The
2010 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan offered in five trim levels -- SE Sedan, SXT Sedan, R/T Sedan, SRT8 Sedan, and Rallye Sedan -- and with four different engines. The base Charger has a 2.7-liter V-6 coupled to a four-speed automatic. The 3.5 and Rallye are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a four- or a five-speed automatic, while the R/T is propelled by a 5.7-liter V-8 with a five-speed automatic. The top performer, the SRT8, boasts a 6.1-liter V-8 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission.
While rear-wheel drive is standard, the Dodge Charger's all-wheel drive is optional on the 3.5, the Rallye, and R/Tan, and can automatically or manually disconnect the front drive shafts to improve fuel economy, which is rated at 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway. Often a police car and a well-liked, commanding presence on the road, the Dodge Charger does well in inclement weather driving and can grip the road under most hazardous conditions.
New for 2010
The 2010 Dodge Charger is a carry-over receiving only few changes: all trims received a body-color sill cladding and side-curtain airbags, and the SE trim got a chrome grille with black inserts.
Essentials
Engines: 2.7L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8
Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: SE Sedan, SXT Sedan, R/T Sedan, SRT8 Sedan, Rallye Sedan
On the Outside
Easily the most aggressively-styled sedan on the market, the Dodge Charger has 17- or 18-inch wheels; however, the R/T with the Road/Track performance package has jumbo-size 20-inch wheels plus a large rear spoiler.
From the Inside
With a simple but roomy interior, the Dodge Charger is hampered by a low-resolution navigation screen. Standard on the R/T but optional on the SXT is a 276-watt, six-speaker stereo, while a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system is an available option.
Driving Performance
The Dodge Charger base 2.7-liter V-6 engine that generates only178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque is not recommended. However, the SXT's 3.5-liter V-6 engine that churns out 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, the R/T's V-8 engine that spits 368 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, and the SRT8's 6.1-liter V-8 engine that slams 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet are all powerhouses.
Safety Equipment
The addition of standard side-curtain airbags makes the Dodge Charger safer than before. Also standard are dual-stage front airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners, while stability control is standard on all models except the SE.
Gas Mileage
SE: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
SXT: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
SXT AWD: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway
R/T: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway
R/T AWD: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
SRT8: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
Plusses
- Assertive styling
- Powerful V8 engine
- Roomy interior
Minuses
- 2.7-liter V6 engine
- Bland interior design
- Poor visibility in the rear
Rating
Big sedan personality paired to V-8 powerhouses
People Who Like the 2010 Dodge Charger Also Like
- Chrysler 300
- Ford Taurus
- Chevrolet Impala