The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona gets a redesigned interior, updated infotainment system, and revised powertrain options
The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona arrives with meaningful changes to its cabin layout, technology interface, and available engines. Dodge has redesigned the dashboard and steering wheel, upgraded to a larger touchscreen, and adjusted the electric and gas powertrain lineup. If you own a 2024 or 2025 model, the 2026 refresh represents a mid-cycle update rather than a complete overhaul — the overall body shape and platform remain the same, but the driving experience and interior feel noticeably different.
The changes matter most if you're considering a purchase or comparing model years. The infotainment system now integrates wireless smartphone connectivity as standard, and Dodge has simplified the climate control interface. On the powertrain side, the electric Daytona R/T receives a larger battery option, while the gas-powered Charger Daytona models see adjustments to engine availability and performance ratings.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 interior features a redesigned dashboard, new steering wheel, and an upgraded touchscreen that supports wireless phone integration.
- Battery options for the electric Daytona R/T expand to include a larger capacity choice, increasing driving range on a single charge.
- Gas engine availability shifts for 2026, with some configurations discontinued and others receiving updated specifications.
- The exterior styling remains largely unchanged, so visual differences between 2025 and 2026 models are subtle from the outside.
Interior and Dashboard Redesign
Dodge completely reworked the dashboard layout for 2026. The new design moves the climate controls lower and groups them more logically, reducing the number of small buttons scattered across the upper dash. The steering wheel is new as well — it's thinner, with a flatter bottom and repositioned controls that Dodge says are easier to reach without taking your hands off the wheel.
The infotainment touchscreen grows from 12.3 inches to 13.3 inches, and it now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto out of the box. Previous model years required a wired connection or a paid subscription for wireless capability. The new system also boots faster and responds more smoothly to touch inputs, according to Dodge's specifications.
Storage compartments have been reorganized as well. The center console now includes a wireless charging pad as standard equipment, and the door pockets are slightly deeper. These changes are minor individually but add up to a noticeably different feel when you sit in the cabin.
Electric Daytona R/T Battery and Range Updates
The 2026 Daytona R/T, the all-electric version, now offers two battery sizes instead of one. The base battery remains at 85 kWh, but Dodge adds a new 102 kWh option for models equipped with the larger pack. This larger battery increases the EPA-estimated driving range, though the exact mileage varies depending on whether you choose rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The larger battery does not change the charging speed at DC fast chargers — both battery sizes accept the same maximum charge rate. However, the bigger pack means you can drive farther between charges, which matters most if you regularly take long trips or live in an area with sparse charging infrastructure. The base 85 kWh battery remains the standard choice and keeps the starting price lower.
Dodge has not announced changes to the electric motor output or acceleration times for 2026. The Daytona R/T continues to produce the same horsepower and 0-60 time as the 2025 model, so performance remains consistent year to year.
Gas Engine Lineup Changes
The gas-powered Charger Daytona lineup sees the most significant powertrain shifts for 2026. Dodge discontinues the 3.6-liter V6 engine that was available in 2024 and 2025 models. In its place, the 2026 lineup focuses on the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the 5.7-liter V8 options.
The 2.0-liter turbo receives a slight horsepower increase for 2026 — Dodge has tuned the engine to produce more output at peak RPM. The V8 models remain largely unchanged in terms of raw power, but Dodge has adjusted the transmission calibration to improve shift smoothness and reduce turbo lag during acceleration.
These changes mean fewer engine choices overall, but the remaining options cover the full spectrum from fuel-efficient four-cylinder to high-performance V8. If you were specifically interested in the V6, you would need to look at 2024 or 2025 inventory, as it is not returning for 2026.
Exterior Styling and Body Changes
The 2026 Charger Daytona keeps the same overall shape and proportions as the 2025 model. The front grille, hood, doors, and rear quarter panels are visually identical. From a distance, a 2025 and 2026 side by side would be difficult to tell apart without looking at the badge or wheel design.
Dodge has made minor adjustments to the paint color palette for 2026, discontinuing a few shades and introducing new options. The wheel designs are also refreshed, with new alloy patterns available depending on trim level. These changes are cosmetic and do not affect performance or functionality.
Safety and Technology Features
The 2026 model year brings updated driver information systems across the lineup. Dodge has recalibrated the adaptive cruise control to respond more smoothly to traffic changes, and the lane-keeping information now works at lower speeds. The backup camera resolution remains the same, but the display integration with the larger touchscreen makes the image appear sharper.
Dodge has also expanded the availability of certain premium features. The panoramic sunroof, which was optional on higher trims in 2025, is now standard on the top-tier Daytona models. The Harman Kardon premium audio system receives a software update that improves sound quality without requiring new speakers.
Pricing and Trim Structure
Dodge has not yet released official 2026 pricing, but the company typically announces prices in the fall before the model year begins sales. Based on historical patterns, the 2026 Charger Daytona is expected to cost slightly more than the 2025 equivalent, reflecting the new interior technology and battery options. The price increase, if any, would likely be in the $500 to $1,500 range depending on trim and powertrain.
The trim structure remains similar to 2025: SE, SXT, R/T, and Daytona R/T for the electric version. Each trim adds specific features and powertrain options, and the 2026 lineup maintains this hierarchy. If you are comparing 2025 and 2026 models, check the specific trim level you are interested in, because feature availability sometimes shifts between years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Charger Daytona significantly different from the 2025?
The 2026 is a mid-cycle refresh, not a complete redesign. The exterior looks nearly identical, but the interior dashboard, infotainment system, and powertrain options have changed noticeably. If you own a 2025, the 2026 is not so different that you would feel compelled to upgrade, but if you are shopping now, the 2026 improvements in technology and battery options are worth considering.
Can I get the V6 engine in a 2026 Charger Daytona?
No. Dodge discontinued the 3.6-liter V6 after the 2025 model year. For 2026, your gas engine choices are the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or the 5.7-liter V8. If the V6 is important to you, you would need to purchase a 2024 or 2025 model from dealer inventory.
Does the larger battery in the 2026 electric Daytona R/T charge faster?
No. Both the 85 kWh and 102 kWh batteries accept the same maximum DC fast-charging rate. The larger battery straightforward holds more energy, so you can drive farther between charges. Charging time from empty to full is longer with the bigger battery, but the charging speed — measured in kilowatts per hour — is the same.
What is the new touchscreen size, and does it work with my phone?
The 2026 touchscreen is 13.3 inches, up from 12.3 inches in 2025. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment, so you can connect your phone without a cable. Previous model years required a wired connection or a paid subscription for wireless capability.
Will 2026 Charger Daytona prices be higher than 2025?
Dodge has not released official 2026 pricing yet. Historically, mid-cycle refreshes result in modest price increases of $500 to $1,500, reflecting new technology and features. Exact pricing will be announced closer to the 2026 model year launch in the fall.