Does a Dodge Charger have a V6 engine?
Yes. Across its history, the Charger has frequently offered a V6 engine, most recently the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as the base or mid-range powerplant.
From its 2005 revival through the 2023 model year, the Charger used several V6 configurations alongside V8 options for higher performance. This article traces when a V6 was offered, which engines were used, and what choices were available in the final generation.
Historical overview of V6 power in the Charger
The following list highlights the main V6 engines that powered Dodge Charger models over the years.
- 3.5-liter V6 and, in some years, 3.7-liter V6 engines from early Charger generations (roughly 2005–2010). These were the standard V6 options before the Pentastar era.
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (introduced around 2011 and carried through the final generation). This modern V6 sits as the base/mid-range powerplant, with horsepower varying by year and tuning (around 292–300 hp).
In addition to these historical V6 options, the Charger’s late-generation lineup largely prioritized V8 power for RT and higher-performance variants, with the base models continuing to use the V6 until production ended in 2023.
Current engine options in the Charger lineup
V6-based base and mid-range power
The last Dodge Charger generation offered a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as the standard engine for base and mid-range trims such as SXT and GT, delivering a balance of efficiency and performance.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 — standard on SXT/GT and many mid-level trims; horsepower around 292–300 depending on year and tuning.
Higher-end variants used V8 power or supercharged V8s, with no diesel option in the Charger lineup.
High-performance and V8-focused variants
For buyers seeking more power, the Charger offered several V8 options in the final generation, including naturally aspirated and supercharged variants.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 — RT and related trims, around 370 horsepower.
- 6.4L Hemi V8 — Scat Pack, around 470–485 horsepower.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 — Hellcat family (including Redeye), 700+ horsepower in some versions.
With the end of production in 2023, Dodge did not replace the Charger with a direct successor, and the lineup was halted after the 2023 model year.
Summary
Across its history, the Dodge Charger has indeed used V6 engines, most notably the 3.6-liter Pentastar in modern times, while offering more powerful V8s for performance-oriented models. For those seeking a V6 Charger in recent years, the 3.6L engine was the standard choice, whereas V8s were reserved for RT and higher-performance variants. The Charger’s production concluded after the 2023 model year, marking the end of this V6-to-V8 performance spectrum.
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.
What Dodge Charger has a V6 engine?
The 2022 Dodge Charger also has a powerful available 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 delivers up to 292 horsepower as well as up to 264 lb-ft of standard torque. That said, with SXT AWD and GT models, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is capable of delivering up to 300 horsepower.
What engine does a Dodge Charger have?
The Dodge Charger has a range of engine options depending on the model year and trim, including the all-new 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six for the 2026 model year, which comes in a 420-horsepower standard output and a 550-horsepower high-output version. For previous model years, options included a 3.6L Pentastar V6 and various HEMI V8s, such as the 5.7L, 392, and the supercharged 6.2L V8 found in the SRT Hellcat models.
2026 Dodge Charger
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo Hurricane inline-six: This is the new standard engine.
- Standard Output: 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque (available on R/T models)
- High Output: 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque (available on Scat Pack models)
Previous model years (Examples)
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: Available in some models, delivering up to 300 horsepower.
- 5.7L HEMI V8: Produced 370 horsepower.
- 392 HEMI V8: Delivered 485 horsepower.
- Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8: This engine was used in high-performance SRT models and was available with different horsepower ratings, such as 797 hp on the SRT Hellcat Redeye, or up to 807 hp on the SRT Jailbreak.
Is the Dodge Charger 3.5 V6 reliable?
Many owners have reported surpassing the 100,000-mile mark without significant issues, and some have even seen their vehicles exceed 250,000 miles, especially the robust Hemis and 3.5L models.
