2026 Dodge Charger

After much hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing among the muscle car faithful about letting a hallowed nameplate go electric, Dodge enthusiasts will soon rejoice at the return of a gas-powered favorite. At the time of publication, the Charger lineup is a two-door electric-only affair with lofty performance levels: 496 horsepower for the R/T "base" trim and 670 hp for the Scat Pack upgrade. The EVs are due to be joined by a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder powerplant in standard and high-output versions in 2025, but Dodge's Charger rollout is off to a slow start. It's possible that some versions planned for release in 2025 will bleed over into the 2026 model year.

Edmunds spotlight: Charger expands to six cylinders and four doors 

The Charger has been fully remixed and reimagined for its latest generation, which kicked off in 2024 with the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona. The from-the-ground-up redesign accommodates both electric and gas powertrains and two- and four-door body styles. The Daytona EV is currently only available as a two-door coupe (a somewhat conciliatory gesture to fans of the discontinued Dodge Challenger coupe) but will eventually also offer a sedan version, and the new gas-engine series, dubbed Charger Sixpack, is also expected to mirror the same. The Sixpack will likely a pair of Hurricane family turbo-sixes at launch, starting with a 420-hp standard output version, then a 550-hp high-output option, in familiar trim levels such as GT, R/T and Scat Pack. Both engines will pair with an eight-speed transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Daytona's interior treatments will likely migrate to the Sixpack, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a choice of 10.3-inch or 16-inch driver display, and a dash, console and shifter design that recall the Charger's classic 1960s roots. On the EV front, it's possible that the rumored electric SRT Banshee — with quicker charging speeds than the Daytona and output north of 800 horsepower — could debut for 2026.

Competitors to consider

Given its expected output, the gas Charger promises performance to rival a coupe classic, the BMW M4. With 473 horsepower, the base trim M4 will split the difference between the Charger's two engines, but the Dodge will have the ultimate advantage, besting the M4's top output by about 25 horsepower. The Ford Mustang is the Charger's last-standing domestic opponent and still offers a V8 — available in two outputs, no less — as well as a more mainstream turbo four-cylinder. But the Charger will offer something the Mustang can't: two more doors. 

Dodge revitalizes the Charger name with authoritative nods to both past and future.