03/10/2026
The verdict is in! We've driven every variation of the NEW Dodge Charger and here's what we think.
The first question is why is the New Charger not being accepted? Is it really because it doesn't have a HEMI? Or is it the design?
Our friends at Dodge invited us to Stowe, Vermont to experience the New Charger in an environment we were not experienced with. We drove hundreds of miles from Vermont to New Hampshire and back. We went to the O'Neil Rally Track and tested the conditions. We definitely came away with a new view point.
We drove the four door Standard Output Six Pack with 420HP starting under 50K. We had the most model available with cloth seats, no navigation, bare bones. The 2026 base model is far superior to any previous model. Think about this, it has more horsepower than the 5.7 HEMI and the 2006 SRT8.
We were asked to change vehicles for the return drive back to Vermont. This base model was so impressive we drove the same Charger back. Yes, it really added everything you would want. The the average consumer you had all you could want. It had power, it was comfortable, had plenty of amenities with great value. Now if you want it all, Dodge has you covered.
So where is the disconnect?
