Dodge Charger a Good Daily Driver? (+Scat Pack & Hellcat)
Dodge Chargers can be reasonably comfortable daily drivers if you stick with the softer-riding standard trim.
The Charger has many variants, and some are bad choices as far as everyday cars go.
Dodge Charger’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#1 Thirsty V8s (But OK with the V6)
You don’t buy a muscle car expecting fuel economy.
V8 Chargers (R/T and Scat Pack) return an average of 18 to 19 mpg combined.
Expect a couple of mpg less driving the Hellcat with a supercharged V8.
The only way you can reach 20 mpg or more in mixed driving is by opting for the entry-level Charger – the SE, SXT, or GT with a V6 engine – or, in the case of a V8 Charger, by driving with extraordinary restraint.
Consider the Ford Mustang (EcoBoost trim) if you want the most fuel-efficient American muscle car.
(See the Charger’s comparison with other muscle and sports cars later in the post.)
#2 So-So Visibility
The design of a high-performance vehicle has long been a balance between sleek styling and plenty of useable glass areas.
Adequate visibility can make the difference between a comfortable and safe journey and one that’s tiring and potentially dangerous.
Although the roof pillars are rather thick, the view out the front while moving forward is relatively good, especially in the newer Charger models.
However, looking through a corner on a curvy road is challenging.
The coupe-like sloping roofline and high rear package shelf also compromise the back and side visibility.
Plus, it impedes backseat access.
#3 Poor Resale Value
Vehicles that depreciate sharply are good news for used car shoppers but bad for those buying new.
The Dodge Charger performs poorly at retaining its value – one of the worst among muscle cars.
It depreciates 48% after the initial five years and a massive 75% at the full-decade mark.
If Charger’s steep decline in value is a concern, opt for one of these other daily drivers instead:
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 38% | 55% |
| Audi R8 | 40% | 47% |
| Nissan GT-R | 40% | 56% |
| Dodge Challenger | 40% | 61% |
| Chevy Camaro | 40% | 62% |
| Subaru WRX | 40% | 70% |
| Nissan 370z | 42% | 58% |
| Ford Mustang | 43% | 66% |
| Porsche 911 | 45% | 63% |
| Dodge Charger | 48% | 75% |
The Challenger, Camaro, Mustang, and MX-5 Miata have higher residual values at the Charger’s price tag.
Dodge Charger’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#4 Spacious Interior
Cabin space is typically limited in two-door muscle cars, and the four-door Charger shines in this department.
The Charger has a roomy interior, especially in the front.
The rear seats can fit two adults comfortably, with sufficient head, shoulder, and hip room.
If practicality is a concern when driving a muscle car daily, opting for the Charger over similar vehicles is a safe choice.
#5 And Pretty Comfortable Too
The cabin in newer Chargers has a premium feel, from the comfortable and adjustable seats to the pleasant ride and quiet cabin.
The seats keep you comfortable on long trips and when the road gets twisty.
Although the ride is relatively stiff, the considerable insulation mutes the road and tire noise.
For a muscular car of the Charger’s caliber, it’s fairly livable.
The roomy cabin and a long list of safety features also make the Charger a legitimate choice for family duty.
#6 Decent-Size Storage (for Muscle Cars)
The Dodge Charger sedan has plenty of room in the trunk for a muscle car, although most pony cars are coupes and convertibles.
The Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro are only available in the coupe and convertible body styles.
| Cargo Capacity (seats in place) | |
| Chevy Camaro (coupe) | 9.1 cubic ft. |
| Ford Mustang (coupe) | 13.5 cubic ft. |
| Dodge Challenger (coupe) | 16.2 cubic ft. |
| BMW 3-Series (sedan) | 13.0 cubic ft. |
| Honda Civic Si (sedan) | 14.4 cubic ft. |
| Dodge Charger (sedan) | 16.5 cubic ft. |
| Porsche Panamera (sedan) | 17.6 cubic ft. |
The Charger’s trunk opening is large, which makes loading items easy.
If you’re on the market for a powerful sedan, the Honda Civic Si, BMWs, and Porsches are worth a look – although only the Honda is comparable to the Charger’s entry-level price tag.
#8 V8 Soundtrack
The sound of the throaty V8 is easy to love – it’s why you’d want a Dodge Charger.
Although you need to accept a sub-20-mpg fuel economy, it’s a small price to pay for the daily joy of getting into a Charger.
While the V6-powered Charger in its base form is a fine car, it lacks the roar and thrust of the V8.
#9 Average Maintenance Cost (Cheaper Than the Challenger)
Dodge Chargers cost an average of $652 per year to maintain, according to RepairPal.
It is on par with the Challenger but more expensive than the Mustang.
These figures are averages, so let’s see how they differ from year to year.
| Year | Annual Costs (Mustang) | Annual Costs (Charger) | Annual Costs (Challenger) |
| 1 | $254 | $279 | $313 |
| 2 | $294 | $323 | $360 |
| 3 | $359 | $394 | $435 |
| 4 | $461 | $508 | $555 |
| 5 | $547 | $602 | $655 |
| 6 | $682 | $750 | $811 |
| 7 | $955 | $1,051 | $1,129 |
| 8 | $1,063 | $1,171 | $1,256 |
| 9 | $1,164 | $1,283 | $1,374 |
| 10 | $1,314 | $1,448 | $1,548 |
| 11 | $1,334 | $1,469 | $1,571 |
| 12 | $1,494 | $1,646 | $1,758 |
The probability of significant repair logically increases with the Charger’s age:
- 2.36% in year 1,
- 11.13$ in year 5,
- 22.92% in year 10, and
- 44.16% in year 12.
These probability figures fall between the Mustang’s and the Challenger’s.
Dodge Charger Trims Compared
Table Guide:
- Engine: SC=supercharged.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined.
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | |
| SE/SXT/GT | 3.6L V6 (2011-present) 3.5L V6 (2006-2010) 2.7L V6 (2007-2010) | 292-300-hp (2011-present) 250-hp (2006-2010) 178-190-hp (2007-2010) | 21-23-mpg (2011-present) 20-mpg (2006-2010) 21-mpg (2007-2010) | Regular (2006-present) Flex-fuel (2012-2013) |
| R/T | 5.7L V8 (2006-present) | 340-370-hp (2006-present) | 18-19-mpg (2006-present) | Regular (2006-present) |
| Scat Pack | 6.4L V8 (2015-present) | 485-hp (2015-present) | 18-19-mpg (2015-present) | Prem-ReQ (2021-present) Prem-ReC (2015-2020) |
| Hellcat | 6.2L-V8-SC (2015-present) | 707-797-hp (2015-present) | 15-16-mpg (2015-present) | Prem-ReQ (2021-present) Prem-ReC (2015-2020) |
Dodge Chargers are primarily rear-wheel-drive muscle cars, except for the base, GT, and R/T trims in select model years, equipped with an AWD drivetrain.
The Charger base trims – SE or SXT, depending on the model year – or the GT, with its sportier look, is the ideal daily driver with a stronger fuel economy.
The V6 powering them is plenty powerful for daily needs around town.
But if you want to daily drive a Charger with a V8’s unique sound and thrust, opt for the R/T.
Its regular fuel need is another plus worth noting.
Can You Daily Drive a Dodge Charger Scat Pack?
A 6.4-liter V8 powers the Scat Pack, producing a healthy 485 horses.
Daily driving a Scat Pack Charger means putting up with a subpar ride quality, its suspension ably conveying every bump and shock into the cabin.
It will wear you out eventually, especially on long commutes.
Plus, its fuel consumption is higher than in a V6 Charger – and understandably so.
Can You Daily Drive a Dodge Charger Hellcat?
The Hellcat tops the Charger lineup with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that can pump out a monstrous 700-plus horsepower.
The Charger Hellcat is utterly capable of delivering adrenalin and thrill on a track day, but it is a terrible choice for a daily driver with a stiff ride and abysmal fuel economy.
It returns 2 or 3 mpg less than the already-thirsty V8 in the R/T and Scat Pack.
Driving an SRT Hellcat will put a smile on your face, except when you visit the pump.
P/S – The Charger also comes with a wide-body package, but if you want a Charger Hellcat that can fit in a compact parking space, opt for the standard Hellcat.
Dodge Charger Comparison with Other Vehicles
Dodge Charger vs. Dodge Challenger as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor (base trim).
The Charger and Challenger have similar engine performance, fuel consumption, and maintenance cost – unsurprising as both are muscular Dodges.
If you’re split between the two designs: the Dodge Charger is the marginally-better daily driver than the Dodge Challenger due to its improved visibility out the windshield and the wider practicality of a sedan body and larger trunk (16.5 cubic ft.).
That said, the Challenger has a surprisingly large trunk (16.2 cubic ft.) and a roomy cabin for a coupe.
If you don’t need four doors for your daily driver, the Challenger may be the better choice as it is smaller and lighter.
Dodge Charger vs. Other Daily Drivers
Table Guide:
- Horsepower: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor (base trim).
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Audi R8 | 420-562-hp | 17 | $1,123 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Nissan GT-R | 480-565-hp | 19 | $920 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Porsche 911 | 247-379-hp | 23 | $1,072 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| Nissan 370z | 332 hp | 22 | $504 | NA | NA | Poor | Poor |
| Ford Focus RS | 350-hp | 22 | $569+ | NA | 5/5 | Good | Poor |
| Chevy Camaro | 275-323-hp | 22 | $585 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Challenger | 250-305 hp | 23 | $650 | 3.2/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Charger | 178-300 hp | 23 | $652 | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| Subaru WRX | 230-271-hp | 23 | $682 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228-hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good | Average |
| Ford Mustang | 145-310 hp | 24 | $709 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| VW Golf R | 288-315-hp | 24 | $903 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| VW Golf GTI | 210-228-hp | 27 | $791 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181-hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Honda-Civic-Type-R | 306-hp | 25 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205-hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic | 110-158-hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
Pony cars at comparable price points to the Charger worth considering include:
They have come a long way in improving ride comfort, especially the Camaro.
The Subarus – WRX and BRZ – are good alternatives if you need better visibility to ease the strain of daily driving.
Further, an all-wheel-drive is standard in the WRX, and it comes cheaper than an AWD Charger.
Both VW Golf R and GTI may not be apples-to-apples comparisons, but they better the Dodge Charger with better ride comfort, improved fuel economy, and appreciably enhanced visibility.
The Volkswagens are hatchbacks, offering superior storage room and daily practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seater, and one of the most fuel-efficient sports cars yet is incredibly fun to drive.
If you want a fun daily driver with sharp handling yet have maximum practicality in a small package, the Honda Civic Type R is a compelling choice.
It is dependable and has low running costs.
References:
https://www.dodge.com/charger.html
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/DODGE/CHARGER/4%252520DR/RWD
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/DODGE/CHARGER/4%252520DR/AWD
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/dodge/charger-4-door-sedan/2022
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2022_Dodge_Charger.shtml