2019 Dodge Charger

Overview

The 2019 Dodge Charger can compete with pony cars at the drag strip and with full-size sedans on family road trips, offering a combination of machismo and functionality at an affordable price that is uncommon for its class. The Dodge is also the only option in this segment with rear-wheel drive and a raucous set of V-8 engines. The standard V-6 shares a superb eight-speed automatic transmission with its V-8 brethren, but only it has all-wheel drive as an option. Compared with near-luxury rivals, the Charger is rough around the edges; its fantastic infotainment system is unfortunately surrounded by an interior clad in plastic. Its eye-popping exterior colors and decals recall icons of the past but bring the Charger up short in contrast with its more refined competitors. Nevertheless, the result is an affordable muscle machine for the whole family.

What's New for 2019?

Dodge has a penchant for keeping its aging products desirable by adding new features and equipment each model year. For 2019, the Charger receives updated interior options such as houndstooth cloth seats and stitched leather surfaces. The lineup has also been streamlined with fewer models, which now includes a rear-drive GT version (the entry-level SXT now offers all-wheel drive). It and the Charger R/T add upgraded exterior details pulled from the 707-hp Hellcat model. This means a more aggressive front end, bulging hood, sculpted side skirts, and optional 20-inch wheels. Both models now come standard with a sport-tuned suspension and revised steering—among other chassis enhancements. The top-of-the-line R/T Scat Pack has new exterior badging, a refreshed grille design with dual air inlets, and newly optional adaptive dampers. Likewise, every Scat Pack now has a system called "Launch Assist" that optimizes traction during take-offs and a line-lock feature that allows smoky burnouts to heat up and clean the rear tires for maximum acceleration runs. The popular Scat Pack model will receive an optional Widebody option package for 2020 which adds the wider fender flares from the 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Loud and proud V-8 engines, available all-wheel drive, surprisingly athletic for its size.
Dislikes: Six-cylinder models sound tame, numb steering, ride quality suffers with bigger wheels.

The Charger channels its NASCAR roots with big V-8 power and rowdy sounds. However, not every Charger has a mighty Hemi V-8 under the hood—what a pity—but they do all share an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. In contrast, the V-6 is rather subdued but does add the availability of all-wheel drive. Dodge doesn't build a Charger with a manual gearbox, but it would be so much cooler if it did. The standard V-6 is no slouch, yet it lacks the giddy-up of front-drivers such as the Nissan Maxima and the Buick LaCrosse. The more powerful versions excel at the strip, where the 485-hp Charger R/T Scat Pack posted an impressive 4.1-second sprint to 60 mph. The 370-hp Charger has enough ponies to outrun most family sedans.

The bright (Green Go) Charger we paraded around town had a quiet and composed ride. Its large 20-inch wheels were relaxed on most surfaces, but obstacles such as railroad crossings and potholes disrupted its composure. The big-bodied sedan was remarkably balanced when cornering, too. Although the V-6 version we tested had nearly identical cornering grip, the Daytona's hefty horsepower advantage amplified the fun. The electrically assisted power steering contributes to the Charger's purposeful control, but its feedback is too heavy and slow to be engaging. We've tested several Chargers for emergency braking, and the best results came from the high-performance models with upgraded brakes and stickier summer performance tires.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Charger is a big, heavy car with a healthy appetite for fuel. Although it has below-average EPA estimates in the city, it has fairly competitive highway ratings. We haven't tested the V-6 version or the 485-hp V-8 on our highway fuel-economy loop, but the 5.7-liter V-8 engine exceeded its 25-mpg estimate by 1 mpg.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Numerous interior options, excellent infotainment system, large trunk.
Dislikes: Middling interior quality, bolstered front seats are intrusive on long trips, no mobile hotspot.

The Charger's interior is highly functional yet the opposite of luxurious, with more rubberized materials than the set of an adult film. Apart from excellent rear-seat legroom, its passenger space is slightly below average. The cabin's simplistic design is classic muscle car, but options are plentiful.

Every Challenger has a version of the excellent Uconnect infotainment system. That means standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Although the system we tested elicited good response times, some optional controls can only be accessed via the touchscreen; a Wi-Fi hotspot also is unavailable.

Although its trunk volume is similar to those of most rivals, the Charger was able to fit an extra carry-on box than its rivals. It held 18 total with the rear seat stowed, beating the Maxima and the fastback-hatchback Kia Stinger by three. Its center console features plenty of spots for small items and a slot alongside the shifter that is perfect for storing your smartphone.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The modern-day Charger has a host of optional high-tech assists, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. However, these features cost extra, and base models are excluded from the most advanced driver-assistance options. The Charger earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but its scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were average. Key safety features include:

• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available forward-collision warning

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Charger has an average warranty that lacks complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance