Used 2021 Dodge Charger

Most family sedans are mundane machines carrying out mundane duties around mundane suburbs. The 2021 Dodge Charger can certainly do that — its cabin is roomy and quiet. But it’s capable of so much more, as its traditional American muscle-car styling implies.

Even the base V6 versions produce significant horsepower, and the Charger comes available with all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Charger truly gets into its stride when there’s a V8 up front and drive going just to the rear wheels — the way enthusiasts really like it. The handling is suitably sporty, while power levels go from wonderful to “What on Earth?”

Which brings us to the new model for 2021, the SRT Hellcat Redeye. It has 797 horsepower. For anyone keeping score, that makes it the most powerful production sedan in the world. Even the previously most powerful sedan, the “normal” SRT Hellcat, receives a boost of 10 horsepower this year, because why not?

The 3.6-liter V6 in lower versions of the 2021 Charger is more than adequate. Making 292 horsepower (300 in all-wheel-drive variants of the SXT and GT), this engine has excellent muscle for passing and merging, yet returns 30 mpg on the highway. The SXT and GT are also the only models in the lineup to offer the option of all-wheel drive.

Models with a V8 bring more horsepower, starting at 370 in the R/T and topping out at a dizzying 797 horsepower in the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. As well as being the most powerful production sedan, the Redeye is also the fastest, blasting from standstill to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds and hitting a top speed of 203 mph. Despite Dodge’s claim that it’s the fastest mass-produced sedan in the world, it’s not all about straight-line acceleration. This is particularly true with the available Bilstein Adaptive Damping Suspension. Steering is precise, and braking straight and sure.

Regardless of engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission with adaptive technology and manual shift mode takes care of gear shifting. Dodge also equips each model with appropriately grippy tires to match engine output, along with suspensions that allow the Charger to corner and respond in a way no front-drive car ever could.

The 2021 Dodge Charger is boisterous on the outside, but all business inside. The handsome interior features a cockpit-like dash that angles most of the important bits toward the driver. Depending on the model, there are form-fitting sport seats in leather, Alcantara (simulated suede), or hound’ s-tooth-patterned cloth.

The gauge cluster screen can be configured to display many types of information, and a big 8.4-inch touchscreen highlights the excellent Uconnect infotainment system. Rear-seat comfort is surprisingly good, with generous hip-, head- and legroom providing plenty of room for adults.

Despite a roofline and overall shape linked unmistakably to previous Chargers built from 1968 to 1970, the 2021 Charger is most definitely a modern muscular American sedan. A smoothly rounded nose makes its own aerodynamic contributions, and the rear includes Dodge’s distinctive layout of the “racetrack” taillight arrangement.

Alloy wheel sizes range from 17-inch on the SXT to 20 inches on the Hellcat Redeye. Wheel designs and colors vary as the Charger takes on more equipment and power, along with aerodynamic additions. The Scat Pack version also has a Widebody option with wheels that are 11 inches wide; the Hellcats have this as standard.

COLORS
Where most manufacturers these days struggle to offer one or two bold colors, the 2021 Dodge Charger offers a veritable rainbow of brilliant paint options including such catchy names as Go Mango, F8 Green, Hellraisin, Sinamon Stick, ToRed and White Knuckle.

6.2-LITER SUPERCHARGED V8
Travel anywhere outside the United States, and a 700-plus-horsepower car exists only in the stables of the super-rich. But thanks to Dodge, Americans can own something propelled by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 without selling off the family silver.

The entry-level SXT trim has chrome exhaust tips, LED daytime running lights, acoustic front glass and windshield, 17-inch alloy wheels, remote start, keyless entry/ignition, power windows with one-touch front up/down, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, configurable digital gauge cluster, rear parking sensors, 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, and a 6-speaker audio setup.

It’s a level of equipment that couldn’t really be described as generous.

Trim levels are tied to engine choices, with corresponding moves upward not only in performance but also in features and luxury. The SXT and GT variants can be ordered with all-wheel drive.

Many options come bundled together. The Driver Confidence Package, for example, brings blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, heated side mirrors, and LED fog lamps. The Technology package includes forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. The Hellcats are not eligible for this latter package.

Other options include a powered sunroof, leather upholstery, sport suspension, heated steering wheel, navigation, satellite radio, and a choice of Alpine or Harman Kardon sound systems.

The 2021 Charger sedan is available with five engine choices. The SXT and GT models get a strong 3.6-liter V6 with 292 horsepower (300 in the SXT AWD and both GT variants) with plenty of performance for just about any rational person.

A 5.7-liter V8 making 370 horsepower is offered exclusively in the R/T. A 6.4-liter V8 endows the Scat Pack trim with 485 horsepower. If that isn’t quite enough, the 6.2-liter supercharged in the SRT Hellcat generates 717 horsepower.

And if that still doesn’t hit the right notes, the new-for-2021 Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye develops an almighty 797 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8. These supercharged models require premium gasoline.

In all drivetrains, the transmission is an 8-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional in the SXT and GT.

3.6-liter V6 (SXT)
292 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/30 mpg

3.6-liter V6 (SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD)
300 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/30 mpg (RWD), 18/27 mpg (AWD)

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

6.4-liter V8 (Scat Pack)
485 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
475 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24 mpg

6.2-liter supercharged V8 (SRT Hellcat)
717 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
650 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/21 mpg

6.2-liter supercharged V8 (SRT Hellcat Redeye)
797 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
707 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/21 mpg