The Dodge Charger is available in several versions, from mild daily driver sedan to wild fire-breathing monster.
There is a grand American tradition of stuffing the largest engine possible into the least likely vehicular host. The modern-day Dodge Charger is a great example of that recipe — just cram a big V8 into a pedestrian family sedan. Next step, profit. That wasn’t always the case though.
The history of the Charger comes from the two-door muscle car era. You may remember the most famous example of a Charger in pop culture; an orange 1969 Charger jumping over various things on the small screen to escape the long (and inept) arm of the Hazzard County law on The Dukes of Hazzard. The Charger predates its late-’70s, early-’80s run on TV though. More recently, the Dodge Charger co-starred alongside Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in 2011’s Fast & Furious 5 (aka Fast Five) movie, which prominently featured 2010 and 2011 Chargers.
Introduced in 1966, the Dodge Charger soldiered on through five generations before the sixth- and seventh-generation sedans were introduced, and they remain just as popular with today’s owners and enthusiasts. So, which is the best of the best from the Charger lineup over the years? Let’s explore its history of power and performance for the answer.
Dodge Charger: The Early Days: 1966-1987
Originally a two-door fastback body design, the Dodge Charger originally had four bucket seats on the inside and was built on the Chrysler B platform. Sizewise, it was billed as an “intermediate” car. A base 5.2L V8 was standard, with optional larger V8 engines available.
The first-generation car (pictured above) was not a sales success, and Dodge rebooted the Charger for 1968 for its second generation. It featured largely carryover V8 engines but added a new 3.7-liter, six-cylinder engine. The second-gen car was a hit and even spurred the super-cool Dodge Charger Daytona that went on to NASCAR success.
Dodge continued to tweak the Charger for its third generation (1971-1974), though it remained on the same platform. By 1975, things got a bit ugly. While still built on the B platform, Dodge tried to pivot the Charger to tackle the new “personal luxury car” market. Hardly recognizable as the muscle car that came before it, it at least still came with a host of V8 engines.
After a several-year hiatus, that coincided with the U.S. gas crisis, the Dodger Charger was reborn yet again. This time as a subcompact hatchback (L-body) coupe with front-wheel-drive.
Other than the slightly cool Shelby Charger, the fifth-generation (1982-1987) isn’t worth a lot of ink (pixels?), and there was no V8 offered. From there, the Charger was retired from the Dodge lineup and would not return for almost two decades.
Sixth-generation: 2006–2010 (LX)
Everyone should get the chance to reinvent themselves–even after two decades of being dormant–and thus, the Charger was reborn again. Prior to the sixth generation, Dodge launched a new Charger concept in 1999.
Called the “Charger R/T,” it took queues from the second-generation Charger and featured a long hood and muscle car looks. However, it hid a secret: the second set of doors. Dodge, fearing the lack of interest in two-door coupes, began engineering the new Charger in sedan form.
The new car was built during the “partnership” (takeover) with Mercedes-Benz. The new Charger joined the existing Chrysler 300 sedan and Dodge Magnum wagon that were already riding on the LX platform.
Ironically, in 2008, the two-door Dodge Challenger also joined the group of RWD cars and blew up the notion that two-door coupes weren’t going to be popular.
Trim levels initially included SE, SXT, R/T, and SRT8, but expanded (significantly) from there. The new Charger had a rear-wheel-drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive that was based on the rear-biased Mercedes-Benz 4Matic technology.
Naturally, the new Charger brought some V8 thunder from the beginning, but like the early days of the Charger, it also had a six-cylinder to broaden its appeal to buyers. Lower trim SE and SXT Chargers came with Chrysler’s 3.5L V6, which offered a respectable 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque.
However, the Charger wasn’t a light vehicle, weighing nearly two tons, so the V8 is definitely the way to go.
For the 2006-2008 model years, the R/T trim was powered by a stout 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine with 340 horsepower 390 lb.-ft. of torque. That was bumped to 368 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. starting in 2009 and an even higher 372 horsepower with the optional Road/Track Performance Group.
The barn burner of the lineup was the SRT8 trim, however, featuring a 370 cubic inch, 6.1L Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The top-spec Charger also came with Brembo brakes and a host of performance and aesthetic updates.
All Dodge Chargers feature automatic transmissions. Keep an eye out for the cool Daytona R/T and the Super Bee special editions, both available across the sixth-generation Charger. They feature a host of funky colors and graphics that echo early Chargers, like “Detonator Yellow,” “Go Man Go,” and “Plum Crazy Purple.”
Pricing for the first generation of the new Charger sedan ranges from just over $5,000 to the mid-$15,000 range, depending on trim and option levels.
- 2006 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $5,332 – $11,943
- 2007 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $6,438 – $13,153
- 2008 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $7,302 – $14,477
- 2009 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $7,370 – $14,894
- 2010 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $8,126 – $15,651
Seventh-generation: 2011–Present (LD)
Dodge didn’t rest and let the new Charger languish after its latest redesign. Within a few years of its launch, they were busy updating their hot rod sedan. To say that updates to the second generation are substantial is an understatement. While the overall shape remains the same, the body is all new.
Also, the number of mechanical updates and improvements that you’ll see over the decade since the latest Charger was launched is staggering. But first, let’s talk trim levels. The latest generation Dodge Charger trim list starts simple and gets progressively much more complex.
Dodge Charger Trim Levels by Year
- 2011: SE and R/T
- 2012 – 2014: SE, SXT, R/T, SRT8, and SRT8 Superbee
- 2015 – 2016: SE, SXT, R/T, R/T Road & Track, R/T Scat Pack, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat
- 2017: SE, SXT, R/T, Daytona, R/T Scat Pack, Daytona 392, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat
- 2018: SXT, SXT Plus, GT, GT Plus, R/T, Daytona, R/T Scat Pack, Daytona 392, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat
- 2019 – 2020: SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack, and SRT Hellcat
- 2021: SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye
Finding the Right Dodge Charger for You
As you can see, there’s a lot going on in the Charger trim levels. So, let’s break each trim level down so you can find the Charger that’s right for you.
Charger SE: The base model Charger. Comes with a V6 and cloth seating. However, it is generally well-equipped with features like 17-inch alloy wheels; automatic headlights; keyless ignition and entry; dual-zone manual climate control; a six-way power driver seat, and more. Model years 2011-2017.
Charger SXT: Initially the next-level-up from the base SE Charger, it eventually becomes the base model. The SXT also comes with a V6, you’ll also find upgraded transmission, fog lamps, heated mirrors, remote ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats with an eight-way power driver seat, and four-way power lumbar adjustment, a larger touchscreen interface, and better speakers. Model years 2012-present (becomes base model from 2018+).
Charger GT: Billed as the AWD muscle sedan. Powered by the V6 engine, it is equipped similar to an upgraded SXT, but with all-wheel drive. Model years 2018-present.
Charger R/T: The first level of V8 Charger, using a 5.7L V8 engine. You’ll find additional features like 18-inch wheels with upgraded tires, better brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, xenon headlights, and front sport seats. Model years 2011-present.
Charger SRT8 & SRT8 Superbee: The original top of the heap Charger. Features a 6.1L V8 with 470 horsepower plus an adaptive high-performance suspension, larger 20-inch wheels, adjustable stability control, bigger brakes, plus exterior features like a rear spoiler and SRT-specific styling. The Superbee is essentially the same, but with unique styling including yellow or black paint accented with Superbee emblems and graphics. Model years 2012-2014.
Charger R/T Road & Track: Same 5.7L engine, but with more go-fast goodies. In addition to interior upgrades, you’ll find a limited-slip rear differential, upgraded brakes, launch control, a more aggressive “Super Track Pack” suspension, three-mode stability control, plus the cool Dodge Performance Pages with lots of go-fast apps accessible via the touchscreen. Model years 2015-2016.
Charger R/T Scat Pack: Packs a larger V8 engine than the R/T. Features a larger 6.4L V8 plus Scat Pack exterior updates like an air-intake hood, plus performance upgrades like Brembo high-performance brakes, Scat Pack specific 20-inch alloy wheels, an even firmer suspension calibration, and more. Model years 2015-present.
Charger SRT 392: Basically the Scat Pack on steroids. Comes with the same 6.4L V8 as the Scat Pack, but larger Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers, special 20-inch forged-alloy wheels, upgraded Pirelli performance tires, a trick active exhaust system, an even more upgraded suspension, bi-xenon headlights, and leather and simulated suede upholstery. Model years 2015-2018.
Charger Daytona and Daytona 392: Ramps up the R/T and 392 Plus. The Daytona takes the R/T (5.7L) and further upgrades each with performance suspension, model-specific forged alloy wheels, and leather and simulated suede upholstery. For the Daytona 392 (6.4L), it merges Daytona and R/T Scat Pack features, but adds even more upgraded brakes. Model years 2017-2018.
Charger SRT Hellcat: The King Charger (pictured above: 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye). All you need to know is that it has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It also has an all-aluminum hood with heat-extraction vents, model-specific 20-inch forged-alloy wheels, Hellcat exterior badging, plus an updated interior feature a 200-mph speedometer. There is even a “Widebody” version that’s the same, just way wider. It’s quite a thing. Model years 2015 to present.
Prices for New & Pre-owned Chargers
OK, so now you know how many trim levels are available, when they are available, and what they actually mean. It’s time to pick a Charger, so let’s get on to pricing. Prices range from just under $11,000 for a base 2011 to north of $72,000 for the latest SRT Hellcat Widebody.
- 2011 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $10,903 – $15,566
- 2012 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $10,492 – $21,403
- 2013 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $13,230 – $25,144
- 2014 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $14,416 – $27,858
- 2015 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $19,704 – $41,588
- 2016 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $20,897 – $50,545
- 2017 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $25,188 – $56,859
- 2018 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $24,405 – $60,446
- 2019 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $29,768 – $62,752
- 2020 Dodge Charger: Prices range from $32,847 – $73,269
- 2021 Dodge Charger: MSRPs range from $29,995 – $72,095
The Best Dodge Charger…
There’s a lot going on here when considering the best of the bunch, and even with this explanation, it’s confusing. What it comes down to finding the best Charger for your personal tastes, it all comes down to which Dodge Charger nets you the best bang for the buck.
Well, you can’t really go wrong with a seventh-generation Charger. There’s a reason that police forces across the nation have picked up the Charger for their motor pool — even the V6-equipped car can haul some serious, well you know. Plus the latest six-cylinder gets an EPA estimated 19/30 mpg city/highway, which isn’t bad for a full-size 300 horsepower sedan. But you need a V8.
Therefore, the best Dodge Charger is the Charger R/T Scat Pack. While the 5.7L V8 found in the R/T is solid, the Charger is a big ole car, so the more power the better. With the larger 6.4L V8 and just south of 500 horsepower, it’ll move.
Plus, with upgraded Brembo high-performance brakes, limited-slip rear differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, plus interior upgrades like power-adjustable front sport seats, it’s got a great mix of style and substance for the price. On the market since 2015, there is a great mix of pricing options for the R/T Scat Pack. Just take a good test drive first to make sure you’ll be happy with the performance-focused ride. Happy hunting!
- 2015 R/T Scat Pack: Prices range from $24,380 – $29,497
- 2016 R/T Scat Pack: Prices range from $30,230 – $36,139
- 2017 R/T Scat Pack: Prices range from $36,632 – $42,927
- 2018 R/T Scat Pack: Prices range from $38,545 – $46,223
- 2019 R/T Scat Pack: Prices range from $41,426 – $49,267
- 2020 R/T Scat Pack: Prices range from $44,394 – $52,767
- 2021 R/T Scat Pack: MSRP starts at $40,495
Photos: Stellantis