless entry with push-button start.
Other highlights include 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 12-way driver's seat in the SXT Plus, and 20-inch wheels, auto-dimming driver's side mirror, HID headlights and blind spot monitor with rear cross path detection in the SXT Premium Plus.
GT trims get AWD and performance brakes and steering wheel.
R/T models get an active exhaust, while the Daytona boasts performance suspension and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column adjustment.
R/T 392 trim adds three-mode stability control, Brembo brakes and high-performance suspension, and Daytona 392 trim gets upgraded Brembos, heated steering wheel, Nappa/Alcantara upholstery, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
SRT 392 and Hellcat models enjoy niceties like upgraded sound systems, 20-inch wheels, flat-bottom steering wheel, configurable drive modes and a high-performance suspension with active damping.
Fuel consumption estimates range from 12.4/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway) in the 3.6L/RWD SXT to 17.6/10.7 L/100 km in the Hellcat.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
