The 2026 Dodge Charger

American Muscle Goes Back to Its Roots With High Horsepower Gasoline Engines.

The release of the 2026 Dodge Charger indicates a total philosophical shift for the most iconic name in American muscle. For decades, the Charger was defined by its HEMI® V8 engine and rear-wheel-drive powertrain. In 2026, Dodge is tearing up the script.

Goodbye Hemi, Hello SIXPACK 

The most jarring change for muscle car purists is the retirement of Dodge's iconic HEMI® V8 engine. In its place, the 2026 Charger introduces the 3.0L Twin-Turbo SIXPACK engine. 

• Performance Tiers: The "Standard Output" engine in the Charger R/T delivers 420 hp, while the "High Output" version in the Scat Pack cranks out a massive 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. 
• The Electric Alternative: The Charger Daytona BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) utilizes a 100.5 kWh battery and dual motors to produce up to 670 hp, hitting 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds. 

AWD is the New Standard 

Historically, the Charger has been known as a high horsepower rear-wheel-drive burnout machine. In 2026, this narrative has changed. Dodge has moved away from its rear-wheel drive transmissions, standardizing its All Wheel Drive (AWD) systems across the lineup.  

• The Twist: To satisfy traditionalists, the 2026 Charger's powertrain allows drivers to switch to Rear-Wheel Drive on demand.

• Track Tech: The Scat Pack remains a track-focused weapon with features like Line Lock (for front-wheel braking during burnouts), Launch Control, and a dedicated Drift/Donut Mode.

Modern Hatchback in Muscle Clothing 

The 2026 model adopts a "Hidden Hatch" design. While it maintains the aggressive, widebody stance of a classic muscle car, the rear glass lifts entirely, offering 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space. 

• Exterior Flair: Look for the "Fratzog" logo, a nod to Dodge’s 1960s heritage, which is now illuminated on the front grille.

• Inside the Cockpit: The interior of the Charger is built around the driver, with features like a pistol-grip shifter, leather wrapped steering wheel, and heated and ventilated seats.  

A "Smart Muscle Car" 

Dodge claims that the 2026 Charger has the "most autonomous driving features of any muscle car ever." Claims like this need to be backed, and Dodge knows this. The newest Charger boasts a number of impressive features, including:

• Active Driving Assist: A standardized system that manages speed, braking, and lane positioning. 

• Drive eXperience Recorder: This available tech captures 1080p video of your drives with synchronized vehicle data, allowing for post-drive analysis or social media sharing. 

• Visibility Tech: With a 360º Surround View Camera and specialized Front Tire-to-Curb camera, Dodge is finally solving the "low-visibility" issue that has plagued long-bodied muscle cars for years.