What engine came in a 1965 Dodge Coronet?
The 1965 Dodge Coronet offered multiple engine choices, ranging from a base inline-six to several V8s, with a legendary 426 cubic inch Hemi available on select performance models.
Engine lineup and availability
During the 1965 model year, the Coronet could be ordered with a variety of powerplants. The base model commonly used a 225 cubic inch inline-six, while a range of V8 options catered to different performance and price points.
- 225 cu in inline-six (Slant-6) — base engine in many standard configurations
- 273 cu in V8 — small-block V8 available on mid-level trims
- 318 cu in V8 — additional V8 option on several configurations
- 383 cu in V8 — big-block V8 for higher performance and heavier models
- 426 cu in Hemi V8 — legendary high-performance engine offered on select R/T and performance-focused variants
Availability varied by trim, body style, and production date; the 426 Hemi was relatively rare and typically paired with the performance-oriented options package on select two-door configurations.
Context and notable configurations
In the mid-1960s, Dodge leveraged a broad engine lineup across its Dodge and Plymouth lineups. The Slant-6 provided economical daily-driver capability, while the V8 options allowed customers to opt for more power without moving to a full muscle-car package. The 426 Hemi, when installed, became an icon of Mopar performance and drag-racing heritage, most often associated with the Coronet’s high-performance variants.
Summary: For the 1965 Dodge Coronet, buyers could choose from a spectrum of engines—from the economical 225 cu in Slant-6 to multiple V8s (273, 318, 383 cu in) and the famed 426 cu in Hemi on select performance models—reflecting Dodge’s range-of-power approach for that year.
