new Dodge Charger

[chargerdon]

I test drove a 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona on Thursday.   In my opinion it is a totally misunderstood vehicle.  Dodge basically advertises it at a new Electric Muscle car.   It isnt.

What it is is an absolutely gorgeous and fast boulevard cruiser.  It looks a lot like the 68 charger except that it is an electric and huge 2 dr fastback.  Inside it is luxurious with tons of rear seat room and about every amenity that u can imagine. 

Yes it is fast.  The standard Daytona model has two electric motors and an advertised 456 horsepower.  The salesman said that the standard issue does 0-60 in 4.0 seconds.   That was the one i test drove.  From a dead stop stomp the pedal and you smoothly accelerate away with no wheelspin at all (massive 20 inch tires and AWD) and then it pushes you into the seat and about 5 seconds later we were doing over 85mph.  Much different than my 74 Challenger which does 0-60 in 4.9 seconds but with a much more brutal takeoff. 

Did i like it...YES..  PS the fake V8 sound it makes is stupid, yet, i did find it exciting.  Thes dealership is offering $19,700 discount making the car a steal at $43,700.  It comes standard with a level 2 charger.    It is said that the average new car now tops $50K.  So compare it to a Hunday 5N or VW or a Mustang EV and it is no contest. 

This price wont last long as the vehicles coming in are all 2026's and are saddled with tariffs.   They are offering $6,000 discount on them.   

Hmmmm so long as you recognize it for what it is... 

[RUNCHARGER]

It isn't 1969 anymore. I would consider one, to me electric vehicles are something I would consider for a "city" vehicle. It's a bit big for that but no lifter problems, no exhaust manifold problems and no oil changes.

[340Challman]

When I saw that one on the road a few months ago I was impressed with the look. As you said, very 68ish. It looked like a muscle car. Even the new Challenger's, Mustang's and Camaro's don't look like a muscle car to me. I can't even put my finger on why not, but it's just not there for me. That Charger though, does. I just can't do the electric thing. I'm not an electric car hater either, but if I want a muscle car, I need an ICE and a manual trans. Just my preferences. I definitely like their look though and will admire them when I see one.

[Katfish]

So are you buying it?

[JH27N0B]

A couple I know who have a nice collection of vintage Mopars bought a new Charger and like it a lot.
He told me they haven't had any problems with it, and have driven it from their house on road trips to places like Carlisle and Illinois.
It didn't look good to me from pictures but actually looked better in person.
I don't care for the hatchback though.
I bought a leftover manual trans Scat Pack last year that I hope to enjoy for many years so won't be in the market for a Charger or any other high performance car anytime soon.

[chargerdon]

So are you buying it?

I wish as the wife would kill me...  i have a 74 challenger with the 408 engine, a 1966 Dodge Charger 383 727 with PS and Power brakes.  Wife says i have enough toys..  id have to get rid of one of them and that would break my heart. 

[Katfish]

So what's your everyday car?

[chargerdon]

2012 chrysler 200 limited convertible with only 58,000 miles on it.  Great riding car and good fuel economy and power.  Love putting the top down.   My wife has a 2009 VW Routan in perfect condition and she only puts about 3,000 miles a year on it.   Its good to have a van to move large things or ocassionaly us and the three grandchildren.  So we are set... 

[HP2]

Nice to see some positive feedback on it.

With the changes at Stellantis and the refocusing on internal combustion engines, I have seen some press on gas burning combinations coming out for '26 that could make buyers out of some of us that don't want an electric version.

While the new Charger is not a retro design, I'm okay with that. Things evolve. I imagine it's a better-looking car in person than some photos depict and, IMO, it looks like a new car, not a throwback. That's okay.

[Brads70]

It would be nice if someone could post some more detailed close up pictures. I have never seen one close up, just a few pictures from a far?

[JH27N0B]

It would be nice if someone could post some more detailed close up pictures. I have never seen one close up, just a few pictures from a far?

Even though I live in a congested area near Chicago, I've only seen a few on the road.  They're even rarer than Hornets!
Here's a few I've seen at dealers.

[Brads70]

They just don't " grab" me the way the newer Challengers did when they came out.
From a styling perspective they are just "OK"  I love the 68 Charger too bad they didn't make that model more visible in the styling of the new one. I see more of the cybertruck in this design than I do the 68-70 Charger. At least they finally got the 2 door , I always thought of the pervious "Chargers" as Coronets because of the 4 door thing.... but good thing everyone has different tastes otherwise it would be a boring world....

[Katfish]

I kinda like it, from those pics.
Haven't seen 1 on the road.