The 2022 Dodge Charger lineup and what sets each trim apart

The 2022 Dodge Charger came in five main trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Super Stock. Each trim determined what engine you got, what features came standard, and what options you could add. The SE and SXT used a 3.6-liter V6 engine, while the R/T trims and Super Stock used a 5.7-liter V8. Understanding which trim matched your needs meant knowing not just the engine difference, but also the interior features, safety technology, and performance upgrades that came with each one.

The base SE was the most affordable entry point into the Charger lineup. It came with the V6 engine, manual windows, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system. The SXT added more comfort features like power windows, power locks, and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both the SE and SXT could be ordered with all-wheel drive, which was not available on the V8 models.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Charger offered a V6 engine in the SE and SXT trims, and a V8 engine in the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Super Stock trims.
  • The SE trim was the base model with manual windows and a smaller touchscreen, while the SXT added power windows, power locks, and a larger infotainment screen.
  • The R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock were high-performance variants with upgraded suspension, brakes, and transmission tuning designed for track and street driving.
  • All-wheel drive was only available on the V6-powered SE and SXT models, not on any of the V8 variants.
  • Optional packages like the Blacktop Package, Daytona Package, and Redline Package added visual and performance upgrades to specific trims.

V6 engine options in the SE and SXT

The 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It came paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. This engine was designed for everyday driving and fuel economy, making it the choice for buyers who wanted a Charger for commuting and general use rather than performance driving.

The V6 models could tow up to 3,600 pounds when properly equipped, which made them practical for light hauling. Fuel economy estimates for the V6 SE with rear-wheel drive were around 18 city and 27 highway miles per gallon, though this varied slightly depending on whether you chose all-wheel drive or added certain options. The all-wheel drive versions of the SE and SXT were the only Chargers available with that drivetrain in 2022.

V8 engine options in the R/T and performance trims

The 5.7-liter V8 engine was the heart of the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Super Stock models. It produced 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque in the standard R/T, making it significantly more powerful than the V6. The R/T came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock could be ordered with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

The R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock received additional tuning and upgrades beyond the base R/T. The Scat Pack added a performance-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes with larger rotors, a performance-calibrated transmission, and a more aggressive exterior appearance. The Super Stock was the most extreme version, with a supercharger that boosted output to 807 horsepower, a reinforced transmission, and track-focused suspension geometry. The Super Stock was limited to rear-wheel drive only and came exclusively with the six-speed manual transmission.

Interior and technology differences across trims

The SE came with the most basic interior setup: cloth seats, manual windows and locks, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The SXT upgraded to power windows and locks, added a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Both the SE and SXT offered cloth seats as the base option, though leather was available as an upgrade.

The R/T models stepped up with leather-trimmed seats, a premium 8.4-inch touchscreen, and a nine-speaker audio system. The R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock added performance-focused interior details like sport seats with bolstering, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and unique gauge cluster displays. All R/T models included dual-zone automatic climate control, which was not available on the V6 trims.

Optional packages and exterior styling choices

Dodge offered several appearance packages that changed how the Charger looked without altering the engine or core performance. The Blacktop Package added black exterior trim, black wheels, and a black roof stripe to any trim level. The Daytona Package included a unique grille, hood graphics, and specific wheel designs inspired by Dodge's racing heritage. The Redline Package added red accents to the exterior and interior, including red seat stitching and red brake calipers on V8 models.

Beyond these packages, buyers could choose from multiple wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches, different paint colors, and stripe options. The R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock came with more aggressive standard styling, including a functional hood scoop on the Scat Pack and a unique front fascia on the Super Stock. These visual upgrades were part of the trim itself rather than optional packages.

Transmission and drivetrain configurations

All 2022 Chargers came with either an eight-speed automatic or, on certain trims, a six-speed manual transmission. The V6 SE and SXT models were automatic-only. The R/T came standard with the eight-speed automatic but could be ordered with the six-speed manual. The R/T Scat Pack offered both transmissions as options. The Super Stock came exclusively with the six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Rear-wheel drive was standard on all models. All-wheel drive was available only on the V6-powered SE and SXT trims. This meant that if you wanted a V8 Charger, you were limited to rear-wheel drive. The manual transmission on the R/T and R/T Scat Pack gave drivers direct control over gear selection, which appealed to enthusiasts who preferred that driving experience over the automatic's convenience.

Safety features and driver information technology

The 2022 Charger lineup included several safety systems as standard or optional depending on the trim. All models came with a rearview camera, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. The SXT and higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The R/T models included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

The R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock added a performance-focused driver information package that included launch control and line-lock, which are features designed for track driving. These systems helped drivers maximize traction during acceleration and hold the brakes steady during burnouts. The Super Stock also included a unique performance data recorder that could capture video and telemetry from track sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the R/T and R/T Scat Pack?

Both use the same 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 370 horsepower, but the Scat Pack adds a performance-tuned suspension, larger Brembo brakes, a performance-calibrated transmission, and more aggressive exterior styling. The Scat Pack is designed for drivers who want enhanced handling and braking for spirited driving or track use.

Can I get all-wheel drive with a V8 engine?

No. All-wheel drive was only available on the V6-powered SE and SXT models. All V8 Chargers, including the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Super Stock, came exclusively with rear-wheel drive.

What engine does the base SE model have?

The SE comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 horsepower. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Is the manual transmission available on all trims?

No. The six-speed manual transmission was available on the R/T and R/T Scat Pack as an option, but only the Super Stock came exclusively with the manual. The V6 SE and SXT models were automatic-only.

What makes the Super Stock different from the R/T Scat Pack?

The Super Stock features a supercharged 5.7-liter V8 producing 807 horsepower, compared to the Scat Pack's 370 horsepower. It also comes with a reinforced transmission, track-focused suspension, and a performance data recorder. The Super Stock is manual-only and rear-wheel drive only.