Dodge calls the Charger a four-door coupe, and it is aptly named. The sporty profile and responsive handling put it a notch above the typical family sedan.
In general, rear-wheel-drive cars have better dry-road handling because of superior balance. In snow, ice or heavy rain, however, traction sometimes suffers.
The answer? Dodge offers the Charger with optional all-wheel drive.
The test car was an all-wheel-drive SXT. Its base price was $29,490, and the as-driven price was $34,220.
Dodge’s all-wheel-drive system has an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect, a combination that Dodge says is not offered by any other major manufacturer. Driving the front axle only when needed results in slightly better fuel economy while maintaining the handling of rear-wheel drive.
Dodge came up with a clever solution to activating all-wheel drive. The transfer case that sends power to the front wheels is triggered by outside temperatures or by the rear wheels’ slipping. Shifting the transmission into Auto Stick mode also activates the system, as does running the windshield wipers for an extended time. When all-wheel drive is active, a light in the instrument cluster notifies the driver.
Vehicle stability control, all-speed traction control and anti-lock brakes are standard as well.
All-wheel drive is offered on V-6 or V-8 models. The test car was equipped with the 250-horsepower V-6. This 3.5-liter engine has more than adequate power and returns fuel mileage of 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.
The Charger SE, with a 2.7-liter V-6, delivers 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, but it is not available with the all-wheel-drive option.
The Charger name dates to the muscle cars of the 1960s. The modern iteration is considerably more refined than the original, but the shape reflects traditional muscle car values. The long character line on the side defines the front corners and kicks up and over a large rear fender. The high beltline and narrow side windows are not as exaggerated as those of the Chrysler 300.
The Charger shares its chassis and many mechanical components with the Chrysler 300. With the longest wheelbase in its class, the Dodge Charger offers a spacious and refined interior. The rear seat has plenty of legroom for adults. The sloping roof encroaches on rear-seat headroom. The Charger’s seating position is more than two inches higher than the previous-generation Dodge sedan, and it gives a comfortable command-of-the-road view.
The cabin is well conceived, comfortable and cozy. The interior surfaces look rich. The instrument panel is covered with a heavy, low-gloss texture that resembles real leather. The center stack contains large, easy-to-grip climate-control knobs. Fit and finish is outstanding.
White-faced gauges are rimmed by brushed silver trim. The gearshift lever, topped by a large shift knob, moves through a notched shift gate like that of a European sedan.
The Charger’s seats have excellent support and are firmer than those in previous Chrysler products.
The Charger’s performance character in no way detracts from its practical side. It is fully capable of hauling four people, and it has a sizable trunk. All-wheel drive merely makes it more appealing for our changeable weather.
Price
The test car’s base price was $29,490. Options included leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, side-curtain airbags, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod interface for the audio system. The sticker price was $34,220.
Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles with a lifetime limited powertrain warranty.
2009 Dodge Charger SXT
Engine: 3.5-liter, 250-hp V-6
Transmission: automatic
All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 120 inches
Curb weight: 4,062 lbs.
Base price: $29,490
As driven: $34,220
Mpg rating: 17 city, 23 hwy.
To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.
