Overview
What's New for 2014:
- Performance-oriented Redline package
- Exterior paint colors
Introduction
The 2014 Dodge Charger is a 5-passenger, full-size sedan available with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, 6- or 8-cylinder power, and four primary trim levels. Competitors include the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Kia Cadenza, and the Toyota Avalon.
Models and Features
Shoppers considering the 2014 Dodge Charger have their choice of several unique trim levels, starting with the base SE. Though the most affordable of the bunch, this version of Dodge's popular 4-door sedan comes equipped with features including dual-zone climate control, LED interior accent lighting, push-button start, and a 4.3-inch touch-screen audio system with iPod compatibility.
One step up from the SE is the Charger SXT, which adds heated mirrors, automatic climate control, 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system bundled with a 276-watt sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, remote start, and heated power seats with 12-way adjustment for the driver. An available SXT Plus trim level ups the ante just a bit more with leather upholstery, power front-passenger seat with 12-way adjustment, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and chrome 18-inch alloy wheels.
Next are four R/T variants: R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Road & Track, and R/T Max. The most basic of these includes HID headlights, sport bucket seats wrapped in cloth upholstery, upgraded brakes, and a performance-tuned suspension. With the R/T Plus, buyers also get leather upholstery, while the R/T Road & Track Charger is distinguished by its honeycomb grille, rear spoiler, power-adjustable pedals, heated and cooled front seats with suede inserts, and 20-inch alloy wheels. That leaves only the R/T Max, with its heated and cooled cupholders, navigation system, 10-speaker high-end audio system, and safety technologies including intelligent cruise control, blind-spot monitoring system, forward-collision warning, rear park-assist sensors, and a rear cross-path detection system.
For the high-performance SRT Charger, the automaker has separated the lineup into Super Bee and Premium trim levels. Standard content for the former includes a rear spoiler, dual-zone climate control, embroidered front seats, launch control, and an SRT-tuned chassis, while the latter is treated to HID headlights, heated front and rear seats and cupholders, premium leather trim, the navigation system, and more. Both Charger SRT models provide buyers with access to a one-day high-performance driving training program.
Options and Packages
To say that the 2014 Dodge Charger is available with several options would be an understatement. From a safety-oriented Adaptive Cruise Control package to multiple Sport Appearance packages and both Driver Convenience and Driver Confidence packages, the company has successfully covered the gamut of extras. Among the more notable highlights are a Charger Blacktop package with upgraded audio, Gloss Black exterior details, and a cold-air induction system that boosts engine output; Super Track Pak offering high-performance tires and suspension components; and a Laguna Premium Leather package.
Under the Hood
Dodge equips the SE, SXT, and SXT Plus versions of the 2014 Charger with its so-called Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine. In standard guise, this engine produces 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, figures that jump to 300 and 264, respectively, when the Rallye Appearance, AWD Sport, Blacktop, or Redline package is ordered. A 5-speed automatic transmission is fitted to Charger SE models, whereas the SXT and SXT Plus benefit from the use of a more advanced 8-speed automatic transmission with a sport mode and paddle shifters.
For a decidedly potent punch behind the gas pedal, Charger shoppers will want to consider one of the R/T variants, all of which feature the well-known 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that, in this application, delivers 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5-speed automatic gearbox is standard.
While that 8-cylinder engine certainly packs quite a punch, it doesn't come close to the performance experienced by drivers of the 2014 Dodge Charger SRT. Like the R/T, the SRT draws its motivation from a Hemi V-8, though this one uses its 6.4 liters of displacement to generate 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Again, the 5-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice, but it has been tweaked for SRT duty with the addition of a track mode.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2014 Dodge Charger are:
- Charger RWD with 6-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission: 18/27/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Charger RWD with 6-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission: 19/31/23 mpg
- Charger RWD with 5.7-liter 8-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission: 15/25/18 mpg
- Charger AWD with 6-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission: 18/27/21 mpg
- Charger AWD with 5.7-liter 8-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission: 15/23/18 mpg
- Charger SRT RWD with 6.4-liter 8-cylinder engine with 5-speed automatic transmission: 14/23/17 mpg
Safety and Ratings
In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2014 Dodge Charger received an overall rating of 5 (out of 5) stars. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2014 Dodge Charger received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate frontal-offset crash protection.
Among the 2014 Charger's standard safety features are 7 air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, and bright LED taillights. Also available are several related upgrades including intelligent cruise control, a blind-spot monitoring system, and a rearview camera.
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