2026 Dodge Charger returns to its roots, ditches EV-only strategy
At a media event hosted recently by Dodge, brand representatives showed off the upcoming gas-powered Charger, which houses a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine the brand calls "Sixpack."
The new Charger — available in two- and four-door variants — will come in two power levels: a 420-horsepower RT, and a tuned-up 550-horsepower Scat Pack.
The car is catered to the gearhead customer base Dodge has cultivated, even without a V8. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said Dodge is "targeting" a 3.9-second 0-60 time for the high-output version of the car, which has a top speed of 177 mph.
The vehicle looks nearly identical to its electrified counterpart. The largest differences in the new vehicle are on the front end, with a hood scoop reading "SIXPACK" and the absence of the "R-wing" front end spoiler, a prominent feature of the electrified Charger.
In case you missed it: 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the first to top $200,000
Slow response to EV
When Dodge pivoted to an electrified version of its popular muscle car, the brand faced criticism and slow sales. The Charger, previously known for housing V8 engines and pushing some serious power, became an EV in 2024.
The electrified muscle car was not quickly embraced by buyers. Offered in a high-performance Daytona level and a standard RT level, the vehicles stuck around on dealership lots. Earlier this year, Dodge announced it would be putting the RT Charger on hiatus, offering only the 630-horsepower Daytona Scat Pack model.
Halfway through 2025, Dodge's parent company, Stellantis, reported that 4,299 electric Chargers had been sold in the United States.
The details
These are the details to know about the new gas-powered Dodge Charger:
Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: LRappleye@freepress.com.
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