The 2023 Dodge Charger lineup and what sets each version apart

The 2023 Dodge Charger comes in five main trim levels — SE, SXT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Super Stock — and each one pairs with specific engine and transmission choices. The SE and SXT use a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Super Stock all use a 5.7-liter V8 engine, though the Super Stock adds a six-speed manual transmission as an option alongside the eight-speed automatic. Understanding which configuration you're looking at matters because engine choice directly affects fuel consumption, performance, and the maintenance costs you'll face over time.

Dodge discontinued the Charger after the 2023 model year, making this the final generation of this particular body style. If you're researching a 2023 model, you're looking at the final note to find this configuration new or nearly new on dealer lots.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Charger SE and SXT trims use a 3.6-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic, while R/T and higher trims use a 5.7-liter V8.
  • The Super Stock trim is the only 2023 Charger that offers a six-speed manual transmission, paired with the V8 engine.
  • Engine choice affects not just performance but also fuel economy, insurance rates, and long-term maintenance expenses.
  • The 2023 model year was the final year for this Charger generation, so inventory of specific configurations may be limited.

V6 engine in the SE and SXT: what you get and what it costs to run

The 3.6-liter V6 in the SE and SXT produces 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that handles gear shifts automatically — you don't choose gears yourself. The V6 is the more fuel-efficient choice in the Charger lineup, though "efficient" is relative for a full-size sedan.

The V6 configuration costs less upfront than the V8 models and typically has lower insurance premiums because it's considered lower-performance. Maintenance on a V6 is generally less expensive than on a V8 because there are fewer cylinders and less overall stress on the engine during normal driving. If you plan to keep the car for many years and want to minimize fuel and maintenance costs, the V6 is the practical choice, even though it's the least powerful Charger available.

V8 engine in the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Super Stock: performance and fuel consumption

The 5.7-liter V8 engine produces 370 horsepower in the R/T trim and 485 horsepower in the R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock trims. The difference comes from tuning and internal modifications — all three use the same basic engine block, but the Scat Pack and Super Stock versions are calibrated for higher output. All V8 Chargers come standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The V8 will consume noticeably more fuel than the V6, particularly in city driving where the engine works harder at lower speeds. Insurance costs rise with the V8 because of the higher horsepower rating. Maintenance expenses also increase — spark plugs, oil changes, and other routine service typically cost more on a V8 than a V6. If you drive the car hard or frequently, wear on the V8 accelerates faster than on the V6.

Manual transmission: only in the Super Stock

The Super Stock is the only 2023 Charger that offers a six-speed manual transmission. This transmission requires you to shift gears yourself using the clutch pedal and gear stick. The manual is paired exclusively with the 485-horsepower V8 engine and is not available on any other trim or engine combination.

A manual transmission appeals to drivers who want direct control over the car's performance and enjoy the driving experience of shifting gears. It also typically costs less to repair than an automatic transmission when something goes wrong, though manual transmissions in modern cars are generally reliable. The trade-off is that a manual is harder to drive in heavy traffic, and it limits your resale market because fewer buyers today know how to drive a stick shift.

How trim level affects what engine options you can choose

Dodge structured the 2023 Charger so that engine choice is tied directly to trim level — you cannot mix and match freely. The SE and SXT trims come only with the V6. The R/T comes only with the 370-horsepower V8. The R/T Scat Pack comes only with the 485-horsepower V8. The Super Stock comes with the 485-horsepower V8 and adds the manual transmission option.

This structure means that if you want a V8, you must step up to at least the R/T trim, which increases the purchase price beyond just the engine upgrade. If you want the manual transmission, you must buy the Super Stock, the most expensive trim level. Understanding this hierarchy helps you figure out what the actual cost difference is between configurations you're comparing.

Fuel economy differences between the V6 and V8

The 2023 Charger SE and SXT with the V6 engine are rated by the EPA at approximately 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 31 miles per gallon on the highway, though real-world results vary based on driving habits and conditions. The R/T with the V8 is rated at approximately 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway. The R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock, with higher horsepower tuning, are rated slightly lower.

The difference adds up over time. If you drive 12,000 miles per year and gas costs $3 per gallon, the V6 costs roughly $1,160 per year in fuel, while the V8 costs roughly $1,500 per year — a difference of about $340 annually. Over five years, that's $1,700 in additional fuel costs for the V8. This calculation changes if gas prices rise or fall, or if you drive more or fewer miles, but it illustrates why fuel economy matters when comparing configurations.

Resale value and what buyers look for in used 2023 Chargers

The V8 models, particularly the R/T Scat Pack and Super Stock, typically hold resale value better than the V6 because they appeal to enthusiasts and performance-minded buyers. The manual transmission Super Stock is rare and appeals to a specific audience, which can work for or against resale depending on the buyer pool in your area. The V6 SE and SXT are more common and appeal to buyers looking for basic transportation, so they may depreciate faster.

Mileage, condition, and service history matter more to resale value than configuration, but configuration does influence which buyers will be interested. If you plan to sell the car in a few years, a V8 model may be easier to move, though it will have cost more to own in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 2023 Charger with a V8 and automatic transmission?

Yes. The R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and Super Stock all come with the 5.7-liter V8 paired to an eight-speed automatic. The manual transmission is only available on the Super Stock, and it's optional — you can choose the automatic instead.

What's the difference between the R/T and R/T Scat Pack V8?

Both use the same 5.7-liter V8 engine block, but the Scat Pack version is tuned to produce 485 horsepower instead of the R/T's 370 horsepower. The Scat Pack also includes performance upgrades like a performance suspension and upgraded brakes. The higher output means more fuel consumption and faster wear on components under hard driving.

Is the V6 Charger slow?

The V6 produces 292 horsepower, which is adequate for highway driving and normal acceleration but noticeably slower than the V8 models when accelerating from a stop or passing. Whether it feels "slow" depends on what you're comparing it to and what you use the car for. For daily commuting, most drivers find it sufficient.

Does the manual transmission Super Stock get worse fuel economy than the automatic?

Manual and automatic transmissions in the same car typically achieve similar fuel economy when driven normally. The manual may achieve slightly better economy if you shift efficiently, or slightly worse if you drive aggressively. The difference is small enough that transmission type is not the main factor in fuel consumption — engine size and driving habits matter far more.