2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack First Drive: Bringing Back Pure Muscle Power

When Dodge revealed the all-electric Charger Daytona, purists feared the end of old-school muscle. The 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack is the brand’s answer, a twin-turbo, 550-horsepower, all-wheel-drive beast that proves gasoline still belongs in the modern muscle world. I tested the two-door Charger Scat Pack with the high-output engine on the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. It’s one of the most challenging stretches of road in the country, and the Charger did more than hold its own. It delivered a thrill ride from start to finish.

Now in its eighth generation, the Charger marks a new chapter for American performance. It blends unmistakable muscle-car attitude with modern engineering, riding on a fresh platform that delivers improved balance and control without dulling its edge. The design remains bold and wide, but the cabin takes a leap forward in refinement and technology. With standard all-wheel drive, a choice of two or four doors, and the Sixpack standard or high-output engine, this Charger proves that evolution doesn’t mean compromise. Instead, it’s refined muscle for a new era.

2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack First Impressions

Seeing the Charger in person, it looks every bit the modern muscle coupe, with a stance and proportions that make no apologies. The front fascia is more assertive, the hood more sculpted, and the lighting signature gives it an unmistakable identity day or night. Even standing still, it radiates intent, the kind of car that makes you stop and take one more look before you walk away.

Exterior Dimensions

The exterior design keeps the old Charger’s wide and aggressive stance but adds sharper lines and more sculpted proportions that give it a purposeful, modern look. Fit and finish feel tighter than before, with functional hood vents and a bold rear fascia that has debossed Charger lettering.

Driving Impressions And Performance

The Tail of the Dragon’s 318 curves in 11 miles is an unforgiving test for any car, but the Charger handled it with surprising precision. Earlier Chargers excelled at straight-line power, but this new generation feels more balanced. The standard all-wheel drive with rear-wheel drive mode provides grip and stability while still letting you have a little fun. The ride is firm but comfortable, the steering feels direct, and the Charger is remarkably composed for its size.

Power delivery is instant thanks to the twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine. Press the gas, and the acceleration is fast and hard. The sound is glorious and unmistakably real. Having also driven the electric Charger Daytona, I can say this experience is entirely different. The Sixpack feels raw and mechanical in all the right ways, a reminder that some thrills only come from combustion.

Braking And Acceleration

Acceleration hits hard yet remains controlled. Dodge says the Charger Sixpack takes 3.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60, and that number feels accurate after my drive. There’s launch control that delivers plenty of thrills and all-wheel drive for messy weather. Passing at highway speeds happens in a blink with quick, clean shifts.

Performance Specifications

Braking performance matches the power. There are six-piston Brembo brakes up front, and they deliver confident stops again and again. Even after repeated downhill braking on Tail of the Dragon, the pedal remained firm. The Charger feels secure during everyday stops and inspires confidence when driven hard.

Interior Design And Comfort

The cabin of the new Charger is a major leap forward. It nods to the 1968 model that inspired its shape, but looks and feels truly modern. Materials feel richer, and the design is clean and driver-focused. The performance seats strike a good balance between support and comfort, even after long hours behind the wheel. Rear seat space is generous for a coupe, and adults can ride back there without issue.

Interior Dimensions

Outward visibility is generally good, but the rear window is small and provides a narrow view. A camera-based rearview mirror would be a welcome addition when backing up or changing lanes in traffic. A highlight is the Qi wireless charging pad on the console, which is recessed so your phone stays securely in place even during aggressive cornering. There’s also fabulous 64-color Attitude Adjustment lighting to set the mood inside the Charger to your mood.

While the Charger is available as a four-door, I spent my time driving the two-door. The interior dimensions are the same between them, so it all comes down to that rear seat access. If you’re going to be putting kids in the car or will often have rear passengers, the four-door is a better option.

Technology And Ease Of Use

Infotainment has sharp graphics with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen that is easy to navigate, while the available 16-inch digital instrument cluster includes a customizable display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect quickly, and the system layout makes sense, rather than being overdone and distracting.

The available head-up display adds useful information without clutter, and Performance Pages let you monitor your driving. Base audio is a 9-speaker Alpine system, but our vehicle had an 18-speaker premium system that sounded fantastic.

Cargo And Storage Space

The Charger’s hidden-hatch design adds unexpected practicality to what no one would think of as a practical car. Cargo space measures 22.75 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expands to 37.39 cubic feet when folded. Not only is it roomy, but there’s a wide opening to the cargo area, so it’s easier to stow larger items.

Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy

For the pure adrenaline rush when you hit the gas, we’d go with the 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack Scat Pack. The two-door is $54,995, but another $2K gets you the four-door, which is far more versatile. The R/T with the standard engine, which is due in the first quarter of 2026, starts at $49,995. It’s a cheaper option, but if you’re buying a muscle car, then performance is a priority. It’s a small price increase for a much bigger fun factor.