Are Dodge Chargers all wheel drive or rear wheel drive?
Chargers can be configured as rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on trim and model year. In practice, the high-performance variants are typically RWD, while some base and mid-range trims offer AWD for improved traction.
Historically, the Charger lineup on the LX platform used RWD as the default setup, with AWD available on select configurations powered by the 3.6L V6. The V8-powered models (R/T, Scat Pack, Hellcat/Redeye) are generally RWD-only. Availability can vary by model year and market, so it’s important to verify the drivetrain on a specific car you’re considering.
Drivetrain options by trim
Here’s how the drivetrain configurations typically map to the Charger trims in recent years:
- SXT: AWD available with the 3.6L V6; RWD also offered in some markets/years
- GT: AWD available with the 3.6L V6; RWD also offered in some markets/years
- R/T: RWD standard; AWD generally not offered in most years
- Scat Pack: RWD only
- Hellcat / Redeye: RWD only
In practice, AWD is most common on the base and mid-range trims with the V6, while the performance-oriented variants lean toward RWD for a traditional muscle-car driving experience. Always confirm the exact drivetrain for a given model year and configuration, as options changed over time.
Performance and practicality
AWD provides better traction in snow and rain, but it adds weight and can slightly reduce fuel economy. RWD offers crisper handling and more direct power delivery on dry pavement, which is why the high-performance Charger variants continue to favor rear-wheel drive.
Note on model years
As the Charger evolved, the pattern above held for most years: AWD on select V6 trims and RWD on the high-performance models. The Charger’s production ended after the 2023 model year, so current availability is limited to existing inventory and used examples from previous years.
Summary
The Dodge Charger offers both AWD and RWD configurations. AWD is generally available on base and mid-range trims equipped with the 3.6L V6, while the high-performance R/T, Scat Pack, and Hellcat/Redeye trims are typically rear-wheel drive. Always verify the drivetrain on a specific car by model year and trim, as options varied over time.
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.
How do I know if I have AWD or RWD?
You can tell if your car is AWD or RWD by checking for a badge on the car's exterior, looking for a rear differential underneath, or by checking the vehicle's VIN. The easiest and most reliable methods are checking the owner's manual or doing a VIN search online.
Check your car for identifying marks
- Exterior badges: Many vehicles have an emblem on the rear or sides indicating their drivetrain, such as "AWD," "4WD," or "Quattro".
- Rear differential: Get on your hands and knees and look underneath the rear of the car. If you see a circular, spherical casing connecting axles to the rear wheels, it is likely rear-wheel drive (RWD) or has an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. If you don't see a differential at the rear, but do see drive axles at the front, it's likely front-wheel drive (FWD).
Perform a VIN search
- Online search: Use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to search for your car's specifications online. Many free tools are available for this purpose.
- Check the report: The results will likely provide a "Vehicle Specifications" or "drivetrain" section, which will clearly state if your car is AWD.
Other methods
- Consult the owner's manual: This is the most straightforward and reliable way to find your car's specific drivetrain information.
- Look for axles: Crawl underneath the car and look for drive axles going to each wheel.
- If you see axles only going to the front wheels, it's FWD.
- If you see axles going to both the front and rear wheels, it is AWD or 4WD.
- Check the sticker on the driver's side door: Sometimes, a sticker here will have a code that indicates the drivetrain type.
Are all Dodge Chargers rear-wheel drive?
No, not all Dodge Chargers are rear-wheel drive; for many recent model years, some have been available with either standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). However, beginning with the 2026 model year, all new Dodge Chargers will come with all-wheel drive, which can be manually switched to RWD.
- Recent past models (2023 and older): You could choose between RWD or AWD depending on the trim level and engine option.
- The 2026 and newer models: All models will be all-wheel drive with a feature that allows the driver to switch to rear-wheel drive.
What year did Chargers become AWD?
Sixth generation: 2006–2010 (LX)
A V6 engine was available for the first time, as was all-wheel drive (AWD). All-wheel drive was first only available on the R/T package. However, from 2009 onwards, all-wheel drive was also an option for the SE and SXT versions.
