2026 Dodge Charger First Look

Dodge resurrects the gas engine in its modern-day muscle car, giving customers the freedom of choice.

Jeff Youngs | 

Aug 11, 2025 | 3 min read

Capital One

When Dodge introduced the next-generation 2024 Charger, it launched the car exclusively with an electric powertrain. While the Charger Daytona offered classic muscle car looks and plenty of performance, some Dodge customers clamored for a gasoline engine to fuel their passion for petroleum. Now, the automaker is answering that call with the 2026 Dodge Charger, equipped with a Sixpack twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine.

Dodge

New Sixpack Twin-Turbo Six-Cylinder Engines for the 2026 Dodge Charger

Two versions of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine are available for the Dodge Charger. The standard output (S.O.) engine makes 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque, while the high output (H.O.) engine supplies 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. The S.O. engine powers the Charger R/T, while the H.O. version is standard in the Charger Scat Pack. For 2026, the electric Charger Daytona remains at the top of the Charger lineup.

Traditionalists may be disappointed that the new gas engines only have six cylinders and not eight, but don't be surprised if, in the future, Dodge resurrects the Hemi V8 for the Charger, as Stellantis recently did for the 2026 Ram 1500.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard in the Charger Sixpack models, as is all-wheel drive (AWD). The Scat Pack features paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience, and drivers can select rear-wheel drive to perform such tasks as drifting, doing donuts, or warming up the rear tires at the drag strip.

Speaking of performance, Dodge claims the 2026 Charger Scat Pack can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds, run the quarter mile in 12.2 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 177 mph. Standard Launch Control assists with off-the-line acceleration, while a performance-tuned dual-mode active exhaust system provides the Scat Pack's soundtrack.

Dodge

The 2026 Charger Gets Wide-Body Styling With Two or Four Doors

The new 2026 Dodge Charger R/T and Scat Pack are available in two-door coupe and new-for-2026 four-door sedan body styles, each featuring a "hidden hatch" and folding rear seats for up to 37.4 cubic-feet of cargo space. Dodge claims Charger has the widest body of any new-car model in the United States, and eight exterior paint colors are available, including Green Machine, which is new for 2026.

While they share a wide-body aesthetic, the Charger R/T and Scat Pack models differ from their Daytona counterparts in the design of their hoods, front fascia, grilles, and exhaust systems. Charger Scat Packs also feature a gloss-black rear spoiler and 20-inch wheels on all-season tires.

Dodge

ADriver-Focused Interior Loaded With Tech in the 2026 Dodge Charger

While the 2026 Charger features classic muscle car styling on the outside, the car's interior is anything but vintage. The driver-focused cockpit features a 10.3-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while available features include a wireless smartphone charger, "Attitude Adjustment" ambient lighting, and an 18-speaker Alpine Pro audio system.

In a nod to the past, the 2026 Charger also features some retro touches inside, including design lines and textures inspired by the 1968 Dodge Charger as well as a pistol-grip gear shifter.

With the gas-powered 2026 Charger R/T and Scat Pack, and the addition of a sedan body style, Dodge gives its customers something they’ve been clamoring for: the freedom of choice. Pricing for the 2026 Dodge Charger starts at around $52,000, including the destination charge.

Jeff Youngs

Jeff has had a lifelong love affair with cars and driving. From his early days collecting Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars to the present day as an automotive journalist, he loves all things automotive. He also has more than 30 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with J.D. Power in marketing and editorial management roles, five years with General Motors as a media-relations pro, and six years as a freelance automotive journalist. A muscle car, sport sedan, and convertible enthusiast, Jeff owns Blue Line Auto Media. His client list includes Capital One Auto Navigator, J.D. Power, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, iSeeCars, and Autolist. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and kids.