Used 2019 Dodge Charger

Muscle cars are a uniquely American phenomenon, so when Dodge decided to build a family sedan, it came as no surprise the result turned out like the 2019 Dodge Charger. Powered by its rear wheels, the Charger shuns the cornering-killing setup of such front-drive competitors as the Honda Accord or Chevrolet Impala, although Dodge does offer an all-wheel-drive option. You won’t find any hybrid or small-displacement turbos under the Charger’s hood, just V6 and V8 grunt creating a lineup ranging from the 292-horsepower SXT to the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat. What lies in between these two is a line of aggressive, powerful and well-equipped sedans born in the U.S.A. and unlike anything else on the road. 

Even the most basic 2019 Dodge Charger can be a handful, with the standard 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 horsepower (300 horsepower in the GT and SXT AWD). All-wheel drive is optional, but only on the V6-powered models. Stepping up to the R/T and higher trims brings Hemi V8 power ranging from 370 to an astounding 707 in the Charger SRT Hellcat. All Chargers use an 8-speed automatic transmission, which for some reason seems less problematic here than in other Fiat/Chrysler vehicles. All the Chargers deliver impressive cornering, responsive steering and strong brakes, and while the Hellcat is every gearhead’s dream, a more realistic goal would be the R/T Scat Pack with its 485-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8. This model delivers blisteringly fast acceleration, with a reported 0-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph. 

The 2019 Dodge Charger may be loud and boisterous on the outside, but inside it’s all business. The handsome interior features a cockpit-like dash that angles most of the important bits toward the driver. Depending on the model, you’ll find form-fitting sport seats in leather, Alcantara or new hound’s-tooth cloth. The gauge-cluster screen can be configured to display all types of info, while a nice big 8.4-inch touch screen highlights the excellent Uconnect infotainment system, which we highly recommend. Rear-seat comfort is surprisingly good, with generous hip-, head- and legroom providing plenty of room for adults.

This is no wallflower. No shrinking violet. No wolf in sheep’s clothing. No cliché. The Dodge Charger for 2019 looks like what it is: a modern American sedan with plenty of horsepower. It looks tough. It looks mean. It looks you right in the eye. Despite a roofline and overall shape unmistakably linked to previous Chargers built from 1968-1970, this sedan successfully fights being old-fashioned and remains sleek and modern front to rear. Its smoothly rounded nose makes obvious aerodynamic contributions, and the attractive rear includes Dodge’s distinctive layout of the “racetrack” taillight arrangement. New for 2019 are a revised grille and highly sculpted hood on GT and R/T trims.

COLORS
What’ s the point of having a screamer of a car if the color makes everyone yawn? Among our favorites are Plum Crazy, Go Mango, F8 Green, White Knuckle, Octane Red and Maximum Steel. Even the names are too cool for school!

6.2-LITER HELLCAT SUPERCHARGED V8
Americans do everything big, which is why while the rest of world stands slack-jawed at the 707 horsepower generated by the Hellcat’s 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8, we Yanks just shrug.

LED daytime running lights, acoustic front glass and windshield, power windows with express front up/down, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, 7-inch touch screen with Uconnect 4, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard features on the base 2019 Dodge Charger SXT. Also standard are chrome exhaust tips, automatic headlights that turn themselves on and off, power mirrors, 17-inch wheels and tires, and an electronic reconfigurable gauge cluster. The standard powertrain is a very likable 3.6-liter V6 with a strong 292 horsepower backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Trim levels are tied closely to engine choices, with corresponding moves upward not only in performance but also in features and luxury. Depending on the trim level and options chosen you can have a Charger with a base price well under $30 grand or well over $60,000, and with horsepower just under 300 or more than twice that. Major options include a power sunroof, Alpine and Harman Kardon sound systems, and several packages: Performance Handling Group, Technology Group, Driver Confidence Group, Navigation and others. Forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are available in the Premium Group.

The 2019 Charger sedan is available with four engine choices. Standard in the SXT and GT models is a very likable 3.6-liter V6 with 292 horsepower (300 in the SXT AWD and GT) and plenty of performance for just about anybody. Next up is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 of 370 horsepower, in R/T and Daytona versions. It’s one more step to a 6.4-liter Hemi of 485 horsepower the in R/T Scat Pack trim. And, if a 485-horsepower Hemi isn’t quite enough, there’s the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi in the SRT Hellcat, with 707 horsepower. In all cases, the transmission is an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive (RWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on the SXT.

3.6-liter V6 (SXT)
292 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/30 mpg

3.6-liter V6 (SXT AWD, GT)
300 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/30 mpg (RWD), 18/27 mpg (AWD)

5.7-liter V8 (R/T, Daytona)
370 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
395 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg

6.4-liter V8 (R/T Scat Pack)
485 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
475 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24 mpg

6.2-liter supercharged V8 (SRT Hellcat)
707 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
650 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/22 mpg