2015 Dodge Charger

Charger is the one that would love to burn the rubber, scoot off on empty lanes, yet pick up the kids from the school without causing chaos (except the screaming SRT Hellcat). And not to forget, this iconic nameplate won’t be a burden on the pockets, as owning a Charger would require one to set aside just $27,995 for the base model. While the ones with a heavy pocket would love the insane and fanatical SRT Hellcat, that tops the Charger lineup and carries a sticker price of $62,295. So, let’s dedicate this review to learning about the Charger, its wide powertrain option, American-styled interiors, and aggressive aesthetics. At the same time compare the 2015 Dodge Charger to the likes of Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon, and Chevrolet Impala.

The 2015 Dodge Charger can be availed in seven different trims including SE, SXT, R/T, R/T Road & Track, R/T Scat Pack, SRT 392, SRT Hellcat. The performance variants R/T and SRT will be reviewed separately. The base trims SE and SXT come equipped with a V6 while the higher trims come with a V8 in different states of tune. The base engine offers sufficient power but should you need more go for the range-topping SRT Hellcat.

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The Charger SXT looks like a menacing animal, not SRT Hellcat scary, yet very aggressive. Choosing the SXT trim would be a wise choice as it comes equipped with comfort features like 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment and upgraded infotainment with an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface. Moreover, SXT trim unlocks additional packages and options on offer.

The 2015 Dodge Charger lets the buyer choose from not one, not two, but four different engine options. It all begins from SE and SXT, featuring a 3.6L V6 that cranks out 292-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in its purest form. Choose the Rallye Appearance Group, and the same engine motivates the Charger with 300-hp and 264 lb-ft of peak torque, thanks to some modest tuning tweaks. Next on the lineup are the Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track that hide a glorious 5.7L V8 under its hood, pushing the Charger with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to R/T Scat Pack or SRT 392 trim would add a brawnier 6.4L V8 that would satisfy the urge of power of the majority with a whopping 485-hp. 

Still not satisfied, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a blistering quick, ridiculously powerful muscle-car example for a special crowd that loves to live their lives, a quarter-mile at a time. The SRT Hellcat features a monstrous supercharged 6.2L V8 block which motivates the Charger with a whopping 707-hp and 650 lb-ft more than double the base Charger. Irrespective of the engine and power, every Charger features an 8-speed automatic transmission. Buyers looking for all-wheel-drive Dodge would be disappointed to know that besides SE and SXT, other Charger models are strictly rear-wheel-drive only. 

The 2015 Dodge Charger shares its underpinnings with Chrysler 300. But when it comes to the SRT models, there’s no match to the Charger. The Charger SE can scoot off to 60-mph from standstill in 6.4 seconds, which is quick. But, to make the rivals or even an unreasonably expensive exotic car, eat the dust, then the SRT Hellcat can blast off to the 60-mph mark in just 3.9-seconds. It will also attract attention with the screaming supercharged V8 and its skills to do big smokey burnouts. The Toyota Avalon is the least potent rival in the lot, yet it definitely benefits the ones looking for a decent economy.

Even before you make your mind to selecting a Charger to buy, give up the hopes of getting an impressive fuel economy figure. The V6-powered Charger models churn out potent figures and balance them with satisfactory 23 mpg combined fuel economy. The 5.7L V8 powered Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track delivers 18 mpg combined which isn’t a drastic downfall for getting a V8. 

Next on the line, the 6.4L V8 powered Charger R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 models offer 18mpg combined, which is still reasonable. On the top of the food chain, the SRT Hellcat can chug in fuel at a heavy rate, delivering 16 mpg combined.

If you are looking for an economic sedan, the Toyota Avalon should please you, but it’s better to keep the expectations of fuel economy for American muscle. Yet the base Charger models are pretty efficient if you compare them to the monstrous SRT Hellcat.

The 2015 Dodge Charger is an exceptional example of an American muscle-power that unifies with a comfortable and spacious interior that is practical for a growing family. Choose any Charger, and you are guaranteed to seat five passengers with ease. The interior is furnished with impressive material quality and a clean layout, garnished with retro-styling. The base models feature cloth upholstery and comfortable seats, but for a premium finish, head to the upper trims for leather-finished seats. 

The overall layout would please a family, especially the roomy headroom and legroom present in both the front and rear seats. The 2015 Dodge Charger also offers a 16.1 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats to maintain practicality. Besides that, the 60/40-split-folding rear seat can be folded down for more cargo space, ditching the passengers.

The Dodge Charger offers a spacious cabin and practical boot space, yet stays connected to the American muscle roots with retro and old-school styling. It easily stands out in the segment where rivals offer conventional interior styling. The cargo space is also apt for the class, while Chrysler 300 offers some decimals more in the boot.

Standout interior features:

• 60/40-split-folding rear seat
• Tilt-and-telescoping and leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated front and rear seats
• 8-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment)
• Leather upholstery
• Heated steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats

How intuitive is the 2015 Dodge Charger’s infotainment unit?

The 2015 Dodge Charger fits 5-inch touchscreen infotainment in the base SE trim, which is very basic. It is accompanied by Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity along with USB, auxiliary audio inputs, and dual charge-only USB ports. The SXT trims upgrade this setup with an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface featuring UConnect Access integrated smartphone apps and voice commands, along with satellite radio and an upgraded audio system.

For higher trims, most of the SXT’s infotainment is carried over in addition to other advanced tech. The R/T trim adds Dodge Performance pages, a clever system that allows for adjustment of engine response, transmission shift points, steering effort, stability control intervention, and launch control. R/T Scat trim brings a rearview camera, while the SRT 392 adds a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. 

Standout infotainment features:

• 5-inch touchscreen or 8.4-inch touchscreen interface
• AM/FM Stereo
• Satellite Radio (Optional)
• 10-speaker beats audio system(optional)
• Uconnect Access with smartphone integration
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

The 2015 Dodge Charger is an elegant beast, with aggression and strong bodylines that hints towards the hidden muscle. The Charger has evolved into a modern sedan with bold attire mixed with menacing styling cues As one gets towards the upper trims, the Charger’s character gets serious, and till one reaches to being the intimidating beast that the SRT Hellcat is. 

The base trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels as standard which can be upgraded to 19-inch alloys if you opt for the AWD variant. Moreover, you get automatic headlights as standard right from the base trim. The modern touches unify with retro touches and clean bodylines. But for the ultimate head-turning attire, pick the R/T or the upper trims.

The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger share the same platform, but the former looks more modern and classy. Both the Toyota Avalon and Chevy Impala are very close to the traditional yet urban sedan design. To stand out, the Dodge Charger is definitely the best pick.

Standout exterior features:

• LED fog lights
• Bi-xenon headlights
• Body-color rear spoiler
• Hood with heat-extraction vents
• 19-inch alloy wheels

The 2015 Dodge Charger serves as a perfect escape from a boring ride, thrilling the driver and exhilarating him/her with impeccable punch and grunt. But Dodge took care to make the Charger a sturdy and safe family sedan that could shield the occupants in case of a mishap. The IIHS has also appreciated the robust structure of the Charger and has awarded it with an impressive “Good” overall safety rating.

Standout safety features:

• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Frontal collision warning and mitigation system
• Adaptive cruise control

The 2015 Dodge Charger is highly flexible, it manages to be an outstanding experience of American muscle, falls within budget, and stands out in the segment. The wide variety allows the buyer to pick just the perfect Charger, and available options let them transform it into something that matches their personality. It equips impressive gadgets, and performance-oriented components for enthusiasts looking for more than just a daily driver. And at the top-of-the-pyramid, sits the SRT Hellcat, the perfect drag-strip weapon.