Is a V6 Charger rear-wheel drive?
Not necessarily. A V6 Dodge Charger can be rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the model year and trim.
Across its recent generations, the Charger offered the 3.6-liter V6 with either RWD or AWD, with the exact configuration varying by year and market. If you’re shopping, always check the specific build sheet or window sticker to confirm the drivetrain for that vehicle.
Drivetrain options for the V6 Charger
Below is a general guide to how the V6 Charger configurations are typically offered. The key point is that the drivetrain is not fixed to one layout and depends on the model year and trim.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with the 3.6L V6: A common configuration on several Charger trims, especially historically in sportier settings.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) with the 3.6L V6: An available option on multiple Charger trims in recent years to improve traction in adverse weather or slippery conditions.
In short, if you need AWD or prefer RWD, you should verify the exact drivetrain for the specific Charger you’re considering, as options vary by year and trim.
What this means for performance and usage
drivetrain choice influences handling, traction, and efficiency. RWD typically delivers a sportier feel and lighter overall weight, while AWD provides better grip in rain, snow, and cold conditions. The 3.6L V6 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission on most configurations, regardless of drivetrain, but the real-world performance will differ based on whether power is sent to all four wheels or just the rear axle.
How to verify your Charger’s drivetrain
To confirm whether a specific V6 Charger is RWD or AWD, use these checks.
- Check the window sticker or vehicle invoice for a drivetrain designation (RWD or AWD).
- Look for an AWD badge on the rear of the car or near the model designation.
- Ask the dealer for the build sheet or VIN-based specification, which lists the exact drivetrain.
Verifying the drivetrain helps ensure you’re getting the configuration you want, since options can change across year and trim.
Summary
The V6 Charger is not limited to rear-wheel drive. It has been offered with both RWD and AWD configurations, with availability depending on the model year and trim. If you’re shopping, verify the drivetrain on the exact vehicle through the window sticker, build sheet, or dealer documentation to avoid surprises.
Are V6 chargers FWD or RWD?
The base 3.6L V6 engine offers rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the remaining engines exclusively offering RWD.
Are all SXt chargers AWD?
Yes, the Dodge Charger SXT is available with all-wheel drive (AWD), though rear-wheel drive is standard on the base model. The SXT with AWD is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and is offered as a practical option for models requiring better traction in various conditions, according to this YouTube video and this YouTube video.
- Engine: The AWD SXT comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine.
- Transmission: It uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Availability: AWD is an available option for the SXT trim, and it's also available on the GT trim.
- Purpose: The all-wheel-drive system is often chosen for enhanced performance in winter or adverse weather, as noted by this YouTube video.
Is a Dodge Charger rear-wheel drive?
Yes, the Dodge Charger is typically rear-wheel drive (RWD), but some models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option, and future models (like the 2026) may offer it as standard. Rear-wheel drive is standard on most versions, while AWD was previously offered on V6 models like the SXT to enhance traction in certain conditions.
This video explains the difference between RWD and AWD Dodge Chargers: 59sDavidProductions345YouTube · Nov 9, 2023
- Standard RWD: The traditional configuration for the Charger, known for a more engaging driving experience.
- Available AWD: Some trims, particularly those with V6 engines, could be optioned with all-wheel drive for improved traction in slippery conditions like rain or snow.
- New models: For the 2026 model year, all-wheel drive is standard, but drivers can switch to rear-wheel drive at any time.
Is the 3.6 L V6 fast?
SUVs equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine can go an impressive 0 to 60 MPH in between 6.4 and 7.4 seconds. Sedans accelerate even faster, averaging between 6 and 6.3 seconds to go 0 to 60 MPH. When paired with modern automatic transmissions, the engine offers smooth gear transitions as well.
