Are police chargers RWD or AWD?
Most police Chargers are rear-wheel drive (RWD). The official Charger Pursuit package has been offered in RWD configurations, and as of model years around 2024–2025, a factory all-wheel-drive (AWD) option is not listed for the police package.
Understanding whether a police Charger uses rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive matters for pursuit performance, traction in adverse weather, and maintenance implications. The drivetrain choice also shapes how departments compare Chargers against rival fleet vehicles from other automakers, such as AWD variants from Ford or Chevrolet fleets.
Current drivetrain status for the Charger Pursuit
The following points summarize the official stance on drivetrain options for the Dodge Charger Pursuit (the police-focused version built on the Charger platform):
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard drivetrain for the Charger Pursuit police package in the United States; all-wheel drive (AWD) is not offered as part of the official Pursuit specification.
In practice, agencies selecting the Charger Pursuit should plan on RWD as the baseline configuration. For departments prioritizing AWD due to winter conditions or terrain, fleets may evaluate alternative models from the same era or from competing brands that provide AWD police SUVs, but the official Dodge Pursuit package itself does not include AWD.
Context and comparisons
Historically, police fleets have favored RWD for performance and reliability in high-speed pursuits, with AWD or 4WD options more common in competing models such as Ford’s Police Interceptor Utility (which has offered AWD in recent years) and Chevrolet’s Tahoe PPV (which is 4WD). The Charger Pursuit’s RWD setup aligns with Dodge’s performance-oriented heritage and the vehicle’s powertrains, while other makes offer AWD variants to address snow and low-traction conditions.
Summary
Overall, the Dodge Charger Pursuit used by police departments is predominantly RWD, with no factory AWD option listed for the official police package as of the latest model years (circa 2024–2025). Departments evaluating patrol sedans should expect RWD performance, and those requiring AWD for winter traction may compare with AWD-equipped rivals rather than the official Pursuit configuration.
