Why is Dodge getting rid of the Charger?

What’s driving the move

The decision rests on several converging factors: sales trends, the cost of keeping an aging platform up to today’s standards, and a strategic pivot toward electric vehicles (EVs) that aligns with Stellantis’ broader electrification goals. Here are the primary forces at play:

• Declining demand for large, rear‑drive sedans in the U.S. market, especially among younger buyers who gravitate toward SUVs and crossovers.


• The LX platform underpinning the Charger is aging and costly to modernize for current safety, efficiency, and emissions targets.


• Regulatory pressure on internal-combustion engines is increasing, pushing automakers to prioritize electrified powertrains.


• A strategic reallocation of resources toward Dodge’s electrified performance lineup, built on Stellantis’ next‑generation EV architectures.


• A desire to preserve Dodge’s performance heritage by transitioning to electric muscle‑car concepts and models rather than trying to extensively refresh a current ICE sedan.

In short, the decision reflects market dynamics and a clear corporate commitment to electrification while winding down the legacy ICE Charger.

What comes next for Dodge and Charger enthusiasts

Dodge has framed the shift as a transition rather than an end. The Charger nameplate is expected to continue in an electric form as part of the brand’s broader move into electrified performance. In the near term, Dodge has offered limited, commemorative ICE “Last Call” editions to mark the end of the gas‑powered era, signaling a new generation of Dodge performance that will be electric in nature.

Electric performance on the horizon

Officials have outlined a plan to build a family of electrified performance models on Stellantis’ next‑generation platforms. While specifics—such as exact models, names, and timing—have shifted over the years, the intent is clear: Dodge aims to deliver high‑performance EVs that carry the Charger’s legacy into a zero‑emission era.

Notes on timing and scope

The current Charger is slated to end production in its ICE incarnation after the 2023 model year in many markets, with thecharger’s direct replacement expected to be an electric model built on future Dodge platforms. Timing and exact product details may vary by region as Dodge refines its electrified performance roadmap.

Summary

Dodge is discontinuing the Charger in its gasoline form to align with a broader move to electrification and a streamlined product lineup. The decision responds to shrinking demand for large gas-powered sedans, the cost of updating an aging platform, and a corporate strategy to push Dodge into electric performance. The Charger’s legacy will live on in an electric future, even as the brand marks the end of an era with commemorative editions and a renewed focus on high‑performance EVs.

What is replacing a Dodge Charger?

Line I would say in the new Charger. Right there in terms of length. The new Charger is 206.6.

Why are Hellcats getting banned?

Hellcats are not banned everywhere, but some models, specifically the high-performance versions of the Dodge Durango, are restricted or banned from sale in certain U.S. states due to strict emissions regulations set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These states require vehicles to meet more stringent emissions standards, which the supercharged HEMI V8 engines in trims like the Durango SRT Hellcat and R/T 392 do not currently meet. As a result, Dodge has limited sales of these specific trims to states that do not follow CARB standards.
 
This video explains why the Dodge Durango Hellcat is banned in certain US states: 53sKnockout 360YouTube · Sep 17, 2025

• Reason for restrictions: The primary reason is emissions, as the powerful V8 engines do not meet the stricter standards set by CARB. 
• CARB states: Seventeen states, plus Washington D.C., follow CARB's stricter rules, including California, New York, and Massachusetts. 
• Affected models: The ban applies to specific models with the higher-output V8 engines, such as the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and R/T 392. The base 5.7-liter HEMI GT version of the Durango is still available nationwide. 
• Dodge's response: Dodge has not yet gone through the lengthy and costly process of certifying these specific engines for CARB states, leading to the sales restriction. The company has stated it will continue working with CARB to try and expand availability to more states in the future. 

You can watch this video to learn about the Dodge Durango Hellcat being banned in these states: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Sep 16, 2025

Is Dodge going to bring back the charger?

Yes, Dodge is bringing back the Charger, but it's the next-generation 2026 model that is available in both electric and gasoline options. The gasoline-powered versions, which arrive later in 2026, will feature a new twin-turbo inline-six engine, called the Sixpack, that makes more horsepower than the old V8 Hemi. A V8-powered drag-only version has also been released, and while a street-legal V8 is expected, the new internal combustion engine Charger will be inline-six powered.
 
This video discusses the new 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack with an inline-six engine: 1mRedline ReviewsYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

• 2026 Dodge Charger: The new generation will be available in both two-door and four-door body styles. 
• Electric Models: The electric versions are available now, including the Daytona Scat Pack with 670 horsepower. 
• Gasoline Models: The new gasoline-powered Sixpack models are expected to arrive mid-2026. 
• Sixpack Engine: These models will use a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which produces more horsepower than the previous V8 Hemi. 
• V8 Options: A purpose-built, V8-powered drag racing version has been released, and it's possible there will be a street-legal V8 version in the future. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the 2026 Dodge Challenger: 1mNext-Gen CarYouTube · Aug 2, 2025

Why is the Dodge Charger being discontinued?

Stellantis is the parent company of Dodge and it's heavily investing in electrified vehicles and SUVs. Electrified vehicles and SUVs are becoming increasingly popular among many DuPont drivers so it makes sense that the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger are discontinued for 2023.