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2024 Volkswagen Taos Review2023 Dodge Charger: Race Ready
What do our experts think of the 2023 Dodge Charger? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s new for the 2023 Dodge Charger?
Dodge is releasing special “Last Call” models throughout the year with graphics packages that harken back to its muscle cars of the past. R/T models also get a 345 badge alluding to the HEMI V8 under the hood. The Jailbreak customization program is now available on the Hellcat Widebody along with its more potent Redeye version.
2023 Dodge Chargers – dodge.com | Shop 2023 Dodge Charger on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Great engines
Above-average driving dynamics
Spacious cabin
Cheap-feeling interior
Fuel thirsty
Small infotainment system
The last of an era
2023 Charger Specs
- 300 horsepower from base engine
- 264 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 16.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Available 19-speaker sound system
- Available full-speed collision mitigation
- 3-year limited warranty
2023 Dodge Charger Powertrain
Charming is probably the best word to describe the Charger lineups’ engine choices as a whole. The V8s deserve a different word but we’ll come to that later. The base V6 develops 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque and then sends it to the rear wheels or all four through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All Chargers use that same gearbox but only the V6 versions are available with all-wheel drive. While not as noteworthy or boisterous as its V8 siblings, the V6 is still fun to drive. It doesn’t have razor-sharp handling but we prefer its rear-wheel-drive biased platform and the dynamics that come with it over every other direct competitor.
Then there are the V8 Chargers which are probably best described as dinosaurs. Yes, they’re old-school and they’re not wildly fuel efficient. But they also spark child-like joy and awe. The base V8 makes 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. It’s a lot of fun and isn’t too pricey either.
Step up to the Scat Pack and you’ll get a bigger 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. It’s downright fast and can easily break the tires loose on command.
Finally, the entire Hellcat trim lineup is simply wild. The weakest makes 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. That’s supercar power in a four-door sedan that anybody with about $80k can just go buy and drive away.
Then there’s the Hellcat Redeye with 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. A highly-customizable Jailbreak edition is also available and features 807 hp. There is nothing in the automotive market that quite matches up with the power and performance available at this price.
2023 Dodge Charger Fuel Economy & MPG
Engine choice determines whether the Charger in question gets decent fuel economy or is nowhere near that bar. For example, the base Charger with rear-wheel drive can get up to 19 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway according to the EPA.
The base V8 gets up to 16 and 25 respectively. Somehow the Hellcat manages figures of 12 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway. That’s actually pretty decent considering it makes more than 700 hp.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2023 Dodge Charger offers a cushy albeit flawed cabin. The dash looks noticeably behind the times but it’s simple and functional too which we appreciate. The switchgear doesn’t look great and doesn’t feel particularly nice to use.
Still, everything is logically laid out and easy to reach. It’s also worth noting that upper trim levels, especially those of the Hellcat variety are available with better materials like Alcantara fabric and real carbon fiber.
The seats are above average though and from a driver’s perspective, visibility is great too. Rear-seat headroom can be lacking for taller individuals but short of that, the Charger can easily carry five adults.
Cargo space is fine thanks to decently-sized door pockets and a cavernous center console. The trunk features 16.5 cubic feet of storage and the back seats don’t fold down. In almost every way, it’s identical to the car we got in 2022.
Entertainment & Technology
At the heart of the Chargers infotainment system is an 8.4-inch touchscreen with UConnect 4 software. As we’ve mentioned in other reviews, we consider it to be one of the best user interfaces in the business.
It’s snappy, easy to understand, and even features excellent voice controls. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard. Integrated navigation is available as is satellite radio. Those that want it can also add a Harman Kardon sound system with 19 speakers and an amp for $1,795. It sounds pretty good but we’re not sure it’s worth that much.
Safety Features
The 2023 Charger didn’t win any awards with the IIHS and hasn’t been tested by the NHTSA. In addition, it does not come standard with an impressive suite of safety features. Thankfully, a complete package exists for just $1,895 on the base Charger. It includes adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, full-speed forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and more.
2023 Dodge Charger Trims & Pricing
SXT – $34,240
The base Charger gets 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, an 8.4-inch infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, remote start, and cruise control.
GT – $36,940
Step up to the GT and you’ll get 20-inch wheels, a functional hood scoop, heated outside mirrors, LED fog lights, a sport suspension, and an upgraded sound system.
R/T – $43,980
This trim keeps all of the same features as the GT but adds the base V8 with 370 hp and 20-inch wheels.
Scat Pack – $50,340
Consider this the first serious muscle car of the group thanks to its 6.4-liter V8. It also gets unique 20-inch wheels, sport seats, high-performance Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, launch control, a high-performance sport suspension, performance drive modes, and a heated steering wheel along with heated front seats.
Scat Pack Widebody – $56,430
This trim level keeps most of the same features as the Scat Pack but adds widebody fenders, bigger front brakes, Bilstein Adaptive Dampers, and special 20-inch wheels.
SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak – $82,430
The Hellcat starts with a 717 hp supercharged V8 and adds a widebody competition suspension, an SRT Performance hood with heat extractors, huge 305 section-width tires, and includes a track experience to ensure that drivers can handle all that power. The Jailbreak part of the name means that buyers can customize the car to a greater degree than in years past.
SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak – $91,030
This Charger is almost identical to the SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak but features 807 hp supercharged V8.
Warranties
Dodge offers what has become just about the most basic warranty on offer. It combines a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty with five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. As is the case for many aspects of the Charger ownership experience, more practical choices exist if you prefer them.
What we think
2023 Dodge Charger – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2023 Dodge Charger on Carsforsale.com
Nothing lasts forever and in the case of the Charger, there are clear benefits to closing the book on this generation. Nevertheless, it’s proven that there’s still an appetite for a big athletic four-door sedan with above-average driving dynamics and a bevy of great engines. Dodge has rightly pointed out that this is the last call for a car of this sort. Check out our list of new car incentives and get one while you can. The Charger is leaving soon, and it’s doing so at speeds that are appropriate for its nature.
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