2026 Dodge Charger First Look: Is This the Muscle Car You’ve Been Waiting For?

Let’s address the big question right away: The 2026 Dodge Charger does not come with a Hemi V-8 engine. While the 2026 Ram 1500 will continue to offer a 5.7-liter V-8 option, Dodge’s gas-powered muscle car will be available only with six-cylinder engines—for now, at least.

Here’s the silver lining: both versions of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine deliver more power than the old 5.7-liter iron-block ever did. The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack’s high-output Sixpack engine produces an impressive 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Dodge claims this setup can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 12.2 seconds. If these figures hold true in HARJA tests, the new Scat Pack will be just a few tenths off the pace of last generation’s 797-hp Hellcat Redeyes.

Dodge’s press materials emphasize the new 2026 Dodge Charger “old-school attitude,” but there’s no denying it’s a far more modern machine than its predecessor. Every gas-powered Charger now channels torque through an updated, fourth-generation eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with all-wheel drive. But don’t worry, thrill-seekers—a simple tap on the touchscreen disengages the front axle, switching the car to rear-wheel drive for those classic maneuvers. Dodge promises plenty of donuts and drifting, and Scat Pack models even feature a Line Lock mode that locks the front brakes, letting you launch big, smoky burnouts—something the electric Charger Daytona just can’t do.

The Scat Pack Turns Up the Volume

Leading the charge for the gas-powered Charger’s return, Scat Pack models will hit dealerships late this year, with prices starting at $56,990 for the two-door and $58,990 for the four-door. Tackling a common critique of Stellantis’s Hurricane inline-six engine, the Scat Packs come equipped with a switchable exhaust valve that delivers a louder, richer exhaust note than what we’ve heard in the Jeep Wagoneer and Ram 1500. The engine is also tuned to cut ignition during overrun, producing a satisfying series of pops and crackles. While active exhaust is currently exclusive to the Scat Pack, chief engineer Audrey Moore told HARJA, “I know I’m going to be asked to put it on the R/T.”

Keep your foot planted firmly on the gas, and Dodge says the Charger Scat Pack will reach a top speed of 177 mph. Stopping power comes courtesy of six-piston Brembo front brake calipers, while a standard limited-slip differential helps this large, heavy muscle car effectively put its power to the pavement. Chief engineer Audrey Moore adds that the team focused heavily on handling, noting that the new Charger is far less prone to understeer compared to the previous-generation Challenger and Charger models.

R/T Will Offer Cheaper Thrills

The entry-level R/T model is set to arrive at dealerships in early 2026, powered by the standard-output Sixpack engine delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. Although Dodge hasn’t released official acceleration times for the R/T, it boasts an impressive top speed of 168 mph. Pricing for the two-door R/T starts at $51,990, while the four-door version begins at $53,990.

While the R/T models don’t come with some of the Scat Pack’s standout features like Line Lock and the electronically controlled exhaust, they still offer key performance essentials: rear-wheel-drive mode, a limited-slip differential, and launch control that lets drivers precisely manage engine RPM.

Originally, Dodge planned to produce all four-door Chargers as 420-hp R/Ts and all two-doors as 550-hp Scat Packs. However, the company has now decided to offer both engine options across either body style. CEO Matt McAlear credits this shift to the Trump administration’s relaxed enforcement of fuel economy regulations, which gave Dodge the flexibility to make the change.

The New Charger’s Familiar Bones

Beyond the powertrains, the gas-powered Charger closely mirrors the electric Charger Daytona, with both sharing the same body structure and interior design. However, the combustion models replace the EV’s front fascia R-wing passthrough with a taller hood featuring a prominent SIXPACK-branded scoop, and proudly display a pair of exhaust pipes at the rear.

Built on the Stellantis STLA Large platform, the 2026 Dodge Charger is a truly massive vehicle. It’s nearly six inches longer than the three-row Durango and comes so close to the width limit that it would require amber cab marker lights if it were just 0.2 inches wider. The Scat Pack tips the scales at a hefty 4,816 pounds.

That size translates into generous interior space both front and rear, even in the two-door version. Inside, the cabin combines classic and modern elements, featuring a pistol grip shifter, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect 5, and a digital instrument cluster available in either 10.3 or 16.0-inch sizes.

Dodge hasn’t revealed the exact packaging details for the R/T yet, but we do know that Scat Pack models will come in two trims. The higher-end Scat Pack Plus adds a host of premium features, including automatic high beams, a power-opening rear hatch, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a 360-degree camera system. It also unlocks options like a fixed glass roof and an 18-speaker Alpine audio system.

Could Dodge Bring Back the V-8 Muscle Car?

Dodge CEO Matt McAlear offered a hint of hope for V-8 enthusiasts, saying, “We’re just getting started with this vehicle,” during a recent media briefing. Considering the success of the SRT and Hellcat models, it’s tough to rule out the possibility of Dodge packing more gas-powered muscle under the hood of the new 2026 Dodge Charger. When pressed about whether a V-8 could fit in the Charger’s engine bay, McAlear didn’t give a direct answer but teased, “You’re welcome to check it out for yourself, but don’t be surprised if it fits.” So, there’s still hope for fans of the classic V-8 muscle car.

2026 Dodge Charger Specifications