Are cop chargers AWD?
In most police fleets, the Dodge Charger pursued is not all-wheel drive (AWD); it is typically rear-wheel drive (RWD). AWD is not standard for patrol Chargers, and when it appears at all, it is limited to rare, non-pursuit configurations or civilian-market variants. The short answer: cop Chargers are usually RWD, with AWD being uncommon in the law-enforcement context.
What defines a cop Charger and its drivetrain
The Dodge Charger used by law-enforcement agencies is the Pursuit variant, a version of the car tailored for police work with upgraded electricals, radios, and lighting provisions, as well as performance-oriented tuning. The drivetrain is a primary factor in pursuit performance and maintenance, and for most police fleets the baseline is rear-wheel drive.
Here are the key facts about Cop Charger drivetrains:
- Standard police Chargers are rear-wheel drive (RWD) in most markets.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) has not been a common or standard option for the Pursuit package.
- Some civilian Dodge Chargers have had AWD options in certain model years, though those configurations are rarely used in police fleets.
In practice, RWD remains the default for most departments due to cost, maintenance considerations, and pursuit-performance characteristics in typical weather and road conditions.
Why agencies still favor RWD over AWD
RWD offers simpler components, often lower maintenance costs, and predictable handling during high-speed pursuits. Torque delivery to the rear wheels can be advantageous for acceleration and power-down in dry and wet conditions. AWD adds weight, complexity, and potential maintenance demands, which can be burdensome for fleets that log long hours and high mileage.
- Lower maintenance and parts costs compared to AWD systems.
- Predictable handling characteristics during high-speed pursuits.
- Better efficiency and fewer drivetrain losses when not operating in all-wheel drive mode.
For departments in winter climates, AWD can offer advantages, but many agencies choose alternative platforms—such as SUVs—that come with factory AWD and greater interior space for equipment and personnel.
Current landscape: what to expect in 2024–2025
As of the latest model cycles, Dodge continues to offer the Charger Pursuit primarily in rear-wheel-drive configurations. AWD is not a widespread option on the police version, and many fleets lean on RWD for pursuit performance and lower total cost of ownership. If AWD is required, some departments may explore special-order configurations through fleet channels or consider other platforms; civilian Chargers do offer AWD on certain trims, but those variants are not standard for law-enforcement patrol cars.
Availability can vary by country and agency, with some jurisdictions evaluating all-wheel-drive patrol vehicles from Ford, GM, or other manufacturers where weather and terrain demand it.
Summary
In short, cop Chargers are not typically all-wheel drive. The police-specific Dodge Charger Pursuit is generally rear-wheel drive, with AWD remaining rare in police fleets and largely limited to civilian-market variants or special orders. For snow-prone regions, departments may opt for alternative vehicles with proven AWD capabilities, but the Charger remains a common choice for performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness in many departments.
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Which Dodge Chargers are AWD?
All new 2026 Dodge Charger models come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), which can be manually switched to rear-wheel drive (RWD). In previous model years, AWD was available on specific trims like the SXT, GT, and R/T, with some V8 options also offered with AWD between 2011 and 2014.
2026 Dodge Charger
- All 2026 Charger models are equipped with standard all-wheel drive.
- You can switch to 100% rear-wheel drive with the push of a button.
Previous model years
- SXT and GT: AWD was available on the SXT and GT trims, which typically came with a V6 engine.
- Daytona R/T: Some Daytona R/T models included AWD.
- Pursuit: The Pursuit police package was also offered with AWD, often with a V8 engine.
- Discontinued models: AWD was discontinued on V8-powered Chargers after the 2014 model year, but remained available on V6 models.
What engine is in a cop charger?
Police Dodge Chargers are equipped with two main engine options: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or the 5.7L HEMI V8. The V6 is often paired with all-wheel drive and offers up to 300 hp, while the V8 is usually rear-wheel drive and delivers up to 370 hp.
This video explains the different engine options in Dodge Charger Pursuit models: 42sCounty Office LawYouTube · Aug 27, 2025
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: This is the standard engine for many modern police Chargers, producing around 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque and is typically paired with all-wheel drive (AWD).
- 5.7L HEMI V8: This is the higher-performance option, producing up to 370 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. It is generally found in rear-wheel drive (RWD) models, which are suited for high-speed pursuits.
Are police Dodge Chargers different?
Heavy-Duty Suspension: The police models were equipped with a heavy-duty suspension system for better handling and durability. High-Speed Capability: The Charger Police Package was rated for high-speed pursuits, often with a top speed of over 140 mph depending on the engine.
