The Dodge Charger has been an iconic American muscle car since its inception, blending raw power with bold styling.
The 2019 model takes things a step further, offering a perfect balance of performance and practicality.
It’s a muscle machine that can hold its own at the drag strip but is equally capable of handling family road trips.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the 2019 Charger a unique and compelling choice in the market.
Overview: The 2019 Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger has a rich history dating back to the 1960s when it first roared onto the scene as a pony car.
Over the decades, it has evolved into a full-size sedan that doesn’t compromise on its muscle car heritage.
The 2019 model continues this tradition, offering a combination of power, spacious interior, and user-friendly infotainment system at an affordable price point.
The Charger’s bold, aggressive styling is a standout feature, with its sculpted lines and muscular stance.
Under the hood, it packs a punch with its lineup of Hemi V8 engines, delivering raw power and an exhilarating driving experience.
At the same time, the Charger’s spacious interior and practical cargo space make it a viable option for families seeking a daily driver with a performance edge.
What’s New for 2019?
Dodge has a knack for keeping its aging products fresh and desirable by introducing updates and enhancements with each model year.
The 2019 Charger is no exception, with several notable changes:
Exterior Styling Enhancements: The Charger R/T and GT trims now feature more aggressive styling, including a bolder front end, sculpted side skirts, and optional 20-inch wheels, borrowing design cues from the high-performance Hellcat model.
Interior Option Updates: Houndstooth cloth seats and stitched leather surfaces have been added as interior options, allowing buyers to personalize their Charger’s cabin.
Lineup Streamlining: Dodge has simplified the Charger lineup, with fewer models available. The entry-level SXT now offers all-wheel drive, while the GT trim has been added as a rear-wheel-drive option.
New Features: The Charger R/T Scat Pack now comes standard with Launch Assist, optimizing traction during acceleration, and a line-lock feature for burnouts to warm up the rear tires.
Widebody Package (2020): Although not available for the 2019 model year, Dodge has announced a Widebody option package for the 2020 Charger, adding wider fender flares for a more aggressive stance.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2019 Dodge Charger starts at an attractive price point of $30,965 for the base SXT trim.
As you move up the lineup, prices can reach up to $41,740 for the top-tier Scat Pack model.
Here’s a breakdown of pricing for each trim level:
- SXT: $30,965
- GT: $33,240
- R/T: $37,740
- Scat Pack: $41,740
When it comes to choosing the best value option, we recommend the Charger R/T with the 5.7L V8 engine.
This trim offers the perfect balance of power and features at a reasonable price point.
While the V6 models provide the option of all-wheel drive, the 5.7L V8 delivers the quintessential muscle car experience.
To enhance the overall driving experience, we suggest adding the following packages:
Driver Confidence Group: Includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated exterior mirrors, and upgraded headlights.
Performance Handling Group: Adds 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires, Brembo brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Dodge Charger channels its NASCAR roots with its lineup of powerful V8 engines, including the legendary Hemi.
While not every Charger comes equipped with a mighty V8 (the base model features a V6), they all share an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive.
The standard 3.6L V6 engine produces 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving.
However, it’s the V8 engines that truly unleash the Charger’s potential:
5.7L Hemi V8: Delivering 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, this engine propels the Charger R/T from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.1 seconds.
6.4L Hemi V8: Found in the Scat Pack model, this engine cranks out an impressive 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a blistering 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.
Unfortunately, Dodge doesn’t offer a manual transmission option for the Charger, which may disappoint some enthusiasts.
However, the eight-speed automatic transmission is highly responsive and complements the Charger’s performance capabilities.
In terms of handling and braking, the Charger impresses with its balanced cornering and composed ride, especially when equipped with the larger 20-inch wheels.
The electrically assisted power steering provides purposeful control, although it lacks the outright engagement and feedback of some sports cars.
Models with upgraded brakes and stickier summer performance tires deliver the best braking performance.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
As a large, heavy sedan with powerful engines, the Dodge Charger has a healthy appetite for fuel.
While its EPA city ratings are below average, its highway fuel economy estimates are competitive within the segment.
Here are the EPA-estimated fuel economy figures for the 2019 Charger:
- 3.6L V6: 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 5.7L V8: 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 6.4L V8: 15 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
In real-world testing, the 5.7L V8 engine exceeded its 25 mpg highway estimate by 1 mpg, which is an encouraging sign for prospective buyers.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
The Charger’s interior is highly functional, although it falls short of the luxury found in some of its competitors.
Rubberized materials and plastic predominate, giving the cabin a more rugged,muscle car vibe.
Nevertheless, the Charger offers numerous interior options and excellent rear-seat legroom for passengers.
One standout feature is the excellent Uconnect infotainment system, which comes standard with a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen.
This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless integration with your smartphone.
While the Uconnect system is responsive and user-friendly, some optional controls can only be accessed via the touchscreen, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is not available.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Charger’s trunk volume is comparable to most rivals, and it managed to fit an extra carry-on box compared to the Nissan Maxima and Kia Stinger in testing.
The center console also offers ample storage space for small items, with a dedicated slot alongside the shifter that’s perfect for storing your smartphone.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2019 Dodge Charger comes equipped with a host of available driver-assistance technologies, although some features are exclusive to higher trim levels or optional packages.
Here’s a breakdown of the key safety and driver-assistance features:
Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Available as part of the Driver Confidence Group.
Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: Available as an option.
Forward Collision Warning: Available as an option.
Regarding crash test ratings, the Charger earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
However, its scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were average, with room for improvement.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Dodge Charger comes with a standard warranty package that includes:
- Limited Warranty: Covers 3 years or 36,000 miles.
- Powertrain Warranty: Covers 5 years or 60,000 miles.
It’s worth noting that Dodge does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance for the Charger, which may be a factor for some buyers when considering long-term ownership costs.
Final Thoughts
The 2019 Dodge Charger stands out as a unique proposition in the market, blending muscle car power and performance with family-friendly practicality.
With its bold styling, powerful V8 engine options, spacious interior, and user-friendly infotainment system, the Charger offers a compelling package at an affordable price point.
While it may not be the most luxurious or refined option in its segment, the Charger’s distinctive personality and raw power make it a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable muscle machine that can handle the daily grind and occasional drag strip runs with equal aplomb.
If you’re in the market for a full-size sedan that can double as a pony car, we highly recommend test-driving the 2019 Dodge Charger to experience its unique charm and capabilities firsthand.
