How much horsepower does a 3.6 VVT Dodge Charger have?
The 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) in the Dodge Charger generally produces 292 horsepower, with torque around 260 lb-ft, in most recent configurations. This is the figure Dodge has used for the 3.6L Pentastar VVT across multiple generations of the Charger.
To understand what this means for your Charger, it helps to know that horsepower figures can vary slightly by model year, market, and measurement standard. The following overview clarifies what you’re likely to see on official specs and in everyday driving with this engine.
Official horsepower and torque
Most Dodge documentation for the Charger with the 3.6L Pentastar VVT lists the engine at:
- 292 horsepower (SAE net) and 260 lb-ft of torque for the 3.6L VVT Charger, applicable to the common SXT/GT configurations in recent years.
- Torque figure typically shown as 260 lb-ft (353 Nm). Power output is the primary spec most buyers notice, with drivetrain and gearing shaping real-world acceleration.
- Notes: Some early-year materials or regional specs may quote slightly different numbers due to testing standards, but the widely cited official figure for contemporary Chargers remains 292 hp.
Concluding takeaway: for the modern Dodge Charger equipped with the 3.6L VVT engine, 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque are the standard numbers you should expect in official specs.
Model-year snapshot
Below is a concise look at how the 3.6L VVT’s power has been presented across typical Charger model years. This section helps buyers and owners confirm what’s printed on window stickers and in service literature.
2011–2014
In early and mid-generation Chargers, the 3.6L VVT was commonly rated at 292 hp with 260 lb-ft of torque in Dodge’s own listings, aligning with the engine’s initial development and calibration for the LX platform.
2015–present (current generation exposure)
Throughout the later years and into the current generation, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with VVT has continued to be listed at 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in official Dodge materials for Charger models like the SXT and GT. Real-world performance matches these figures closely, with acceleration and drive feel shaped by transmission choice and vehicle weight.
Note: While publications and testing outlets may report minor variations due to measurement standards (such as SAE net versus gross) or regional testing, the manufacturer’s consistently cited figure for the Charger’s 3.6L VVT remains 292 hp.
Performance context
With 292 horsepower, the 3.6L VVT Charger offers strong daily-driving performance and competent highway acceleration for a mid-size sedan. It pairs well with an automatic transmission and modern chassis tuning, delivering smooth power delivery rather than high-end raw speed. Real-world results depend on factors such as gearing, weight, tires, and overall drivetrain setup.
Variations and how to verify
If you’re evaluating a specific Charger, verify the exact horsepower in the window sticker or the vehicle’s build sheet, since minor regional differences or updates could shift documentation slightly. In practice, though, the 3.6L VVT remains a 292 hp engine across most recent Chargers.
Summary
The Dodge Charger’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with variable valve timing is typically rated at 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in modern models. This makes it a strong, practical powertrain option for daily driving and highway merging, without the higher fuel-use demands of a V8 option. If you’re shopping used models or checking a specific year, rely on the official window sticker for the exact figure, but expect the familiar 292 hp rating in most cases.
For readers seeking deeper context, the key message is consistent: the 3.6L VVT Charger delivers about 292 hp across recent generations, with real-world performance largely governed by transmission choice, weight, and tires rather than drastic changes in peak horsepower.
