2017 Dodge Charger

New for 2017

Changes for 2017 include new Daytona and Daytona 392 special-edition models, a standard active exhaust system for V8 models, and a new fourth-generation Uconnect® infotainment system.

The American muscle sedan

The 2017 Dodge Charger is a four-door sedan with the soul of a muscle car. Taking its name and styling from one of the most legendary original muscle cars, the Charger combines tire-smoking performance with the convenience and comfort of a modern big sedan. It’s a practical car that isn’t boring.

Performance

The Charger takes its name from one of the most legendary muscle cars of the 1960s, and that’s more than just a bit of ambitious marketing. Dodge proclaims the 2017 Charger to be the “world’s only four-door muscle car,” and gave it the performance to back up that boast. The Charger is available with four engines, all of which provide plenty of, well, muscle.

Charger SE and SXT models get the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 used in numerous other Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) products. In the Charger, it produces 292 horsepower (300 hp with the optional Rallye Group) and 260 pound-feet of torque (264 lb-ft with Rallye Group). All Charger models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the V6 gets standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive V6 models get an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 30 mpg highway),* while all-wheel drive models get 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway).*

Dodge also offers three versions of the legendary HEMI® V8 in the Charger. The 5.7-liter version available in the Charger R/T and Daytona produces 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.4-liter version in the R/T Scat Pack, Daytona 392, and SRT 392 produces 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. The 5.7-liter HEMI® is rated at 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway),* while the 6.4 loses 1 mpg in the city and combined categories. V8 models are not available with all-wheel drive.

For the truly power hungry, Dodge offers the ungodly SRT Hellcat, with a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V8. It boasts 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of around 200 mph, according to Dodge. Because it retains the cylinder deactivation used on the other HEMI® engines, the Hellcat also returns a respectable 16 mpg combined (13 mpg city, 22 mpg highway).*

Features

The 2017 Dodge Charger is a four-door, five-seat full-size sedan. It’s available in no less than six trim levels, priced starting from $27,995.**

Standard equipment on the base Charger SE includes electronic shifter, LED daytime running lights and taillights, 17-inch aluminum wheels, dual exhaust with chrome tips, customizable 7.0-inch driver information display and 5.0-inch central touchscreen, two USB charging ports, Bluetooth®, media hub with USB port and SD card reader, power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat.

The Charger SXT incorporates all of the applicable standard features of the SE, and adds an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, heated front seats and exterior mirrors, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, Alpine premium audio system, and other features. The optional Blacktop Appearance Group (also available on the SE and R/T) adds dark interior and exterior cosmetic accents.

The Charger R/T model adds the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8, as well as additional standard features. Some of the highlights include a rear spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels, and performance tuned suspension and exhaust. The R/T Scat Pack adds the 6.4-liter V8 aluminum hood and other sporty exterior add-ons, paddle shifters, high-performance suspension, Brembo brakes, and other features. The SRT 392 model includes those features, plus launch control, bigger Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension, and a harman/kardon® premium audio system.

For 2017, Dodge also added Daytona and Daytona 392 models to the lineup. Both are inspired by the legendary Charger Daytona, a special version of the original Charger built for racing that was known for its distinctive nose cone and rear spoiler. The modern Daytona models feature styling elements that reference that classic, as well as some additional performance upgrades.

Finally, the Charger SRT Hellcat gets its eponymous 6.2-liter supercharged 707-hp engine, as well as a host of model-specific performance upgrades, including Brembo brakes that are the largest stoppers ever fitted to a production Dodge. The Hellcat also has two key fobs—red and black—to control engine output, with only the red key unleashing the full 707 hp.

Design

The 2017 Dodge Charger combines retro and modernly styling elements for an overall package that’s unlike anything else. The low roofline and curving side surfacing, along with the short, flattened tail, recall the classic 1968 Charger coupe. The front fascia—with its distinctive LED daytime running lights—gives the 2017 Charger a modern appearance, but still blends well with the more retro elements.

For 2017, the Charger gets a tech upgrade in the form of Chrysler’s fourth-generation Uconnect® infotainment system. The new system boasts a faster startup time, better graphics, and more processing power, plus Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility. The rest of the Charger interior is as spacious as you’d expect in a full-size sedan, with 104.7 cubic feet of total volume.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Dodge Charger includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and seven airbags.

Verdict

The 2017 Dodge Charger is the perfect car for people who need a family sedan, but don’t want it to be boring.

For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Dodge Charger, contact us online or visit Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Virginia Beach at 3152 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

** MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

Image: Dodge