What V6 is in a Dodge Charger?
The Dodge Charger’s current V6 is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.
In the modern lineup, the Charger uses a single V6 option—the 3.6L Pentastar V6—paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Historically, Chargers have offered other V6s as well, before the Pentastar became the standard. Below is a concise look at the current V6 along with a brief look back at earlier V6 choices, framed for readers seeking clarity on what powers this American muscle sedan.
Current V6 option
The Charger’s contemporary V6 option is the 3.6-liter Pentastar, delivering a balance of everyday usability and capable performance. The following bullet points summarize its key characteristics.
- Displacement: 3.6 liters
- Configuration: V6
- Horsepower: typically about 292–303 hp depending on year and trim
- Torque: around 260 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available on certain trims
- Fuel economy: varies by configuration, generally in the mid-teens to low 20s mpg depending on drivetrain and options
In short, the 3.6L Pentastar is the enduring V6 heart of the Charger today, offering smoother power delivery and better efficiency than older V6 iterations.
Historical V6 options
Before the current Pentastar era, the Charger used other V6 engines at different points, depending on model year and generation. The two notable predecessors were the 3.5-liter V6 and the 3.7-liter V6. Details below provide context for enthusiasts curious about the Charger’s engine evolution.
3.5-liter V6
The 3.5L V6 appeared in earlier Charger generations, typically delivering roughly 250 hp and comparable torque. Outputs varied by year and tuning, and this engine was part of the Charger’s move toward more efficient six-cylinder power before the 3.6L Pentastar became standard.
3.7-liter V6
The 3.7L V6 was used in late-2000s Chargers with estimates generally in the 235–270 hp range and solid low-end torque. This engine was gradually phased out as Chrysler’s lineup transitioned to the 3.6L Pentastar as the mainstream V6 choice.
These older V6 engines helped bridge the Charger from its earlier configurations to the modern, more refined 3.6L Pentastar that powers current models.
Summary
Today’s Dodge Charger is powered by a single V6 option, the 3.6-liter Pentastar, paired with an eight-speed automatic and available AWD on select trims. Historically, the Charger’s V6 family included 3.5L and 3.7L engines, which paved the way for the more efficient and refined 3.6L Pentastar that remains the standard in recent model years. If you’re shopping for a Charger, expect the 3.6L Pentastar to be the baseline V6 across most current configurations, with V8 options available for higher performance variants.
Is the SXT or RT faster?
Added horsepower make it worth the slight. Extra cost at the pump the Hemi V8 in the Charger RT pumps out 370 horsepower versus 2 90 horsepower or the SXT.
Is a charger GT a V6 or V8?
A Dodge Charger GT is a V6, not a V8. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that produces up to 300 horsepower.
This video discusses the 2023 Dodge Charger V6 GT's performance: 58sProfessor DrivesYouTube · May 31, 2025
- Engine: The GT model is equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine, which offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
- Horsepower: This V6 engine is tuned to produce up to 300 horsepower in the GT trim.
- Contrast with other trims: Higher-performance models like the R/T are equipped with a V8 engine, but the GT model uses a V6.
This video compares a Dodge Challenger GT (V6) and a Challenger RT (V8) to illustrate the performance difference: 59sRacerXYouTube · Oct 18, 2020
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.
Which Dodge Charger is a V6?
Trim Levels Chart: Dodge Charger Models
| Dodge Charger SXT | Dodge Charger GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V-6 | 3.6L Pentastar V-6 |
| Horsepower | 292 | 300 |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 264 lb-ft |
| Wheel Size | 17-in | 20-in |
