2023 Dodge Charger Performance

The newest Dodge Charger is available in three engine options and four power outputs. Entry-level SXT models have a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 delivering 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The GT has the same engine, but it's slightly more powerful at 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. The R/T has a 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated HEMI V8 with up to 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.

A 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine is standard on the Scat Pack and the Scat Pack Widebody - it has never been easier to get the whole family sideways thanks to rear-wheel drive and 485 hp/475 lb-ft. This model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds.

If you live in a cold-weather state in the USA, you might have to stick with the V6 powertrain and the lower-tier models as these are the only models available with all-wheel drive. The system has a rear bias, but it still feels wrong ordering a muscle car with AWD. Our recommendation is to grow a pair, get a V8 and put some winter tires on it.

All new models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, albeit featuring different ratios best suited to the applicable engine. The SXT and GT can be ordered with all-wheel drive, but why would you?

Speaking of, these models are powered by a naturally-aspirated V6 engine. The power outputs are so similar that you can't tell the difference. It would be unfair to call the V6 weak. Despite the base-spec Charger's 4,000 lbs curb weight, the V6 provides adequate power to shuffle around town and get to freeway speed. But here's a tip for you. If you have your heart set on an entry-level Charger, don't test drive the V8 models, they will ruin the V6 for you.

The R/T makes do with an older HEMI V8. It's a 5.7-liter powertrain, and it delivers 370 hp and 395 lb-ft, which is not a lot considering the engine's size. Still, it is brisk in most driving situations and comes with that famous all-American V8 rhythm; a blue-collar V8, and not some fancy hand-built high-revving Italian V8.

The top-spec models are only available with a 6.4-liter V8 packing a 485 hp/475 lb-ft punch. Only available in rear-wheel drive, it's relatively easy to provoke sideways action. This engine provides a lot of performance at the price, which is one reason the Charger keeps selling so well.

The rear-wheel-drive V6 has EPA-estimated gas mileage figures of 19/30/23 mpg city/highway/combined. Adding all-wheel drive has a negative effect, with the consumption dropping to 18/27/21 mpg. Rated at 16/25/19 mpg, the 5.7-liter V8 is already showing signs of severe thirst. Models with the 6.4-liter V8 only manage 15/24/18 mpg. At least Dodge had the good sense to include a large fuel tank. Rated at 18.5 gallons, it's large enough for the most frugal model to cover up to 425 miles of mixed driving between refills. There's a good chance you won't be able to match the EPA's figures, but we reckon most buyers know what they're in for when purchasing a Charger.