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Picking the 2017 Dodge Charger That's Right for You

The Dodge Charger can make you feel like a professional racer behind the wheel, but that doesn't mean you need to sacrifice comfort. There are eight Chargers to choose from, but which one will make you feel the most at home?

Dodge Charger SE

The Dodge Charger SE has the lowest starting MSRP at $27,995, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a strong option. It's got solid specs, like a 292hp 3.6-liter V6 engine with 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission. The fuel economy for the Dodge Charger SE is 19 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The SE is rear-wheel drive but can upgrade to all-wheel drive for an extra cost. Some of the best features of the Dodge Charger include 17-inch silver aluminum wheels, dual-zone manual climate control, cloth seats, LED Racetrack taillamp, and two first row LCD monitors.

Dodge Charger SXT

The Dodge Charger SXT is a little more expensive at $29,995 but it has everything the SE has and more. You get 18-inch silver aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, front row heated seats, driver lumbar support, and heated mirrors.

On the inside, the SXT sees a total overhaul of the entertainment system. This trim adds SiriusXM radio with Dodge Uconnect 8.4, which comes with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. On the exterior, the Dodge Charger SXT has LED front fog lights.

Dodge Charger R/T

The Dodge Charger R/T is the first trim to get an engine upgrade. A starting price of $34,790 gets you a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. The fuel economy takes a slight hit at 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, but it’s a small sacrifice for the power.

On the inside, the Dodge Charger R/T has the same Uconnect system, but it also has voice command and Bluetooth streaming audio. Finally, the R/T also has 20-inch painted aluminum wheels for better ground clearance.  

Dodge Charger Daytona

Everyone loves a throwback, and the Charger Daytona delivers. This was the flagship display for Dodge at the Detroit Auto Show, and it’s easy to see why. It comes with the same 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine as the R/T, but it has some performance-geared enhancements like a stronger exhaust and Dodge’s Performance Pages software. It also comes with the Super Track Pack, which nets you performance suspension, special brake linings, three-mode stability control that can turn completely off, and Goodyear’s Eagle F1 tires. Of course, part of what you’re paying $39,890 for is the unique styling. The Daytona has matte-black design details, unique “Daytona” graphics throughout the design, and a handful of retro paint jobs.

Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack

The Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack has the next major engine upgrade. It starts at $39,995 and is equipped with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-foot of torque. The exterior also received improvements like 20-inch machined wheels with painted accents on the aluminum. This trim also has Scat Pack grille badging and active valve exhaust. Finally, the interior also sees some upgrades including passenger lumbar support and ParkSense parking assist.  

Dodge Charger Daytona 392

The Dodge Charger Daytona 392 combines the best of the Daytona with the engine from the Scat Pack. The Daytona 392 has a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower. It also comes with the Daytona grille badge and active valve exhaust, as well as a set of 20-by-9.5 inch black forged-aluminum wheels and more, all for a starting MSRP of $44,995.

Dodge Charger SRT 392

The Dodge Charger SRT 392 improves on the original SRT with premium features like 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, heated front seats, SiriusXM radio, heated mirrors, and a navigation system. Additionally, the cloth seats are exchanged for leather-trimmed seats and shift knob for that extra bit of luxury. Performance also improves with the Brembo ultra high-performance brakes that come standard. The SRT 392 gets 15 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway and has a starting MSRP of $51,145.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Of course, the incredible jewel in Dodge’s crown (until the gleefuly preposterous Demon comes out) is the Hellcat. It’s equipped with a 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces an astounding 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It only gets 13 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway, but if you're buying a car called the "Hellcat," you probably already know that mileage isn't going to be a strength. The whole thing sits on 20-inch black aluminum wheels and records using a 200 mile per hour speedometer. On the inside, it has driver and passenger power lumbar support and leather-trimmed seating, which is important. You’re probably going to spend a lot of time pressed into those seats by the force of your ridiculous acceleration. You also get Bluetooth integration with six premium speakers, but you should probably be focusing on the road at these speeds instead of listening to the radio. All of this comes at a starting MSRP of $67,645.

(All Facts and figures from Auto Blog and Dodge.)

Last Updated: January 26, 2018