Is a Charger a 2 wheel drive?
The Dodge Charger is a rear‑wheel‑drive sedan, which makes it a two‑wheel‑drive configuration by design. It has not been offered with a factory all‑wheel‑drive option during its production run.
To understand what that means, it helps to review how drivetrain layouts work and how the Charger has been configured across its generations.
Drivetrain basics
Before detailing the Charger, here is a quick primer on common drivetrain terms and how they affect performance and handling.
- 2WD (two‑wheel drive) refers to vehicles where only two wheels are driven by the engine. This can be either front‑wheel drive (FWD) or rear‑wheel drive (RWD).
- RWD (rear‑wheel drive) sends power to the rear wheels. The front wheels handle steering and braking, which is common in traditional performance sedans.
- AWD (all‑wheel drive) distributes power to both front and rear wheels as needed, improving traction in rain, snow, or slick surfaces.
- FWD (front‑wheel drive) sends power to the front wheels. It’s common in many compact and midsize cars and generally offers good interior space and efficiency.
In short, 2WD describes vehicles with two driven wheels, typically either FWD or RWD. The Charger in particular uses RWD, placing it squarely in the 2WD category for the vast majority of its production life.
Charger drivetrain specifics
The Charger has been built on the Chrysler LX platform and has run primarily as a rear‑wheel‑drive car. Dodge did not offer a factory all‑wheel‑drive version of the Charger for its production years, which means the lineup remained RWD throughout its availability between 2005 and 2023.
For readers weighing buying decisions, this configuration affects traction characteristics, driving feel, and maintenance considerations, especially in adverse weather where AWD typically offers an advantage over pure RWD systems.
What this means for buyers
Because the Charger is typically RWD (2WD) and without a factory AWD option, buyers who prioritize maximum traction in slippery conditions may want to consider alternative models within Dodge’s range or other brands that offer AWD sedans. For performance enthusiasts who value driving dynamics and rear‑driven handling, the Charger’s RWD setup remains a defining trait.
Notes for context: the Charger lineup spanned multiple generations and engine options, but its drivetrain configuration remained rear‑wheel drive for its entire production life. The broader Dodge and Chrysler families do include vehicles with AWD, but the Charger itself did not receive a factory AWD variant.
Summary
In summary, the Dodge Charger is a rear‑wheel‑drive car, which places it in the 2WD category. There was no factory all‑wheel‑drive version offered for the Charger during its production years, making it distinct from some rivals that offer AWD options. If AWD is a priority, shoppers may need to explore other models within the brand or in the broader market.
