2022 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger continues to be one of the best-selling full-size sedans in the US market. The reason? Dodge steadfastly sticks to the tried-and-trusted muscle car recipe: a big engine up front with the power going to the rear wheels. A V6 is standard in the base car, but a HEMI V8 with 485 horsepower is available. Its more contemporary rivals like the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon have moved on to front-wheel drive for packaging and efficiency reasons, but the Charger soldiers on with right-wheel drive. And, let's not forget about the inherent all-American charm - we'll just gloss over the fact that it's actually built in Canada. The Charger is essentially a muscle car made for everyday duty: it can complete the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds (Charger Scat Pack Widebody) and take the kids to school in relative comfort.

Dodge's Charger is a blend of a handsome family sedan and aggressive muscle car. We like the way the body panels look, like they've been stretched over the underpinnings. The base SXT looks a tad underwhelming, as it's the only model in the line-up without a hood scoop and some power bulges. It does come with 17-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights, though. Adding all-wheel-drive to the base model does alter the appearance, though. The AWD package includes the obvious, and 19-inch alloys, and LED fog lights. From the GT upwards, all Charger cars get 20-inch wheels and the classic hood scoop. A performance spoiler and power sunroof can be added on, too.

As far as dimensions go, the only static one is the wheelbase, which is 120 inches on every Charger. The longest model is the Scat Pack Widebody, measuring 201 inches in length, 57.8 inches in height, and 78.3 inches in width, excluding the mirrors. All other trims vary in length from 198.4 to 200.8 inches, standing between 57.8 and 58.5 inches tall, and 75 inches wide without the side mirrors - variations depend on trim and drivetrain. With so many configurations available, the Charger can weigh anything from 3,964 pounds to 4,385 lbs.

There are 13 exterior colors to choose from in the official palette, and all are available across the entire line-up at no extra charge. The paint palette looks like a toddler emptied a packet of Skittles on the floor, and the names are just as exciting. Available colors include F8 Green, Frostbite, Go Mango, Granite, Hellraisin, IndiGo Blue, Octane Red, Sinamon Stick, Smoke Show, TorRed, Triple Nickel, Pitch Black, and White Knuckle. A gloss black painted roof can be optioned on from the GT, while a variety of stripes and decals, and satin black hood/roof paint, can be added from the R/T upwards.

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.

When it comes to handling and driving, the V6 models feel more contemporary, but still cumbersome compared to its front-wheel-drive competitors from Japan. It serves a purpose, but that's about it. The V8 models are way more fun, even when driven slowly. In fact, the Charger is surprisingly fun at slow speeds. It emits a low grumble, letting other drivers in the area know that there's something dangerous in the neighborhood. Step on it, and it will growl like an old-school muscle car. Noise plays a significant role in the Charger's overall character, and the V8s provide a soundtrack that grabs your soul by the neck and throws it around like a limp doll - but in a good way.

The Dodge Charger sedan has traditionally been slated for not handling properly, opting for a comfy ride instead of a pleasurable driving experience. Yet Dodge claims the Scat Pack can pull .98g on a skidpad. For those who don't speak car nerd, it basically means there's enough grip to corner with confidence, and then some. The steering is indeed vague, but you can add some weight on models where you can select driving modes.

In Track Mode, the traction control will let you have some wayward fun before it intervenes. Even in this supposedly stiff setup, the Charger provides a compliant ride, with only larger bumps finding their way into the cabin. And the cabin is well-insulated, but the V8 soundtrack reigns supreme. Those who don't like an ever-present growl may find it annoying.

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.

There's space for five in the Charger, though the rear headroom is in short supply due to the sloping roofline. Thankfully, there's loads of legroom throughout the cabin. Being a low-slung performance sedan, the Charger can be tricky to get in and out of. Factor in some heavy doors, and it can feel like quite a chore. The thick C-pillars create large blind spots, too. This is incredibly annoying, considering blind-spot monitoring is one of the driver assistance features locked behind a paywall. It's not the best quality interior, but it is ergonomically pleasing.

The Charger makes up for what it lacks in safety by being comfortable. All models get an eight-way power-adjustable seat for the driver with power lumbar support. Performance seats are also available, as is seat heating (standard on the Scat Pack) and ventilation. Front passengers have four-way manually adjustable seats as standard.

The front legroom is 41.8 inches, while the rear legroom is 40.1 inches. The front offers 38.6 inches of headroom, while passengers in the rear get a scant 36.6 inches.

Dodge relies on comfort more than quality. If you wondered why it can offer you so much bang for the buck, here's your answer. The Charger misses the mark on two fronts. The first is a lack of any sort of design language; it's almost as if all the interior elements were loaded into a blunderbuss and fired into the cabin. At least it was a logical blunderbuss because the significant controls are neatly located within reach.

The second problem is quality - or rather, a lack thereof. Overall, the plastics are hard and scratchy. To save money, Dodge stamps out large panels of the stuff. Cloth upholstery is standard, and premium cloth is standard higher up in the range. Black is the main color option, or a combination of black and Caramel, or black and Ruby Red, with the latter two options available as part of package upgrades. This also unlocks Nappa leather, Alcantara, or suede, depending on which package is added.

To get a semi-decent interior, add the Carbon/Suede Interior Package for an additional $1,595. It's pricey, but it adds real carbon fiber trim and a suede headliner. This package is only available for the V8 models.

The Charger offers 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space - not class-leading, but not terrible either. It's enough for daily errands and the odd weekend away with the family. The Charger's trunk is also oddly shaped, narrowing significantly closer to the rear bench's seatbacks. It's possible to fold the rear seats down in a 60/40 split, but Dodge does not supply a claimed figure for how big the cargo capacity is in this configuration.

Interior storage space is average. Examples include a standard glove compartment, dual cupholders up front, and door pockets for front passengers. There's also a full-length center console with a power supply.

Dodge adds most of the standard features you want from base level. The SXT comes with manual dual-zone air-conditioning, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with four-way lumbar support, a manually tilting/telescoping steering column, and remote keyless entry and engine start. Upgrade to the GT and you get a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. It also adds houndstooth cloth seats with performance bolsters and performance suspension. As the first V8 in the line-up, the R/T gets an active exhaust and a speedometer that goes up to 160 mph. The V6 models only read up to 140 mph.

The Scat Pack has a lot of power, so the additional kit's focus is on that. Line Lock with launch control is standard, as are Brembo four-piston performance brakes. It adds some luxury in the form of heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Scat Pack Widebody is not just a style option. The Brembo's are upgraded to six-piston units, and the Bilstein suspension is adaptive. To add to the interior visual drama, you also get a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The SXT has a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, via Uconnect 4. There are six speakers as standard. Seven inches seems like enough, but this particular unit just looks sad against the backdrop of a big interior.

Upgrade to the next trim, or add AWD, and you get the bigger 8.4-inch screen with Uconnect 4C, which adds a Wi-Fi hotspot, HD Radio, and an Alpine six-speaker sound system. All other models are equipped with this setup, although a package upgrade can add Uconnect 4C with navigation to any model. A nine-speaker Alpine sound system is available for the lower-rung models optionally, while a 19-speaker Harman Kardon unit can be added to the upper trims.

Dodge Charger owners seem to be pleased with their vehicles. The facelifted model, first introduced in 2019, scored 79 out of a possible 100 points overall from JD Power. For the last three years, it scored 84, 83, and 83 points respectively. For the 2022 model, owners rated the quality and reliability (89) and the driving experience (85) as the things they enjoy most.

The NHTSA reports two recall alerts for the 2020 Charger; inadequate windshield bonding and a disabled backup camera display. The last recall does not apply to the regular model since it was for police cars specifically where the reverse camera was faulty in 'stealth mode'. The windshield problem carries over to the 2021 model. No recalls have been issued for 2022 so far. Every Charger is covered by a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The NHTSA's review of the Dodge Charger for 2022 resulted in an overall score of five out of five. It scored four stars in the frontal impact category, but full five stars for both side-impact and rollover crashes. Dodge's performance in the IIHS test was a mixed bag. It scored "marginal" in the small overlap crash on the driver's side, while the headlights received a "poor" rating. The LATCH system also received a "marginal" rating for ease of use. Four other tests yielded top scores of Good, however.

Dodge takes an unorthodox approach to safety, offering only the traditional active and passive safety features as standard. You get ABS, stability and traction control, a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, rear sonar for parking assistance, and six airbags. That's standard on all models, not just the entry-level cars.

All of the driver assistance features are locked behind a paywall; adaptive cruise control can be optioned on, as well as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Looking at rivals for the Dodge Charger in the same price bracket, you'll note that it's a sea of drab and dreary. Perhaps the sedan is responsible for its own demise, with crossovers at least offering something interesting to look at and a lifestyle to go with it. Dodge's main aim for the Charger was obviously performance and driver enjoyment. It's a laugh-out-loud kinda car, and we respect that.

To keep it cheap, sacrifices had to be made. Every model in the line-up has a somewhat shoddy interior, and the standard features list is not exactly comprehensive. All of the good stuff is stuck behind a paywall, and you have to add extra if you want any kind of luxury tech or driver assistance systems. The infotainment system deserves to be praised, however.

What the Dodge lacks in features, it makes up for in character. By saving a penny here, and a few bucks there, Dodge provides real muscle cars at an affordable price. You get a comfortable interior with the basics, rear-wheel drive, and a massive engine up front. The Charger is unashamedly honest about what it is, and we appreciate that.

The entry-level SXT RWD has an MSRP of $31,350. You will need to add on $3,600 if you want the SXT with AWD. The RWD GT starts at $33,625, with only $3,000 needed to add AWD from this trim upwards. Then, it's a hefty price jump to the R/T V8, which retails for $39,350. The Scat Pack starts at $43,675, with another big leap to get to the Scat Pack Widebody at $49,670. These prices exclude Dodge's destination charge of $1,595, and other licensing and registration fees.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lineup consists of five trims: SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack, and Scat Pack Widebody. All trims use the same eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the SXT and GT share a 3.6-liter V6 and come in either RWD (with 292 hp) or AWD (with 300 hp). All the other trims have V8 engines and are only available with RWD. The R/T uses a 370-hp 5.7-liter V8 and the two Scat Pack trims use a 485-hp 6.4-liter V8.

The main differences between the trims are their engine and driveline options and the standard equipment is more or less the same. The SXT RWD runs on 17-inch alloy wheels and has halogen headlights, cloth upholstery, an eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone air-conditioning, remote keyless entry and start, cruise control, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The infotainment system has a seven-inch touchscreen and includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a six-speaker audio system. The only standard safety features are six airbags, stability control, a backup camera, automatic headlights, trailer-sway damping, rear parking sensors and tire-pressure monitoring. Adding AWD brings with it 19-inch alloy wheels, performance brakes, upgraded suspension, and a Sport mode. Inside, the upgraded Uconnect 4C infotainment system with a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, and HD Radio is used.

The GT runs on 20-inch alloy wheels and has a performance fascia, hood, spoiler, and side sills, as well as performance suspension and LED fog lights. Inside, it gains an auto-dimming rearview mirror, performance seats, and an infotainment system upgraded with Dodge Performance Pages and a 276-watt audio system with six premium Alpine speakers.

R/T trim sees the introduction of the 5.7-liter V8 engine and includes active exhaust with dual outlets and a 160-mph speedometer. The Scat Pack with the 6.4-liter V8 has Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers, a limited-slip differential, high-performance suspension, line lock, launch control, and heating for the steering wheel and front seats.

The Scat Pack Widebody uses the same 6.4-liter V8 but adds adaptive suspension, even more powerful Brembo brakes, a mail-slot air opening, a performance fascia, and the trademark integrated fender flares that give it its name and gives it such a menacing look.

We think Dodge's approach to standard features is quite smart. It caters to the customer who wants a bare-bones muscle car, and the person who wants to add more safety and convenience.

While there are many packages on offer, there are three worth highlighting. The first is the Plus Group, which is both a style and convenience package. It includes 20-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the 8.4-inch version of the infotainment system, to name just a few. The price depends on the model you opt for, but expect to pay $3,095 on the SXT and $2,095 on the Widebody. The Technology Group adds adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, auto high beams, full-speed forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing wipers, at a cost of $1,895. Annoyingly, if you want blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist you'll have to pay extra for the Driver Convenience Group, which adds these features, amongst a few other niceties and a new deluxe security alarm from this year.

Other packages include a Cold Weather Package for $695, to add heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, while navigation and the upgraded Uconnect 4C with the larger display can be optioned on for $995 via the Navigation & Travel Group package.

All models are essentially the same car, with only minor feature differences between them. All of them will transport a family of five in comfort. The real choice here is in engine specs. Every drivetrain has its merits, apart from the 5.7-liter V8, which is just old and out of place compared to the larger V8. The V6s are underwhelming, but thanks to the optional AWD, they're the safest vehicle from this lineup if you live in a cold-weather state.

Since this is a muscle car, we'd have the Scat Pack. It has 475 hp on tap and a soundtrack that will make your ears bleed. Dodge also ensures the engine doesn't overpower the rest of the car and adds more powerful brakes and a sportier suspension. It also has the right kit for smokey burnouts. If you want something even more aggressive, you can add the Widebody kit and even larger brakes, and adaptive suspension. These trims also benefit from a few additional luxuries such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

There are various sedans available in this price range, but only the Chrysler 300 offers the same blend of V8 power and American pride in comparison to the new Dodge Charger. Sold by the same mother ship, Stellantis made sure they don't tread on each other's turf too much. The Chrysler is more of a luxury offering, while the Charger is built for performance. This much is apparent by just looking at them. The Dodge Charger is a car with an aggressive stance, while the 300 is more elegant. The Charger can also be had with a 475-hp V8, while the most powerful engine available in the 300 is the same 5.7-liter V8 used in the mid-spec Charger, but putting out slightly less power at 363 hp. It depends entirely on how much luxury or fun you want to have when deciding on a winner in this competition. The Chrysler offers leather seats with heating and cooling functions and even climate-controlled cupholders. The Dodge comes with line lock and can smoke a set of rear tires within one glorious afternoon. Choose your weapon.

Due to the lack of V8-powered sedans, there is only one other rival that provides a combination of reasonable space and old-school muscle, and that's the Dodge Challenger. It uses the same platform and engines as the Charger, and its interior is more spacious than its natural rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. Everything said in this review is true of the Challenger as well. The main difference is a lack of rear doors and an obvious dip in rear headroom and legroom. Still, it's perfectly fine for two adults over short distances. The 16.2 cube trunk is also nearly as big.

Choosing between these two boils down to choosing style over practicality. The Challenger's retro design is appealing, and there's just a $2,000 difference in cost between the Dodge Charger and Challenger. If practicality isn't a priority, it might be worth looking at the Challenger as a more interesting, yet equally enjoyable, alternative; if you need the rear-seat space, the Dodge Charger is best.