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Are Dodge Chargers automatic or manual?

Today’s Dodge Chargers are automatic; there is no factory manual option in the modern lineup. Manual transmissions were offered in the classic Chargers of the 1960s and 1970s.

Historical perspective on Charger transmissions

Here's a concise look at how gearbox options evolved across Charger generations.

Classic Chargers (1966–1978): Factory transmission choices included both manual and automatic options, with performance models sometimes pairing a four-speed manual to high-performance engines, and other trims opting for automatics.

Modern Chargers (2005–present): All factory configurations use automatic transmissions; there has not been a factory manual option for the contemporary Charger lineup.

Bottom line: if you’re eyeing a classic Charger, a manual gearbox may be part of the original spec; for the current generation, the Charger is automatic by default.

Current lineup and performance variants

For context on today’s Charger by trim, here’s how transmission choices are structured across the modern lineup.

SXT/GT (V6) – 8-speed automatic

R/T (5.7 Hemi) – 8-speed automatic

Scat Pack (6.4 Hemi) – 8-speed automatic

SRT Hellcat / Redeye / Daytona – 8-speed automatic

In every case, the factory transmission is automatic, with no official manual option currently offered by Dodge.

Enthusiast notes: aftermarket options

Some owners consider aftermarket manual swaps, but such conversions are complex, costly, and typically not supported by warranty or Dodge’s service network. They also risk reliability and safety concerns unless performed by highly skilled specialists.

What this means for buyers

If you want a brand-new Charger with a manual, your options are effectively limited to older, classic models or non-factory conversions. For most buyers focused on daily driving, performance, and resale value, the automatic transmission remains the standard choice across the modern Charger lineup.

Summary

In summary, Dodge Chargers today are automatic across all trims, with manual transmissions historically available only on classic Chargers built in the 1960s and 1970s. If you’re shopping for a new Charger, expect an eight-speed automatic; if you’re pursuing a vintage experience, a manual-equipped classic is the way to go, bearing in mind the maintenance and compatibility considerations of older vehicles.

Are chargers manual or automatic?

The Dodge Charger is only available with an automatic transmission. It has been exclusively equipped with automatic transmissions since its 2006 relaunch, and even the newest models are not offered with a manual. The reason is that the Charger's platform and floor pan were designed without a place for a manual stick shift, and the extensive modifications needed to add one were deemed too costly.

Automatic only: Since its 2006 redesign, every Dodge Charger has come with an automatic transmission.
No manual option: Dodge has confirmed that the upcoming models will also not have a manual transmission option, a trend that is also reflected in the phasing out of manual transmission options for the Challenger, according to Yahoo.
Why no manual: The Charger's floor pan was never designed to accommodate a manual transmission. The cost of redesigning the entire structure, including crash-safety certification, was not a worthwhile investment for Dodge, given the declining market for manual cars, notes this YouTube video.
Manual-swapped versions: It is possible to manually "swap" a Charger with a donor vehicle, such as a Challenger, but this is a significant and expensive custom modification, says MotorBiscuit.

Was there ever a manual charger?

No, Dodge Charger cars do not come with a manual transmission option, and there are no plans to offer one in the future. This is due to the cost and complexity of adapting the manual transmission to the Charger's platform, as well as the declining market for manual cars. However, some owners have performed aftermarket "manual swaps" to add a manual transmission.
You can watch this video to learn why the Dodge Charger never got a manual transmission: 40sMarspeedYouTube · Dec 26, 2018

No factory manual transmission: Dodge has never offered a manual transmission in the Charger from the factory and has confirmed there are no plans to do so for the new generation of the car, according to Robb Report, The Drive, and thetruthaboutcars.com.
Cost of development: The Charger's floor pan was not designed to accommodate a manual transmission, and the cost of making the necessary modifications, along with the required safety certifications, was deemed too high for the anticipated sales, as explained in this YouTube video.
Declining market: The overall market for manual transmission vehicles is shrinking, which further reduced the business case for a manual Charger.
Manual swap possibility: Some owners have chosen to have their Chargers converted to manual transmissions through aftermarket modifications, often using parts from a manual-equipped Challenger, explains this YouTube video and this MotorBiscuit article.

Is a Dodge Charger an automatic?

Most modern Dodge Chargers are automatic, as they come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While some older models and base versions may have offered manual transmissions as an option, current production and new models are overwhelmingly equipped with automatic transmissions.

Modern Dodge Chargers

8-speed automatic: Almost all new Dodge Chargers, from the base SXT to the high-performance Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat, come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Automatic is standard: For recent model years, the automatic transmission is the default and standard equipment for almost every trim level.

Older Dodge Chargers

Varied options: In past generations, Dodge Chargers offered a choice of transmissions depending on the model and year. Some base models came with a manual transmission, and others had automatic or floor-mounted manual options, according to Wikipedia and Autolist.

Is a Dodge Charger a manual car?

No, factory-built Dodge Chargers do not come with a manual transmission, and Dodge has confirmed the latest generation models will also only be available with an automatic or electric powertrain. The main reasons are that the Charger's platform was not designed with a manual in mind, and Dodge determined that the cost of developing a manual version for its different floor plan was not financially viable due to low projected demand.
This video explains why the Dodge Charger never came with a manual transmission: 1mMarspeedYouTube · Dec 26, 2018

Design and cost: The Charger's floor pan could not accommodate a manual transmission, and the cost of re-engineering the vehicle would have been too high for the number of manual versions that would have sold.
Market demand: Chrysler's market strategy predicted a very low demand for a manual Charger, making the investment for a manual version a low priority.
Alternatives: For enthusiasts who want a manual, the Dodge Challenger was offered with a manual transmission, and there are aftermarket companies that can perform a manual transmission "swap" on a Charger, though this is a costly and complex process.
Modern automatics: Modern automatic transmissions have become very fast and efficient, and the market for manual transmissions in performance cars has been shrinking.

You can watch this video to see what a Dodge Charger Hellcat with a manual transmission looks like: 57sAutotopia LAYouTube · Aug 14, 2021

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.