What the Dodge Charger GT is and where it sits in the lineup
The Dodge Charger GT is a mid-level trim of the seventh-generation Charger (2015–2023), positioned between the base SE model and the higher-performance R/T and SRT variants. It uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard. The GT adds performance and comfort features over the SE—including a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen—without the V8 engine and premium pricing of the R/T.
Dodge discontinued the Charger nameplate after the 2023 model year, so the GT trim is no longer in production. Used examples from 2015 onward remain available on the secondhand market. The GT was designed as a practical choice for buyers who wanted Charger styling and handling without committing to V8 fuel consumption or the R/T's higher cost.
Key Takeaways
- The Charger GT uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 292 horsepower, not a V8, making it more fuel-efficient than the R/T but less powerful.
- EPA fuel economy estimates for the GT are 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg, though real-world results depend on driving habits and conditions.
- The GT includes a sport-tuned suspension and 20-inch wheels as standard, giving it handling closer to the R/T than the base SE model.
- Dodge ended Charger production after 2023, so all Charger GT models are from 2015 or earlier, and parts availability may tighten over time.
Engine, transmission, and fuel economy
The Charger GT's 3.6-liter V6 is a Pentastar engine shared across Chrysler's lineup. It delivers 292 horsepower at 6,350 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a TorqueFlite unit designed to balance acceleration and efficiency. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive was not offered on the Charger during this generation.
The EPA rates the GT at 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. These figures assume standard driving patterns and do not account for individual driving style, traffic conditions, or vehicle load. A driver who accelerates aggressively or spends most time in city traffic will see lower numbers; highway cruising at steady speeds typically yields results closer to the EPA highway estimate. The Charger GT uses regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Suspension, braking, and handling characteristics
The Charger GT comes with a sport-tuned suspension that lowers the car slightly compared to the SE and adds stiffer springs and dampers. This setup reduces body roll in corners and improves steering response without making the ride uncomfortably harsh on rough pavement. The GT rides on 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires; wheel and tire options vary by model year.
Braking uses four-wheel disc brakes with ABS as standard. The GT does not include performance brake upgrades found on the R/T, such as larger rotors or Brembo calipers. Stopping distance from 60 mph varies by tire condition and road surface but typically falls in the 120 to 130-foot range for a well-maintained example. Electronic stability control and traction control are standard and cannot be fully disabled on most model years, though they can be partially reduced through the vehicle's settings.
Interior features and technology
The Charger GT includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (availability depends on model year). Cloth or leather seating is available depending on the year and options selected. The GT adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats compared to the SE.
Storage space includes a 16.2-cubic-foot trunk and a center console with a small bin. The rear seat folds to expand cargo room, though the Charger is a sedan and not designed for large items. Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system are standard on most GT model years. Premium audio upgrades and navigation were available as options.
Safety ratings and standard equipment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2015–2023 Charger a four-star overall rating, with five-star ratings in side-crash and rollover tests and four-star ratings in frontal-crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not test the Charger during this generation, so IIHS ratings are not available.
Standard safety equipment on the GT includes dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control. Rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors are standard on most model years. Adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning were available as options on later model years but were not standard on the GT trim.
Maintenance costs and parts availability
The Charger GT uses common Chrysler components, which means parts are widely available through dealerships and independent suppliers. Oil changes, filters, and wear items like brake pads and tires are inexpensive and straightforward to source. The 3.6-liter V6 is known for reliability when maintained on schedule, though some model years have had issues with transmission software updates and electrical gremlins.
Scheduled maintenance includes oil changes every 10,000 miles, transmission fluid service around 100,000 miles, and coolant replacement at 100,000 miles. Spark plugs typically last 100,000 miles. Repair costs for major components like the transmission or engine are higher than for a compact sedan but lower than for the V8-powered R/T. As the Charger is no longer in production, some specialized parts may become harder to find in the coming years, though the 2015–2023 generation is recent enough that inventory should remain adequate for the next five to ten years.
How the GT compares to other Charger trims
The Charger SE is the base model and uses the same 3.6-liter V6 but with a standard suspension and 18-inch wheels. It lacks the sport tuning and some comfort features of the GT, making it less expensive but less refined on winding roads. The Charger R/T steps up to a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower, a firmer suspension, and larger brakes; it costs significantly more and returns worse fuel economy (around 16 city / 25 highway). The Charger SRT is the high-performance variant with a 6.4-liter V8, 470 horsepower, and track-focused suspension and braking.
The GT occupies the practical middle ground: it offers better handling and features than the SE without the fuel consumption and cost of the R/T. For buyers who prioritize balanced performance and everyday usability over maximum power, the GT is often the best value in the Charger lineup. Used GT models typically cost $2,000 to $5,000 less than comparable R/T examples, depending on mileage and condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Charger GT a V8 or V6?
The Charger GT uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 292 horsepower. The V8 engines (5.7-liter and 6.4-liter) are found only in the R/T and SRT trims. The V6 is more fuel-efficient but produces less power and acceleration than the V8 options.
What is the 0 to 60 time for a Charger GT?
The Charger GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.5 to 8 seconds, depending on driving conditions and whether the car is stock or modified. This is slower than the R/T (around 5.5 seconds) but adequate for highway merging and everyday driving.
Can I find parts for a Charger GT today?
Yes. The Charger GT uses common Chrysler components, and parts are available through Dodge dealerships, independent repair shops, and online suppliers. Routine maintenance items like filters and spark plugs are inexpensive and widely stocked. Specialized parts may take longer to source but are still obtainable.
How much does it cost to insure a Charger GT?
Insurance costs vary by age, driving record, location, and coverage level. The Charger GT is a mid-size sedan with moderate performance, so insurance is typically less expensive than for the R/T or SRT but slightly higher than for compact sedans. Request quotes from multiple insurers for an accurate estimate.
Why did Dodge stop making the Charger?
Dodge discontinued the Charger after 2023 as part of a broader shift toward electric vehicles and crossovers. The company is focusing production on the new electric Charger and other models. The seventh-generation Charger (2015–2023) was the last gasoline-powered version of the nameplate.