why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Dodge Charger

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 51 photos

Want to save money? Check out the 2012 Dodge Charger

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2013 Dodge Charger Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

In creating the 2013 Charger sedan, Dodge has found a way to give the average family the comfort, safety and room they need, while giving its owner a vehicle that is as attractive to show off as it is to drive. Despite having four doors, the Charger's styling is decidedly coupe-like, with a rakish rear roofline, deep scallops on the doors and a single-bar taillight reminiscent of the original Charger. Unlike its forefather, however, today's Charger is filled with modern touches, such as a potent yet fuel-efficient V6 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission and the very latest in touch-screen navigation and entertainment technology. Toss in the Charger's available all-wheel drive (AWD) and high-performance SRT8 version, and you'll find a Charger to fit just about any need.

You'll Like This Car If...

If a snarling V8 and razor-sharp handling seem like they'd conflict with your need for a safe, roomy and affordable family sedan, the 2013 Dodge Charger is ready to prove you wrong. Even with the 292-horsepower V6, the Charger is one mean machine and carries a price that won't break the budget.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Some may find the Charger's styling a bit too boy-racer, and its resale record is not as stellar as more mainstream sedans from Toyota and Honda. If you're looking for the same muscle in a more sophisticated sedan, the Chrysler 300 might make a better choice.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

7.0
Comfort & Convenience

7.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.4
Value

6.7
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#19

out of 20

MPG

#2

out of 20

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.4 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

A cold-air induction system and sport-tuned exhaust bump the V6's horsepower to 300 on specially-outfitted SXT and SXT Plus trims. A new black-painted roof option is offered, as is an improved Rallye Appearance Package. The Charger SRT8 receives a revised adaptive dampening suspension and standard launch control.

Driving the Charger

2013 Dodge Charger Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions While you might think a 3.6-liter V6 engine wouldn't produce much adrenaline, a few minutes behind the wheel of the 2013 Dodge Charger will prove you wrong, far wrong. When...

coupled to the new 8-speed automatic transmission, not only is the Charger fast, it is also extremely fuel-efficient. The Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 is one of the best V6 engines ever built by Dodge, and its smooth operation and slight growl when pushed hard make it the perfect fit to the Charger's muscle-car image. The 8-speed automatic delivers smooth shifts, aided on sportier trims by the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Though it qualifies as a full-size sedan, the 2013 Dodge Charger's suspension does an admirable job of handling aggressive driving, with excellent steering response and a decent but somewhat firm ride. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 offers even more thrills, but the ultimate Charger is the 470-horsepower SRT8.

Favorite Features

GARMIN NAVIGATION
The UConnect radio features an enormous 8.4-inch touch screen with navigation supplied by Garmin. A simple and intuitive interface plus voice-activated controls for the phone, radio and Sirius Travel Link make this one of the best factory-navigation systems we've tested.

SUPER TRACK PAK
This optional R/T package turns the Charger into a track-ready player, adding P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires, 20-inch wheels, high-performance monotube shock absorbers, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, performance brake linings, performance steering and 3-mode electronic stability control (ESC).

2013 Dodge Charger Details

2013 Dodge Charger Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Charger sedan has one of the nicest interiors Dodge builds, with quality soft-touch materials, vivid colors and stylish instrument-panel backlighting. The Charger's front seats are equipped with noticeably large side bolsters and its thick-grip 3-spoke steering wheel includes controls for the audio, Bluetooth, cruise control and the driver-information center. The Charger's spacious back seat can comfortably fit two adults, although the slanted rear roofline somewhat limits headroom for taller passengers. A worthwhile option is the 8.4-inch touch-screen navigation radio that includes GPS maps by Garmin and controls for the UConnect infotainment system.

Exterior

In the 2013 Charger, Dodge clearly is paying homage to the classic lines comprising the original 1968 Charger coupe. It's a successful blending of old and new, with the front doors and hood sharing deep scallop styling and a "Coke-bottle" beltline running the car's length. In another nod to the Charger's past, a single-unit taillight fills the entire rear fascia and is fitted with 164 illuminated LED lights that form a racetrack motif. V6 models come with standard 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, while the R/T trim has 18-inch chrome-clad wheels and the all-wheel-drive R/T boasts 19-inchers.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Dodge Charger SE features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, keyless Enter-N-Go, remote start, 6-speaker audio with 4.3-inch touch-screen, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, USB with iPod control and auxiliary audio input jacks, 6-way power driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel and 17-inch wheels. The SXT adds an 8-speed automatic transmission, foglights, 8.4-inch UConnect touch-screen with a 276-watt Alpine audio system, automatic temperature control, steering-wheel-mounted buttons for cruise and audio and 12-way power front seats with power lumbar support. The R/T trims add 18- or 19-inch wheels, a 370-horsepower HEMI V8, a 5-speed automatic transmission, HID headlights and a performance transmission.

Optional Equipment

The 2013 Dodge Charger SE offers an improved Blacktop package that adds blacked-out trim, a performance suspension, rear spoiler and Pitch-Black 20-inch wheels. Also included in the Blacktop package are UConnect audio with 8.4-inch touch-screen, the Beats audio system and a 300-horsepower V6. Hard-core enthusiasts will want to opt for the R/T's Road/Track package that adds a performance-oriented 3.06:1 axle ratio, supportive front seats with suede inserts and blackout honeycomb grille. Other popular options include a power sunroof, Adaptive Cruise Control, Garmin navigation, leather seating, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and AWD. R/T Max and Road/Track trims add 20 inch-wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Dodge Charger sedan is powered by a choice of three engines. The entry-level SE and SXT feature the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6. This engine produces an impressive 292 horsepower (300 with Rallye Package), yet is still EPA-rated at 31 mpg on the highway. The Charger's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 has been tweaked to produce 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, more than enough to propel this big muscle car from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds. The HEMI engine also features a fuel-saving mechanism that deactivates four of the eight cylinders when cruising under a light load. The SRT8 features a 6.4-liter HEMI good for 470 horsepower. All three engines are coupled to a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission with manual shift mode, with the ZF 8-speed automatic available on the SE and standard on the SXT trims.

3.6-liter V6 (SE, SXT)
292 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg (manual), 13/19 mpg (manual, E-85), 19/31 mpg (automatic), 14/23 mpg (automatic, E-85), 18/27 mpg (AWD), 14/20 mpg (AWD, E-85)

3.6-liter V6 (SXT with Rallye and Blackout package)
300 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
264 lb-ft or torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/31 mpg (RWD), 18/27 mpg (AWD)

5.7-liter HEMI V8
370 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
395 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg (FWD), 15/23 mpg (AWD)

6.4-liter HEMI V8
470 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
470 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Dodge Charger SE has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $27,000, while the SXT Plus starts closer to $32,000. The R/T Plus starts closer to $33,000, while a fully-loaded R/T MAX can easily approach the $40,000 mark. AWD adds about $2,500 to the bottom line, while opting for the SRT8 trim pushes the price close to $48,000. This compares favorably with the Ford Taurus, which starts around $28,000 and can push into the $40,000 range in SHO form. A nicely-loaded Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T, however, starts under $27,000 and offers more standard equipment than the Charger SE. To get the best deal, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what buyers in your area are currently paying for the 2013 Dodge Charger. Also, be sure to click on the Incentives tab to see what deals the manufacturer is offering. As for resale, we expect the 2013 Dodge Charger sedan to do slightly better than the previous-generation car, but still fall short of the values currently held by the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Dodge Charger vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2013 Dodge Charger Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.4

Out of 10

Based on 42 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.6/10

Nice car but not what i expected!

By 2012 Charger R/T From Arizona (AZ) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 3/10

Cons: "Hemi Tick, Air bag recalls, Blind spots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Bought it in June of 2012 and it has been at delaer for Air bag light on 4 times, Also The hemi is VERY loud engine. It has a Ticking noise noted as the "Hemi Tick" and dealer says it is Normal. I have owned the car 10000 miles and im trading it in. Too many issues and ticking noise annoying! Mind you i LOVE dodge product but not a fan of the charger R/T"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Drives like a Dream

By Kokie (LA) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive, very roomy, I always get compliments"

Cons: "no navigation or dvd"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had this car for almost a year and I'm still in love with it! My Dodge Charger is a Toxic Orange color with 2 black stripes down the center! It's a true beauty and her name is "Fiona"!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Tons of research and test drives... never a doubt

By DW (MS) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, HUGE cabin, you'll love it"

Cons: "No self-cloning technology"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I started looking at Dodge Chargers in 2009 and drove a new 2010 RT fully loaded for the first time. It was enjoyable, but not amazing. 2011 rolled around before I test drove another right after the redesign.. man was I stoked.. that was the most enjoyable test drive of any vehicle I had ever had. I was driving a little 4-cylinder Hyundai Elantra at the time.. I drove both the V6 and the V8 Chargers and was elated with both. However in the end, the V8 won me over. I watched and researched every little thing I could for over 3 years before finally grabbing my Charger and I've been absolutely impressed, excited, and delighted with my choice! The heated/cooled cupholders were a very nice touch, as were the soft lighting additions behind the door handles on the inside. Everything about the cabin felt so very well thought out and was exquisitely done. A few notes about the two machines: V6 does not ride as smooth as the V8, I'm guessing the suspension and sheer weight difference are likely the causes. V6 gas mileage is a little better than the Hemi v8, but only a little on the highway, much more so in-town. I average a little better than what the window sticker suggested (17mpg city, 26 hwy sticker, 17mpg city, 28mpg hwy actual). A tip for other potential buyers: especially in the V8, Cruise is your friend.. use it alot if you want to keep your fuel costs lower. The automatic tranny will downshift for you when you kick on cruise, while if you don't have the paddleshifters, you're kind of stuck otherwise. While it feels big.. my Charger doesn't feel sluggish or unwieldy. It drives very nimbly and agile, especially for its' size. I can vouch for 0-60 in around 5.5-6 seconds ^.^. While I'm not a racer, I chose my V8 because it handles so impeccably well! I wanted a vehicle that was one of the best there is to keep me and my passengers out of wrecks, not survive them. The handling on the Charger leaves me no doubts that it is what I was looking for, it's incredibly responsive for its' size and weight. I drove 2010 or newer mustangs, I test drove new Camaros, and even a bmw and a Genesis. The bmw and genesis weren't really even in the same class performance-wise, and the camaro had a horrendously rough ride. The mustang just felt too refined, yet not nearly as comfortable. All of them felt very small and confined compared to the positively huge cabin space of the Charger. My Wife-to-be loves my car as much as I do... we may get another when it comes time to replace her Element. :D"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best ride ever. Love the speed/suspension.

By Jeni (NY) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Like driving a small sports car w/its suspension."

Cons: "The gas. Get a smaller engine if you're concerned"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The car's suspension is fantastic and the handling is like driving a small sports car. With the Hemi you should already know that gas is expensive. Interior (I have the cloth) is so comfortable and the heated seats are the best. I have arthritis and I use it a lot. The trunk can handle a full luggage for 4 for the week. The back seat with the pull down beverage console. It has been my dream to own this vehicle. 17 mph city 24 highway."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

German handling with Hemi power & AWD

By LEW (PA) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great value, great fun"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I gave up on US built cars more than 27 years ago and have been driving German and Semi-luxury Japanese since. I've watched the Charger for several years as the quality continued to improve; loved the style, wanted the power. I bought about 4,000 miles ago and found that after 30 years of boredom. I love driving again. Handling is exceptional. 0 to 60 takes your breath away. Kick it at 50 straight up and the blood drains from your face. At 63, it's 1969 all over again. 375 HP, 395 lb/ft of torque with 552 watts, 10 speakers and a sub-woofer in the trunk. No quality issues, everything performs as it should or better. Dodge got it right this time and I'm enjoying every day. 40 years from now, do you really think folks will be going to the classic car auctions to bid on a Camry?"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Fun to drive and gets lots of looks!

By Smash (ID) on Thursday, April 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,100

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fast and pretty"

Cons: "Honestly cant think of any."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have the R/T with the road and track package(rare to find on an R/T) She is comfortable, fast and good on the eyes. I traded up from an 06 to my '12...Love what they did to make her a luxury sedan. We have heated/cooled seats, leather everywhere, heated/cooled cupholders, you name it Dodge thought it up. Would recommend to anyone looking to have fun in style and comfort."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 42 reviews