5 Reasons Why the 2026 I6 Dodge Charger Helps You Forget the V8 Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog.
The 2026 Charger’s power and drivetrain specs are turning heads
Many auto enthusiasts were understandably sad to see the storied V8 Challenger exit Dodge’s production lineup. However, muscle car fans will soon be able to enjoy the 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack, and this new lineup’s specs make the V8 Challenger’s phaseout an easier pill to swallow. Starting at $49,995, the 2026 Charger Sixpack comes with a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine available in two outputs. The base R/T Charger produces 420 horsepower, 468 lb-ft of torque, and comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). In comparison, the 2023 Challenger R/T, which initially started at $41,640, had a 5.7-liter V8 that was good for 372 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This Challenger variant also didn’t offer AWD. A 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack has a $54,995 base price, 550 horsepower, 531 lb-ft of torque, and standard AWD. The 2023 Challenger R/T Scat Pack, which started at about $49,265 new, contained a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, and, like its R/T counterpart, was limited to rear-wheel drive (RWD).
Most of the 2026 Charger Sixpack’s attributes mirror the Hurricane-branded six that’s in the Ram 1500. Dodge touched on the differences between the high-output (H.O.) Hurricane in the 2026 Charger vs the Ram 1500: “While both vehicles use the Hurricane H.O., their calibrations and supporting systems are engineered specifically for each application, with the Ram focusing on balanced performance and rugged durability, and the Charger emphasizing maximum output and track readiness,” Hagerty reports.
Storage, comfort, and style further distinguish the 2026 Charger
Perks of a 2026 Charger aren’t limited to more power and standard AWD, as drivers also receive more storage. The 2026 Charger offers 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, or 37.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In contrast, the 2023 Challenger contained 16.2 cubic feet of trunk cargo space with its rear seats up. The new Charger weighs 659 pounds more than the 2023 Challenger, but the Scat Pack Sixpack Charger beats the 2023 Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds by 0.3 seconds. Some muscle car enthusiasts may prefer the 2023 Challenger’s optional manual transmission instead of being limited to the new Charger’s eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. However, the 2026 Charger’s customization benefits from allowing drivers to select a two- or four-door configuration, and the interior blends modern and retro with touches like a pistol-grip shift lever for the standard automatic transmission, digital displays, and adjustable ambient lighting.
Final thoughts
While there’s a price difference between the 2026 Charger R/T and the 2023 Challenger R/T, what you get with the former helps justify the extra spending, and the cost differential between these two models’ Scat Pack grades is smaller. The standard all-wheel drive in the 2026 Charger offers increased adaptability for those living in areas regularly experiencing winter and wet weather, and Dodge also provides a selectable rear-wheel drive option. There’s little competition in terms of power when comparing these models’ engines, and the 2026 Charger’s two main R/T and Scat Pack trims streamline a buyer’s options while maintaining choices like a two- or four-door configuration. Dodge’s 2026 Charger arrives in dealerships during the second half of 2025.
5 Reasons Why the 2026 I6 Dodge Charger Helps You Forget the V8 Challenger first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 16, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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