2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus Review

AutoNetwork's expert review of the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus, including POV test drive footage, 360° walkaround, real-world driving impressions, and honest pros and cons for car buyers.

Read the full 2026 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus review with detailed photos, video walkaround, and buyer guidance.

Quick Facts

Alright, let's have a talk. For years, the Dodge Charger has been the undisputed king of the American sedan, the last man standing with four doors and a big, rumbling V8 heart. It was a statement. It was a sound. For a lot of us, it was the dream car that could still haul the family. But times change, and the sounds from the factory are changing, too. The V8 is gone. I’ll say it again so it sinks in: the V8 is gone. In its place is something new, something different, and I recently got to put my hands on the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus to see if the spirit of the thing is still alive. I want to be clear with you from the jump, just like I would with my own nephew looking to spend his hard-earned money: I haven't driven this car yet. This was a static walkaround at a media event. I couldn’t feel the pull of the engine, but I could sit in the seat, touch every surface, and get a real sense of what you’re getting for your money before you ever talk to a salesman.

So let’s get right to what’s under that long, aggressive hood. It’s not a Hemi. It’s a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that Dodge is calling the “Sixpack High-Output.” Now, I know what you’re thinking, and I was thinking it too. A six-cylinder? In a Scat Pack? But hold on, because the numbers don’t lie. This engine puts out a staggering 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. Let’s be real, that’s more power than a lot of the old V8s were making, and it’s being sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on this model, and that’s a game-changer. It means all that power isn’t just for sunny days in Gardena, California; it’s usable and safe when the weather turns nasty on the streets of Camden, New Jersey. This isn’t just a muscle car anymore; it’s an all-weather performance machine. Dodge isn’t playing games with the hardware, either. You get real Brembo brakes to haul it down, a limited-slip differential to keep the power going where it needs to, and even track goodies like launch control and line lock. They even throw in a day at their performance driving school, which tells me they’re serious about owners learning how to handle this kind of capability.

Slipping into the driver’s seat, you’re greeted by an interior that feels purposeful and modern. The model I examined had a sharp combination of carbon fiber and suede on the performance bucket seats, which felt snug and supportive. It’s a cockpit, not just a cabin. Once you’re settled in, a few things immediately stand out. For a car that sits this low and looks this mean, the forward visibility is surprisingly good. Looking through the windshield, you’re met with what I can honestly say is the clearest head-up display I’ve ever seen. It puts vital info right in your line of sight without being a distraction. The tech integration here is genuinely thoughtful. Flick on a turn signal, and a live camera feed of your blind spot pops up on the main screen. That’s not a gimmick; that’s a truly useful feature that can prevent a lot of headaches in traffic. I was also impressed by the inclusion of a drowsy-driver detection system, which is the kind of real-world safety feature a family can appreciate on a long road trip. Looking up, a massive fixed glass roof bathes the cabin in light, making it feel more open and spacious without the complexity or potential leaks of a movable sunroof.

Now, here’s the honest part of the conversation, the things you need to check for yourself because your body isn’t my body. As I sat there, I noticed that on a bright day, the glare coming off the top of the dashboard was significant. It caused the reflection of the red accent stitching to appear on the inside of the windshield, right in my field of view. It was a minor annoyance, but an annoyance nonetheless. More importantly, from my specific seating position, the bottom of the rearview mirror assembly blocked a small but critical part of my forward-right line of sight. These are the kinds of personal fit issues that you only discover by spending time in the driver’s seat. I’m telling you this so you’ll remember to go to the dealership, sit in the car, adjust the seat and mirrors exactly how you’d have them, and really look around before you even think about signing a piece of paper.

Let’s talk about the price of admission, because it’s not cheap. The model I looked at carried a sticker price of $72,455. That is a lot of car, but it is also a lot of money, and you need to know where it’s going. Part of it is going toward that incredible powertrain. The other part is going to the gas station. The official numbers are 16 miles per gallon in the city, 23 on the highway, for a combined average of 19 MPG. That’s the deal you make when you command 550 horsepower. You have to be honest with yourself about whether you can live with that week in and week out. This isn’t a car for someone whose daily life is a gentle commute in stop-and-go traffic. If that’s you, you’ll be paying a premium for performance you’ll never use and a fuel bill that will feel like a punishment. This car is for the person who needs the practicality of four doors and all-wheel drive but still has that fire in their belly, that desire for something that quickens the pulse.

So, what’s the verdict? The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus is a fascinating evolution. It proves that there is, indeed, life after the V8. The power is undeniable, and the addition of standard all-wheel drive makes it a more practical and versatile performance car than ever before. It’s a true year-round machine that can handle family duty and still deliver serious thrills. However, that capability comes at a steep price, both at the dealership and at the pump. My advice is this: Buy it if you are a true enthusiast who will actually use its performance. Buy it if you need the security of all-wheel drive but refuse to settle for a boring crossover. And most importantly, buy it to keep. This is an investment you make for the long haul to get your money’s worth. If you’re just looking for a stylish commuter, skip it. You’ll be much happier with something more efficient and less expensive. But if you fit that first description, do yourself a favor and go sit in one. Your decision will be made right there in the driver’s seat.

I’m Roosevelt. Buckle up.

The Bottom Line

Buy it if you are a true enthusiast who will actually use its performance, need the security of all-wheel drive but refuse to settle for a boring crossover, and plan to keep it for the long haul. Skip it if you are just looking for a stylish commuter, as you'll be happier with something more efficient and less expensive.

Best For

• True enthusiasts who will use its performance
• Drivers needing all-wheel drive security without a crossover
• Buyers looking for a long-term investment

Skip It If

• Looking for a stylish commuter
• Prioritizing efficiency over performance
• Unwilling to pay a premium for performance

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