2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack: The Classic Muscle Car Is Back, Modernized and Simplified
When Dodge said farewell to its V8s, we wondered what a next act could possibly hold. Well, it’s here and it’s good.
Last year, Dodge introduced the all-electric Charger Daytona, the EV version of the brand’s iconic muscle car, and I thought, well, this is it: It’s the best Dodge Charger ever built, and it’s electric. Some muscle car fans will be disappointed.
Boy, was I wrong.
Dodge fans who aren’t ready to go electric just yet will be delighted by the Charger Sixpack, a six-cylinder version of the classic that blends the smart heritage-inflected design of the Charger Daytona with modern function and features. Then, Dodge made changes to make it simpler to buy, easier to drive, and more fun to own.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was a guest of Dodge for this test drive, but all opinions are my own.
The Modern Heritage of Dodge Comes to Life
Priced from about $50,000 to about $70,000 fully loaded, the Dodge Charger Sixpack, as with the Charger Daytona EV, plays on heritage details but reinvents them with modern flair. The silhouette remains clean and powerful, from the iconic front end to the subtle rear spoiler, both of which are anchored by the triangle-like heritage Fratzog logo and light bars. The hood line swells at the middle to contain the engine and is capped by a scoop-style Sixpack badge, harkening to the hood scoops and iconography of the past.
Inside the cabin plays to the brand’s heritage with a pistol-style gear shifter that feels good in your hand, a low, linear arm rest, and a sporty steering wheel that is flat top and bottom to allow for better visibility on the road. The driver’s display, multimedia touch screen, and head-up display each add function without leaving the cabin feeling overly tech-y.
A Simplified Dodge Charger Lineup Is Designed to Make Sense
I’m going to say, I’m a fan of this idea. In the past, there were so many iterations of the 4-door Charger and the 2-door Challenger that it could be hard to keep them straight. I get it; people like all the unique details but finding the one you wanted was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
For 2026, like the Charger’s clean lines and solid feel dovetail with the lineup, also designed to be straightforward. Here’s how it shakes out:
- The Charger R/T Sixpack standard output (SO) model delivers 420 HP, leatherette upholstery, and starts at $49,995
- The Charger Scat Pack Sixpack high output (HO) model delivers 550 HP and adds a larger driver display screen, head-up display, and the option of leather sport seats, and starts at $54,995
- The Charger Daytona EV produces 670 HP, features unique EV functions, is finished in leatherette, and starts at $59,995
- All-wheel drive is standard on all models
- A fixed pane panoramic sunroof is standard on all models
- The R/T and Scat Pack models can be ordered with four doors instead of two for an additional $2,000
A Longer Frame Leads to a Larger Cabin and More Storage
For 2026, the Charger is about 6” longer than the last Charger Scat Pack edition and about 8” longer than the last Challenger two-door version. The increased size and longer wheelbase are thanks to the frame developed for the EV. Dodge’s designers liked the added passenger space and cargo space so much that they decided it made sense to carry it over to the gas-powered models.
The result is a rear seat that is truly roomy and can easily accommodate child car seats, even rear-facing seats—though the four-door model is a better option for carrying kiddos. I climbed into the rear seat and was impressed by the space, but I will say, climbing in and out is still for the young and nimble.
All that space also resulted in more cargo room in the hatch. I really love that they went with a hatchback rather than a trunk to make it easy to load in luggage or other things, and for even more space, the seats will fold flat, just like in a hatchback or SUV.
Driving the 2026 Dodge Charger On the Famed Tail of the Dragon
The Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of twisty roadway that crosses the Appalachian mountains between North Carolina and Tennessee, is a bucket list drive for muscle car and sports car fans. That is where Dodge decided to show off how much fun the Charger Sixpack is. And it showed quite well.
In fact, it showed surprisingly well. We headed out from Knoxville on a very cold morning with snow in the forecast for higher elevations. Usually, snow and sports cars don’t mix well. This time, though, it was just fine.
That’s because the 2026 Dodge Charger comes with all-wheel drive standard on all models, and our test models were equipped with all-season tires, so a little snow wouldn’t ruin a fun drive. Up on the mountain roads, the Charger clung to every curve, pushing through easily with the growl and rumble you expect from a Charger.
Rear Wheel Drive Can Be Yours, Too
But what a bout those purists who want rear-wheel drive, not AWD? Well, Dodge thought of you. When in Sport mode, you can choose RWD via the drive mode page on the multimedia screen (vehicle-> dashboard -> drive modes -> RWD). It’s also worth noting that Sport mode turns off traction control, but you can turn it back on via the traction button on the center console just under the climate control panel.
Not only did the 550 HP feel great, but so did the steering wheel. The paddle shifters are designed to fit into the silhouette of the wheel and were easy to tap to upshift or downshift on the road, something I really loved on the curves of the Tail of the Dragon. I was able to downshift to 3rd and upshift to 4th to slow around many of the curves without braking, and it felt good. And, I really came to admire the steering wheel with its flat top and bottom. It feels a bit more intentional in your hands, a bit more natural. You know where to hold it, and it feels good.
Just Enough Tech To Do What You Need, But Not So Much It’s Distracting
Once I was done with the fun and twisties, it was time to head back into Knoxville. On the back roads and highways I loved the calm, elegant feel of the Charger. It’s powerful and confident, also appreciated the head-up display; with bold graphics and augmented reality overlays for directions on the display, it was easy to see each turn as it came up. When driving solo without a co-pilot to read out navigation, I appreciate having turn-by-turn directions clearly in my field of vision.
I also appreciate Dodge’s “Hey Dodge” voice assistance. I like it so much I want everyone to use it, so here’s a quick guide to activating it, since most cars come with the voice assistance feature turned off. On the main touchscreen, click vehicle, then on the far right top tab select settings, then on the left menu, scroll down to and select voice. There you’ll see wake word; you can choose “Hey UConnect,” which is the official name of the system, or you can pick “Hey Dodge,” which just sounds more natural. Now, when you say “Hey Dodge,” you can activate the heated seats, change the cabin temperature, set the radio station, and set a navigation destination.
Dodge has updated the multimedia system quite a lot; it has new functions and a new layout, and you’ll see very cool graphics, including the Dodge Fratzog logo and the Sixpack logo on the driver’s display.
But Alas, You Can’t Have Everything
A few things are missing from this execution that I was sad not to see. First, no brake hold. The Sixpack powertrain is anxious and powerful; to be able to give my right leg a rest at a traffic light would have been welcome.
And, no rev matching on downshifts, even when in Sport mode and using the paddles. The engine is loud and makes its presence known, but I really missed the satisfying pop and gurgle of rev matching.
And, no V8. Will there be one? Maybe. Does the 2026 Dodge Charger need it? No. The Sixpack powertrain is a delight, and plenty powerful, with 128 more HP in the base R/T than the last entry-level Charger model.
But that might be it. There’s a lot to love in the 2026 Dodge Charger, and the thing I love most is that it encompasses all the clever heritage design and function in the electric Daytona but shows it off in a powerful 6-cylinder powertrain. And for that, everyone wins.
More About:Car Reviews