Engine, Power, and Fuel Economy for the 2018 Charger GT AWD

The 2018 Dodge Charger GT with all-wheel drive comes with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system sends power to all four wheels, which changes how the car handles compared to the rear-wheel-drive version.

Fuel economy for the 2018 Charger GT AWD is estimated at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, according to EPA ratings. The combined estimate is 19 miles per gallon. These numbers are lower than the rear-wheel-drive GT model because the all-wheel-drive system adds weight and mechanical complexity. The car requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, which gives you a driving range of roughly 280 to 460 miles per tank depending on your driving conditions. Highway driving will stretch your range further than city driving.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Charger GT AWD has a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 370 horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated 19 miles per gallon combined.
  • All-wheel drive improves traction in snow and wet conditions but reduces fuel economy compared to the rear-wheel-drive model.
  • The car produces 395 pound-feet of torque, making it responsive for acceleration and highway merging.
  • Emissions from this model are higher than smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles because of the large V8 engine and all-wheel-drive system.

How the All-Wheel-Drive System Works

The all-wheel-drive system in the 2018 Charger GT distributes engine power to all four wheels instead of just the rear wheels. This means better grip on slippery surfaces like snow, ice, and wet pavement. When you accelerate, the system automatically adjusts how much power goes to the front and rear wheels based on road conditions and traction.

The trade-off is that all-wheel drive adds roughly 150 pounds to the vehicle's weight compared to rear-wheel drive. That extra weight is why the AWD model uses more fuel. The system also requires more maintenance because there are additional components like a front differential and transfer case that need servicing.

Emissions and Environmental Impact

The 2018 Dodge Charger GT AWD produces higher tailpipe emissions than smaller sedans and hybrid vehicles because of its large V8 engine. The car meets federal emissions standards set by the EPA for that model year, but it is not a low-emission vehicle by modern standards.

The vehicle's carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 470 grams per mile, which reflects the fuel consumption rate. Vehicles that produce more carbon dioxide contribute more to climate change than fuel-efficient models. If you are concerned about your environmental footprint, this is a significant consideration when choosing between this model and smaller or hybrid alternatives.

The 2018 model does not have a hybrid option, so there is no way to reduce emissions through that technology on this particular generation of the Charger.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

The 2018 Charger GT AWD typically costs more to maintain than rear-wheel-drive models because of the additional all-wheel-drive components. Oil changes, tire rotations, and brake service are standard maintenance items. The all-wheel-drive system itself requires periodic fluid checks and occasional servicing of the transfer case and front differential.

Tires wear faster on all-wheel-drive vehicles because all four wheels are powered and turning. You will need to replace all four tires at the same time to maintain proper all-wheel-drive function, rather than replacing just two. This is an important cost to budget for over the life of the vehicle.

Major repairs to the V8 engine, transmission, or all-wheel-drive system can be expensive. Parts and labor for a V8 engine are generally costlier than for smaller engines because of the complexity and the number of components involved.

Performance and Handling Characteristics

The 2018 Charger GT AWD accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 5.8 seconds, which is quick for a full-size sedan. The all-wheel-drive system provides better traction off the line and during acceleration on slippery surfaces compared to rear-wheel drive.

Handling is more stable in snow and rain because power is distributed to all four wheels. The car feels planted and less likely to slide or lose traction during cornering in wet conditions. However, the all-wheel-drive system also makes the steering feel slightly heavier and less responsive than the rear-wheel-drive version, and it reduces the car's ability to perform the kind of controlled slides that rear-wheel-drive enthusiasts prefer.

The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sport handling, so the ride is smooth on highways but the car leans noticeably in sharp turns. The steering is power-assisted and does not provide much feedback about road conditions.

Interior Features and Technology

The 2018 Charger GT comes with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display that controls the infotainment system. The system includes Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming, a backup camera, and satellite radio capability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not standard on this model year but may be available as an upgrade depending on the specific trim.

The interior seats five passengers comfortably. Front seats are power-adjustable with lumbar support. The trunk holds 16.2 cubic feet of cargo, which is adequate for groceries and luggage but smaller than some competitors. The cabin is quieter than you might expect from a V8 sedan, thanks to sound-dampening materials in the doors and floor.

Safety Ratings and Features

The 2018 Dodge Charger GT received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The car includes standard features like electronic stability control, traction control, and a suite of airbags. Anti-lock brakes come standard on all trims.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not award the 2018 Charger its top safety pick designation. The car performed adequately in crash tests but did not exceed the highest standards in all categories. Blind-spot visibility is a known weakness of the Charger's design because of its wide body and thick rear pillars.

Optional safety features available on the 2018 GT include a forward-collision warning system and adaptive cruise control. These features can reduce the risk of certain types of accidents but are not standard equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2018 Charger GT AWD have good winter performance?

Yes. The all-wheel-drive system provides significantly better traction in snow and ice than rear-wheel drive. The car will start and accelerate more reliably in winter conditions. However, the large V8 engine and heavy weight mean the car requires longer stopping distances on snow and ice, so winter tires are strongly recommended.

What is the difference between the GT and other 2018 Charger trims?

The GT sits in the middle of the Charger lineup. It has the 5.7-liter V8 engine standard, while lower trims use smaller engines. Higher trims like the R/T and SRT add more powerful engines and sport-tuned suspensions. The GT offers a balance between performance and everyday usability.

Can I tow with the 2018 Charger GT AWD?

The 2018 Charger GT is not rated for towing. Dodge does not provide a towing capacity for this model because the car's frame and suspension are not designed for that purpose. If you need towing capability, you would need to consider a truck or SUV instead.

How does the all-wheel-drive system affect acceleration?

All-wheel drive actually improves acceleration off the line because power goes to all four wheels instead of just the rear two. This reduces wheel spin and allows the engine's power to transfer to the road more efficiently. The trade-off is slightly reduced fuel economy due to the added weight and mechanical complexity.