Acceleration

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
6	7	9	7

The 2.7 V6 is tepid and requires lots of room for passing and merging. Dodge says 11.3 seconds 0-60 mph. The 3.5 V6 is fine in town and has good passing punch. Dodge says it does 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds with rear-drive. No opportunity yet to test Charger with AWD. R/T has ready power from any speed. The extra 10 hp of the R/T Performance Group is pretty much undetectable. Multi-Displacement System switches between four and eight cylinder operation without interrupting power flow, but some testers say it causes a slight driveline shudder. SRT8 models are bona fide muscle cars, reaching 60 mph from a stop in just 5.0 seconds.

Fuel Economy

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
5	4	3	4.3

No opportunity to measure with the 2.7 V6 or AWD. In Consumer Guide testing, rear-drive 3.5 V6 models averaged 17.9-21.6 mpg; extended-use-test Charger SXT averaged 19.4 mpg over 6147 miles.

Test R/T averaged 14.6 mpg in mostly city driving, 18.4 with more highway work. SRT8 averaged 14.3 mpg in mostly city driving, 16.9 in mostly highway driving. Dodge recommends 87-octane gas for 2.7 V6, 89 for the 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, and 91 octane for the SRT8.

Ride Quality

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
7	6	5	6.6

Generally smooth and composed, but rippled pavement can trigger annoying jiggling, especially in V8 models with their firmer suspensions. SRT8s and Road/Track Performance Group versions are even stiffer but never punishing.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
6	7	8	6.9

Linear steering with good road feel. Stable at highway speeds. These big cars aren't nimble in quick direction changes, but they have fine balance and grip in turns, SRT8s in particular. All have confident stopping control, but some testers complain of long pedal travel. Test rear-drive V8 models negotiated rainy roads without undue slip. AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction.

Quietness

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
6	6	5	6.4

Noticeable roar from V6 during acceleration. V8s make throaty full-throttle growl--SRT8s sound like race cars--but are quiet enough in gentle cruising. R/Ts and SRT8s have more tire roar than other Chargers. Wind rush evident at highway speeds. Note: Charger's Daytona R/T Package includes aggressive-sounding performance exhaust tuning that some testers found tiresome on long trips.

Controls

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.9

Instruments are large and easy to read, but the steering-wheel rim cuts into view of turn-signal arrows and gauges for fuel and temperature. Most controls are within easy reach, though some are too low to easily adjust while driving. The navigation system is fairly easy to operate, though some functions could require fewer button presses.

Details

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
6	6	6	7

Interior materials are a slight grade below those of Chrysler 300, but are appropriate for these prices, with solid feel and a nice array of padded surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	8	7.4

Spacious. Ample headroom and legroom. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide during aggressive cornering. SRT8 and Charger R/T with Road/Track Performance Group address this problem with sport buckets. SRT8 seats have good lateral support and outstanding comfort. Thick front roof pillars obscure view to front corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

Easy entry and exit. Great room for two. Legoom and foot space are plentiful, even with front seats lowered and pushed well back. Head clearance is tight for six-footers. Enough thigh support for long-trip comfort, but middle rider must straddle bulky driveline hump.

Cargo Room

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
4	4	4	4

Charger's trunk is usefully sized and shaped, but a relatively small opening complicates loading bulky objects. The standard split folding 60/40 rear seatbacks enhance versatility, though they don't lay completely flat.

Value within Class

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
10	9	6	7.9

Passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make Charger a 2008 Consumer Guide Best Buy. The 2.7-liter V6 can't move this big car with much verve, but the 3.5-liter V6 provides more-than-adequate power, as does the R/T versions' Hemi V8. SRT8 models are true modern muscle cars.

Total Score

SXT	R/T	SRT8	Class Average
70	69	67	71.1

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		65
Average Score		71
High Score		75