by Aiden Eksteen
When it comes to full-size sedans in the USA, there are a near-infinite number of options for shoppers to choose from, but when it comes to raw V8 power and value for money, that selection dwindles rapidly to expensive, high-end cars from mostly premium automakers. That is, of course, only if you've overlooked the 2021 Dodge Charger - a real American muscle car that puts its best foot forward with a formidable selection of strapping engines ranging from a 296-horsepower V6 to a 485-hp HEMI V8. Not only does the Charger sedan offer thrilling muscle car performance, but it also manages to deliver a comfortable ride and enough practicality to make it a pragmatic daily. It's also hysterically affordable and highly customizable, so fanatics and casual motorists can get behind the wheel of one that's put together to their liking and that still carries some novelty. It's a fun vehicle that carries a lot of flavor and appeal, but its second-rate cabin, shortage of driver-assistance features, and low safety ratings may turn some toward the more contemporary alternatives such as theToyota AvalonorNissan Maxima. But then again, who has ever bragged about their muscle car's safety standards?
Last year, Dodge made some upgrades to the Scat Pack, but for 2021, the focus has moved over to the Hellcat and the Hellcat Redeye, which we cover in separate reviews. There are no significant updates to the standard 2021 Dodge Charger, other than the GT AWD's 20-inch alloys, which can now be optioned on the SXT AWD.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
SXT |
3.6L V6 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive |
$31,125 |
GT |
3.6L V6 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive |
$33,400 |
R/T |
5.7L V8 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive |
$39,125 |
Scat Pack |
6.4L V8 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive |
$43,450 |
Scat Pack Widebody |
6.4L V8 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive |
$43,450 |
If you're looking for a car with a powerful V8 engine and entertaining drive dynamics, most of what you'll find is very likely positioned in the premium classification. Sedans that come in at around the Charger's price are usually equipped with a small-capacity engine and, more often than not, quite boring. One could argue that the Charger sedan occupies a class of its own with what it offers in performance at its price, but, as should be expected, Dodge has had to make compromises in order to achieve that sort of allure. Every seventh-generation Charger comes with a rather scanty selection of standard features and advanced driver-assist systems. They are all also plagued by a rather second-rate cabin that mostly comprises scratchy and hard plastics. With that said, however, the Charger's cabin is exquisitely ergonomic and comfortable, which certainly makes up for the lack of quality. The IIHS's review of the 2021 Dodge Charger didn't turn out the best results, but Dodge has managed to maintain a decent reliability standard.
Though the Charger may not have the best selection of creature comforts and conveniences, it boasts more character than just about any other car in the classification, and that's why it continues to remain one of the best-selling full-size 4-door sedans in America.
If you're buying a muscle car, you're likely buying it for its commanding design, thrilling performance, and novel character. If you want to get the most out of the Dodge in this sense, then we'd suggest going for the Charger Scat Pack, which comes equipped with the top-spec 475-hp V8, a high-performance suspension, a limited-slip differential, and more powerful Brembo brakes. It also features launch control and line lock, plus a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The Widebody version comes with some sporty cosmetic enhancements, an adaptive suspension, and even stronger brakes and would be the better choice if you're wanting to max out on speed and fully optimize handling prowess. The price of the 2021 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody comes in at $46,595, which is around $5,000 more than the regular Scat Pack.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Dodge Charger: