When Dodge launched this generation of the Charger, the brand led with the EV powertrain and told us a six-cylinder version was coming. Now that latter car is here. Meet the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack and 2026 Dodge Charger R/T.
These two both have a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six underhood, with the R/T making 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. That’s the “standard output” version of the Hurricane inline-six, the twin-turbocharged “high output” version in the Scat Pack will make 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft.
You’ll note that the only battery involved here is the one used for starting the car.
All-wheel drive is standard, but fret not, rear-drive fans: The system can send 100 percent of its power to the rear if the driver so chooses. Just push a button.
The AWD system can also automatically disconnect the front axle to improve fuel economy by reducing parasitic drivetrain losses.
An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available.
Back to the Hurricane — Dodge says that for the the high-output motor, 88 percent of peak torque will be available at 2,500 RPM and 90 percent is accessible from 3,000 to 6,000 RPM. The engine has dual-overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and more. There’s even an engine cover that makes it clear that you “ain’t driving no golf cart.”
Dodge is claiming that the H.O. Scat Pack will scamper to 60 mph from a standing start in 3.9 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds with a 114 mph trap speed.
Other standard or available goodies include a mechanical limited-slip differential, line lock, launch control, adjustable drive modes (auto, sport, wet/snow, eco, and custom), standard Brembo brakes (Scat Pack), a brake-by-wire system, and performance pages.
The front suspension is a multi-link setup and the rear is a fully independent four-link system. Dodge is touting a 55/45 weight distribution with this car.
You will be able to spot the difference between the Daytona EV and the ICE-powered Chargers. The front fascia is different and the grille is larger. Of course, it will have exhaust pipes — which obviously aren’t needed on an EV — and there will be optional Eclipse exhaust tips available. A rear spoiler is standard.
Scat Packs get standard 20-inch wheels with Goodyear all-season rubber.
Scat Pack buyers also get the chance to order various packages that add convenience and comfort features and/or different interior/exterior styling bits. A panoramic sunroof will be optional.
Most of the interior features, design, and advanced driver-aid systems (ADAS) are similar, if not the same, as what’s available on the Daytona EV.
R/Ts will start at $49,995 with the Scat Pack clocking in at $54,995. Destination adds $1,995. For another $2K, you can get your Charger with four doors instead of two, though if you want a four-door Scat Pack with the inline-six you’ll need to wait until the first half of 2026. Same for the two-door R/T. Two-door, six-cylinder Scat Packs will be available for order soon.
Scat Pack buyers, including those who opt for the Daytona EV, will get a day of high-performance driving instruction at the Radford Racing School as part of the deal.
I generally liked the Charger Daytona EV, despite some flaws. But while I am no EV hater, I am glad that Dodge is offering an ICE version of the Charger. Not everyone has easy access to EV charging, and the ICE Charger will be about 1,000 pounds lighter, which should lead to even better performance. It’s also cheaper than the EV, which starts at $59,995 before destination.
That said, we bet the six won’t sound as good as a V8 Hemi.
Still, Dodge is giving Charger buyers options — pick the powertrain that fits your use case and budget. That’s not a bad thing, and the Hurricane six will almost certainly offer better fuel economy than any V8.
There’s nothing wrong with Dodge offering EV performance as an option in the Charger. Electrification and performance can mesh very well together.
But while the future may involve a lot more electrification, we’re not there yet. So if you have Charger dreams but the EV isn’t for you, well, have your eyes take a look at this Hurricane.
[Images: Dodge]
