Does a Dodge have a V8?
Yes. Across Dodge's lineup, V8 power has been a defining feature—particularly in the brand’s performance-focused models. Not every Dodge uses a V8, and the company is increasingly moving toward electrified powertrains for future generations.
A storied V8 heritage
Here is a quick look at how the V8 family has shaped Dodge across decades, from classic Hemi legends to modern performance engines.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8: The workhorse of many Dodge models since the early 2000s, found in Charger and Challenger trims like the RT and in Durango RT. It delivers strong, broad-based power and is commonly paired with rear- or all-wheel drive layouts.
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8 (392 cubic inches): A higher-performance option for the Challenger Scat Pack and Charger Scat Pack/SRT 392 lines, offering elevated horsepower and track-ready character without forced induction.
- 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 (Hellcat family): The flagship for most modern Dodge performance models, powering the Challenger and Charger Hellcat variants with horsepower well into the 700+ range, and spawning even more capable variants over the years.
- 6.2-liter supercharged Demon engine: A limited, high-horsepower variant used in select Challenger Demon models, delivering around 800+ horsepower in peak configurations.
- Historic note: Earlier generations also used larger or differently tuned Hemi V8s (such as the 6.1-liter Hemi in early 2010s SRT models and classic 426 Hemi in the original muscle era). These weren't common in current production but remain part of Dodge’s celebrated V8 legacy.
In short, Dodge’s V8 legacy is deeply tied to the Hemi name, and today’s lineup still offers multiple V8 options for buyers chasing high performance, while remembering the brand’s long-running history of big-displacement V8 power.
Current engine options in Dodge models (as of 2024)
Below is a snapshot of which current Dodge models offer V8 options, and what those engines are typically paired with.
- Dodge Challenger: Base V6 is available, but the high-performance trims offer V8s — 5.7L Hemi V8, 6.4L Hemi V8, and 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 (Hellcat), with power running from roughly 375 hp up to the 700+ hp range in Hellcat variants.
- Dodge Charger: Similar to the Challenger, with V8 options on higher trims — 5.7L Hemi V8, 6.4L Hemi V8, and 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 in Hellcat configurations.
- Dodge Durango: Starts with a V6 (3.6L) and offers V8 options on higher trims — 5.7L Hemi V8, 6.4L Hemi V8, and a 6.2L supercharged Hemi in the Durango SRT Hellcat variant.
- Note: Availability of specific V8 engines can depend on model year, trim, and regional market. Durango’s SRT Hellcat variant is a high-performance, limited-production example that uses the 6.2L supercharged V8.
For buyers seeking a V8, Challenger, Charger, and Durango have historically been the Dodge models most likely to offer a V8 option. Always check the exact engine code and trim for a given vehicle, as powertrains can shift between model years and markets.
Electrification and what's next for Dodge
Looking ahead, Dodge has signaled a shift toward electric powertrains as part of a broader plan to introduce an electric “muscle” lineup in the coming years. While the current lineup retains V8 options for the time being, future Dodge models are expected to move beyond traditional internal combustion engines as part of the brand’s evolution.
Dealers and enthusiasts should stay tuned for official announcements about next-generation platforms, battery-electric powertrains, and how Dodge will balance its heritage with new technology. In the near term, the current gas-powered Challenger, Charger, and Durango remain the primary avenues to experience a V8 Dodge.
How to verify whether your Dodge has a V8
If you’re unsure which engine powers a specific Dodge, here are practical checks you can perform.
- Check the vehicle’s trim and model year in the window sticker or owner's manual. Higher-performance trims are more likely to have a V8.
- Look under the hood for engine badges or markings. A “HEMI” badge typically indicates a V8. The engine cover often lists the displacement (e.g., 5.7L, 6.4L, 6.2L).
- Inspect the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Engine code information is part of the VIN/build sheet; you can decode it via Dodge’s official resources or a trusted VIN decoder.
- Review the cylinder count by counting spark plug holes or referencing the owner’s manual/spec sheet; V8 engines have eight cylinders.
- Ask the dealer or check the official build sheet for the exact engine specification to confirm whether a particular model has a V8, especially for limited or high-performance variants.
Bottom line: confirming a specific Dodge’s engine is easiest by checking the trim/engine badge, the build sheet, or the VIN; if in doubt, a dealer can verify the exact specification for your vehicle.
Summary
Dodge continues to associate its performance identity with V8 engines, especially in the Challenger, Charger, and Durango. The brand’s modern lineup features multiple Hemi V8 options, including the 5.7L and 6.4L displacements and the 6.2L supercharged Hellcat family, with limited Demon variants in the past. At the same time, Dodge has signaled a broader move toward electrification, so future models may shift away from legacy V8 power. For now, buyers seeking V8 Dodge power should focus on Challenger, Charger, and Durango trims, while verifying engines via VIN/build sheets or dealer confirmation.
