Is the Dodge Charger front or rear wheel drive?
The Dodge Charger is rear-wheel drive by design, and front-wheel drive is not offered. All-wheel drive has been available on select trims in recent years, but the standard configuration remains rear-wheel drive.
This article explains how the Charger’s drivetrain has evolved across generations, what AWD means for performance and weather, and the current production status of the model.
Drivetrain overview
Understanding how the Charger pairs power to the wheels helps explain its handling, grip, and performance characteristics across model years.
The following points summarize the Charger’s drivetrain configuration in modern and recent generations.
- Rear-wheel drive is the default configuration for most modern Chargers.
- All-wheel drive is available on several trims in recent years, offering better traction in rain, snow, or slippery conditions.
- Front-wheel drive has not been offered on the Charger in the U.S. market.
- High-performance variants are typically rear-drive, though AWD has appeared on some trims in limited production runs; exact availability depends on model year and configuration.
In practice, most buyers will encounter RWD as the baseline, with AWD available as an option on specific trims when weather or performance needs arise. Always check the exact drivetrain listed for a given model year and trim.
What this means for buyers
When shopping for a Charger, drivetrain options influence traction, maintenance, and overall driving experience. The following considerations help buyers compare options.
- Traction and weather: AWD can improve grip in rain, snow, or ice, but RWD remains favored by some performance drivers for balance and feel.
- Fuel economy and maintenance: AWD typically adds weight and drivetrain components, which can slightly reduce fuel economy and increase maintenance costs.
- Trim availability: AWD is not universal across all trims or model years; verify the drivetrain spec for the exact configuration you’re considering.
- Performance expectations: The high-performance Charger variants (SRT/Redeye) have historically prioritized rear-wheel-drive dynamics; AWD availability on those editions varies by year.
For most buyers, choosing between RWD and AWD comes down to climate, daily driving needs, and the specific model year’s available configurations. Confirm the drivetrain on the exact car you’re considering before purchase.
Historical context
Modern revival on the LX platform
In the modern era, beginning with the 2005 reintroduction and the 2011 refresh, the Charger was positioned as a rear-wheel-drive sedan on the LX platform, with AWD offered on several trims as an option. The focus for performance variants remained on RWD dynamics, while AWD served as an added traction feature on suitable configurations.
Current production status and future direction
As of the 2023 model year, Dodge announced the end of Charger production in the U.S. for traditional internal-combustion models, signaling a shift toward electrified performance options in Dodge’s future lineup. Drivetrain availability continues to be RWD with optional AWD on certain trims in the final years of the gasoline Charger, but there is no new front-wheel-drive Charger in the market today.
Summary
The Dodge Charger is primarily rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on select trims in modern years. There is no front-wheel-drive version of the Charger in the U.S. market. Buyers should verify the exact drivetrain for the model year and trim they’re considering, particularly given changes in production and lineup through the early 2020s.
