Are police chargers V6 or V8?
Police Chargers are offered in both V6 and V8 configurations. Agencies can opt for the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 for efficiency or the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 for higher performance; some departments maintain both options depending on budget and duty cycle.
Engine options in the Dodge Charger Pursuit
Police fleets using the Dodge Charger Pursuit have historically offered two primary engine choices. The following summarizes what each option typically delivers and how departments decide between them.
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6: about 292–300 horsepower and roughly 260–270 lb-ft of torque; paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; designed for lower fuel consumption and operating costs while still handling routine patrol duties.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8: roughly 360–370 horsepower and about 390–410 lb-ft of torque; also with an 8-speed automatic; provides stronger acceleration and higher-speed capability for pursuit-ready performance.
Both engines are integrated into the Charger Pursuit with similar reliability and maintenance schedules, but the V8 variant typically carries higher fuel and maintenance costs over time.
V6 option: efficiency and operational impact
The V6 configuration is favored by agencies prioritizing lower operating costs and extended patrol cycles. It can still deliver solid performance for standard patrol and response tasks, though it won’t match the rapid acceleration of the V8 in high-speed pursuits or heavy-duty scenarios.
- Lower fuel consumption, reducing real-world operating costs.
- Lower total cost of ownership for fleets with large numbers of units.
- Sufficient performance for most routine policing duties and urban environments.
Agencies that operate on tighter budgets or in areas with less demand for high-speed pursuits may opt for the V6 option to balance performance with efficiency.
V8 option: power for high-performance policing
The V8 configuration is deployed by departments that place a premium on top-end performance, rapid acceleration, and sustained power in pursuit or demanding duty cycles. The extra horsepower and torque can be crucial in high-speed enforcement, long pursuits, or when the vehicle must carry equipment and detainees.
- Greater acceleration and higher top-end capability relative to the V6.
- Better performance when carrying heavy equipment or traversing challenging terrain or grades.
- Higher fuel and maintenance costs, but often justified by improved response times and versatility in enforcement scenarios.
Large urban agencies and departments with frequent high-speed encounters have historically favored the V8 for performance reasons, while balancing costs through fleet management practices.
Context and considerations for patrol fleets
Engine choice is just one factor in evaluating a patrol vehicle’s effectiveness. Agencies also weigh transmission tuning, cooling systems, brakes, suspension, communications gear, lighting, and overall durability under extreme duty cycles. The Charger Pursuit’s maintenance requirements and total cost of ownership influence the final decision, alongside local fuel prices and duty profiles.
Compared with rivals such as Ford’s Police Interceptor Utility or, in older markets, the Chevrolet Caprice, the Charger’s two-engine approach provides a clear trade-off between efficiency and brute power—allowing fleets to tailor their procurement to local needs and budgets.
What agencies are doing today
Across the United States and in other markets where the Charger Pursuit is offered, the split between V6 and V8 configurations reflects jurisdictional needs, traffic patterns, and enforcement priorities. Some departments maintain both options to preserve fleet flexibility; others standardize on a single engine type to simplify training and maintenance.
- Urban departments with frequent high-speed incidents are more likely to equip Pursuits with the V8 option.
- Rural or budget-conscious agencies may lean toward the V6 to maximize patrol miles per gallon.
- Procurement cycles, grant funding, and maintenance infrastructure often shape the final engine mix within a fleet.
As vehicle technology evolves, some fleets may experiment with hybrid or electrified powertrains in other police vehicle lines, but the Charger Pursuit remains a benchmark for performance in its class with its two-engine strategy.
Summary
In today’s Dodge Charger Pursuit lineup, police fleets can be equipped with either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter V8. The V6 emphasizes efficiency and lower operating costs, while the V8 prioritizes acceleration and high-speed performance. The choice depends on department budgets, duty cycles, and enforcement priorities, with many fleets balancing these factors to optimize their patrol capabilities.
Summary: Police Chargers are offered in both V6 and V8 configurations. The final engine choice varies by agency, reflecting budgets, duty demands, and strategic priorities for patrol operations.
Why do police use V6 chargers?
3.6L Pentastar V6: This newer V6 engine provided better fuel economy while still offering respectable power, at around 292 horsepower. 5.7L HEMI V8: For departments needing more oomph, the 5.7L HEMI engine was still available, boasting around 370 horsepower and improved fuel-saving technology.
Do police cars have V6 engines?
Police Interceptor Sedan
The FPIS's standard engine was a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, shared with the regular Taurus.
Do cops drive V6 or V8?
All officers rely on a partner they can trust, and the Dodge Durango Pursuit offers the power and performance they can count on. The standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine delivers outstanding performance and impressive efficiency. When the job calls for a tough V8, you can choose the available 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine.
Is a Dodge Charger a V6 or V8?
A Dodge Charger can be either a V6 or a V8, depending on the model year and trim level. Base models, such as the SXT, typically come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, while higher-performance trims like the R/T or SRT Hellcat are equipped with various V8 engines.
You can watch this video to compare the performance of the Dodge Charger V6 and V8: 59sRP ProductionsYouTube · Sep 30, 2015
- V6 Engine: The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is the standard engine for many base models, providing around 300 horsepower for daily driving. It is often paired with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available on some V6 trims.
- V8 Engines: More powerful V8 options include the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V8, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 found in high-performance models like the Hellcat. These engines produce significantly more horsepower, with the most powerful versions exceeding 700 horsepower.
