The 2026 Dodge Charger Gas-Powered Comeback
One of the most anticipated cars expected to reach the
streets in 2026 is the return of the Dodge Charger with a gasoline engine. For
muscle-car enthusiasts, Dodge’s decision in 2023 to discontinue the Charger and
Challenger as gas-powered models was deeply disappointing. For decades, Dodge
dominated the muscle-car segment, producing icons such as the SRT lineup, the
ferocious Hellcat, and the extreme Demon.
In 2023, Dodge shifted its strategy toward electrification,
launching the “Last Call” Charger and Challenger while announcing an
all-electric Charger. The electric model even featured a sound generator
designed to mimic the legendary V8 exhaust note. However, this approach failed
to convince traditional muscle-car fans. For many enthusiasts, a true muscle
car is defined by a gasoline engine, rear-wheel drive, and the raw noise and
emotion that come with it.
Fortunately, Dodge listened to its audience. The brand has
officially confirmed the return of a gas-powered Charger, though not with a V8
engine. Instead, the new Charger will be offered with a twin-turbocharged V6.
The R/T version is expected to produce approximately 420 horsepower, while the
Scat Pack variant will deliver an impressive 550 horsepower. Power is routed
through an 8-speed automatic transmission, the car to accelerate from 0 to 60
mph in around 3.9 seconds. Although all-wheel drive comes as standard, Dodge
has preserved some traditional fun by offering a mode that sends all power to
the rear wheels.
Despite these strong performance figures, this is where the
main criticism begins. The new Charger feels more like a European-style sports
or grand touring car rather than a traditional American muscle car. The move to
a V6 engine significantly changes the sound and character, while the
replacement of classic wide couch-style seats with sport bucket seats further
shifts the car’s identity. Overall, the Charger now leans more toward a refined
performance coupe or GT car, rather than the raw, aggressive muscle car many
fans were hoping for. There are rumors that a V8 version may return in the
future, but at this stage, information remains very limited.
From a design perspective, the gas-powered Charger uses the
same exterior as the electric version, which will continue to be offered
alongside it. The styling takes clear inspiration from the classic Chargers of
the 1960s, blending retro muscle cues with a modern and aggressive appearance.
Dodge will offer both four-door and two-door body styles, giving buyers more
flexibility.
However, sharing the same platform as the electric version
introduces another downside. Because the body was originally designed to
accommodate a battery pack, the interior floor sits higher than in a
traditional gasoline-powered car. This results in a slightly unusual seating
position that may feel less natural.
Inside, the new Charger does show significant improvement.
The cabin features a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a large
12.3-inch infotainment system. The interior design feels modern and premium,
enhanced by ambient lighting and a clean, driver-focused layout.
In conclusion, the 2026 Dodge Charger’s return as a
gas-powered vehicle is a welcome move and a clear response to fan feedback.
While it delivers strong performance, modern technology, and striking design,
it also sacrifices some of the traditional muscle-car character that defined
the Charger name. Whether enthusiasts will fully embrace this new direction
remains to be seen, but the Charger’s comeback ensures that the conversation
around American performance cars is far from over.+
