The Dodge Charger SUV Does Not Exist

There is no vehicle called the Dodge Charger SUV. Dodge makes the Charger as a four-door sedan — a car with a trunk, not an SUV. If you are looking for a Dodge sport utility vehicle, the company currently offers the Durango (a three-row SUV) and the Hornet (a compact crossover). If a dealer or listing mentions a "Charger SUV," it is either mislabeled or referring to a different vehicle entirely.

The Dodge Charger name has belonged to a muscle car or performance sedan since 1966, with a brief gap in production. Dodge has never applied the Charger badge to an SUV model. This matters because searching for the wrong vehicle name will waste your time and may lead you to compare the wrong specs, pricing, and fuel economy against what you actually want to buy.

Key Takeaways

  • Dodge does not make a vehicle called the Charger SUV — the Charger is a four-door sedan only.
  • If you want a Dodge SUV, your current options are the Durango (larger, three rows of seating) or the Hornet (smaller, two rows).
  • A mislabeled listing or dealer description may use "Charger SUV" by mistake; always verify the actual model name and body style before comparing vehicles.
  • Checking the vehicle's VIN or window sticker will show you the real model name and help you find accurate fuel economy and environmental information.

How to Identify What Vehicle You Are Actually Looking At

If you are shopping for a vehicle and see "Charger SUV" in a listing or advertisement, start by looking at the window sticker or the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The window sticker, usually on the driver's side window of a new car, clearly states the model name. The VIN is a 17-character code found on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver's side door jamb, and a VIN decoder will tell you the exact model.

You can also look at the vehicle's shape. An SUV has a boxy profile, sits higher off the ground, and typically has a cargo area behind the rear wheels. A sedan is lower, has a trunk that is separate from the passenger cabin, and looks more like a traditional car. The Charger is unmistakably a sedan — it has four doors, a long hood, and a trunk. If the vehicle you are looking at has that shape, it is a Charger, not an SUV.

Dodge SUVs You May Be Looking For

The Dodge Durango is Dodge's full-size SUV. It seats up to seven passengers across three rows, has a large cargo area, and comes in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Durango is available with multiple engine options, including a V8, which affects its fuel economy and environmental rating. It is significantly larger and heavier than the Charger sedan.

The Dodge Hornet is Dodge's compact crossover SUV, introduced more recently. It is smaller than the Durango, seats five passengers, and is designed for buyers who want SUV styling and higher seating position without the size of a full-size SUV. The Hornet is lighter and more fuel-efficient than the Durango, which also affects its environmental impact.

If you are comparing vehicles for environmental information, knowing which one you are actually looking at matters significantly. A Durango and a Charger sedan will have very different fuel economy ratings, emissions profiles, and environmental classifications because they are different vehicle classes with different weights and designs.

Why the Confusion Happens

The confusion between "Charger" and "SUV" usually comes from one of three sources. First, some dealers or online listings mislabel vehicles — a Durango might be tagged as a Charger by mistake, or a Charger might be incorrectly described as an SUV. Second, buyers sometimes use "SUV" as a catch-all term for any vehicle that is not a sedan, which can include crossovers and other body styles. Third, the Charger's muscular, aggressive styling can make it look more rugged than a typical sedan, which may lead someone to assume it is an SUV.

If you found the term "Charger SUV" on a dealer website or a classified listing, contact the dealer directly and ask for the vehicle's actual model name and VIN. This takes one phone call and prevents you from wasting time researching the wrong vehicle.

Finding Accurate Environmental Information

Once you know which vehicle you are actually looking at — whether it is a Charger sedan, a Durango, or a Hornet — you can find its environmental rating and fuel economy information on the EPA's website or on the vehicle's window sticker. The EPA rates vehicles by model year, engine type, and transmission, so you need the exact configuration to get accurate data.

The Charger sedan, for example, comes with different engine options (V8 or inline-six, depending on the year), and each engine has its own EPA fuel economy rating and emissions classification. A Durango with a V8 will have a different environmental profile than a Hornet with a turbocharged four-cylinder. Knowing which vehicle and which engine you are comparing is the only way to get meaningful environmental information.

What to Do If You Are Still Unsure

If you are shopping for a vehicle and the listing or dealer description is unclear, ask to see the Monroney label (the official window sticker). This label shows the model name, engine type, transmission, fuel economy, and environmental rating. It is the authoritative source for any new vehicle's specifications and environmental data.

You can also use the VIN to look up the vehicle on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or on Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book, both of which have VIN decoders. These tools will tell you the exact model, year, engine, and transmission, and will often include fuel economy and environmental ratings as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dodge Charger being made as an SUV in the future?

Dodge has announced plans to discontinue the Charger sedan and introduce a new electric vehicle under the Charger name, but this has not yet been released. Until that vehicle launches and its specifications are confirmed, there is no Charger SUV available for purchase. Check Dodge's official website for current model availability.

What if a dealer told me they have a Charger SUV in stock?

Ask the dealer for the vehicle's VIN and the window sticker. The VIN will show you the actual model name. If the dealer insists it is a Charger SUV, they are either mistaken or mislabeling the vehicle. You can verify the model yourself using the VIN before visiting the dealership.

How do I compare the Charger sedan to Dodge SUVs for fuel economy?

Look up each vehicle on the EPA's fueleconomy.gov website using the model year and engine type. The Charger sedan will be listed separately from the Durango and Hornet. Compare the EPA estimates for the specific configuration you are interested in, as fuel economy varies by engine, transmission, and drive type.

Can I find environmental ratings for the Charger and Dodge SUVs in one place?

Yes, fueleconomy.gov and the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide both list environmental ratings for all Dodge models. You can filter by model year and body style to compare the Charger sedan against the Durango or Hornet side by side.