The Scat Pack is Dodge's mid-tier performance trim for the Charger sedan

The Scat Pack is a performance package that Dodge offers on its Charger four-door sedan. It sits between the base Charger and the top-tier R/T 392 model in terms of power and price. The Scat Pack comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Dodge discontinued the Charger nameplate after the 2023 model year, so Scat Pack Chargers are no longer in production. If you are shopping for one, you will be looking at used vehicles from 2015 onward, when Dodge reintroduced the Scat Pack badge to the Charger lineup. The package includes performance-focused suspension tuning, upgraded brakes, a distinctive hood with a functional air scoop, and unique badging that makes the car recognizable on the road.

Key Takeaways

  • The Scat Pack Charger uses a 5.7-liter V8 with 485 horsepower, making it faster than the base Charger but less powerful than the R/T 392 variant.
  • Scat Pack models come with performance suspension, larger brakes, and a distinctive hood scoop that is both functional and cosmetic.
  • Production ended after 2023, so all Scat Pack Chargers on the market are used vehicles.
  • The Scat Pack badge also appears on other Dodge models, including the Challenger coupe and the Durango SUV, but refers to the same performance tier across the lineup.

How the Scat Pack engine compares to other Charger trims

The 5.7-liter V8 in the Scat Pack produces 485 horsepower. The base Charger, by contrast, came with either a 3.6-liter V6 (292 horsepower) or a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower — less than the Scat Pack's output. This means a Scat Pack Charger accelerates noticeably faster than a standard V8 Charger, though the difference comes partly from tuning rather than engine displacement alone.

Above the Scat Pack sits the R/T 392, which uses a 6.4-liter V8 producing 485 horsepower in most years, though some model years offered up to 707 horsepower in the Hellcat variant. The R/T 392 and Scat Pack produce the same horsepower number, but the 392 achieves it with a larger engine and different internal components. The Hellcat, available only in certain years, was the most powerful Charger Dodge made.

Fuel economy reflects the engine size and power output. A Scat Pack Charger typically achieves 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, though real-world numbers depend on driving habits and conditions. The base V6 Charger was more efficient, while the larger-displacement R/T 392 consumed more fuel.

What performance features come with the Scat Pack package

Beyond the engine, the Scat Pack includes a suspension package tuned for handling and stability at higher speeds. The brakes are upgraded from the base model, with larger rotors and performance-oriented pads designed to handle repeated hard stops without fading. These upgrades matter if you plan to drive the car hard on a track or in spirited driving situations.

The hood scoop on the Scat Pack is functional — it feeds cooler air into the engine's intake system — rather than purely decorative. This detail is part of Dodge's design philosophy for the Scat Pack across its lineup. The package also includes unique badging, a distinctive grille treatment, and available performance wheels that reinforce the car's visual identity as a performance model.

Inside, the Scat Pack Charger offers the same cabin layout as other Charger trims, though higher trim levels add leather seating, upgraded infotainment systems, and other comfort features. The performance upgrades are primarily mechanical and visual rather than focused on interior luxury.

Scat Pack badging across the Dodge lineup

Dodge used the Scat Pack name for performance variants across multiple models. The Challenger coupe, which was discontinued at the same time as the Charger, also offered a Scat Pack trim with similar engine and suspension specifications. The Durango three-row SUV continues to offer a Scat Pack variant with the same 5.7-liter V8, making it one of the few remaining Dodge performance models in production.

The Scat Pack badge originated with the 1968 Dodge Charger and was revived in 2015 as part of Dodge's effort to emphasize its performance heritage. Across all models, the Scat Pack represents the mid-tier performance option — more powerful than base models but positioned below the most extreme variants like the Hellcat or R/T 392.

What to know if you are shopping for a used Scat Pack Charger

Used Scat Pack Chargers range from 2015 to 2023 model years. Prices vary based on mileage, condition, and local market demand, but they typically cost more than a base Charger and less than an R/T 392 or Hellcat. When evaluating a used Scat Pack, check the service history to confirm that the suspension and brakes have been maintained properly, since these components wear faster under performance driving.

The 5.7-liter V8 is a proven engine with a long track record in Dodge vehicles, and most examples with regular maintenance will run reliably. However, if the previous owner tracked the car or drove it hard frequently, the engine, transmission, and cooling system may show accelerated wear. Request a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with Dodge performance vehicles before committing to a purchase.

Insurance costs for a Scat Pack Charger are typically higher than for a base Charger, since insurers factor in the higher horsepower and the likelihood of performance-oriented driving. Get an insurance quote before you buy to understand the full cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Scat Pack Charger faster than a regular V8 Charger?

Yes. The Scat Pack's 5.7-liter V8 produces 485 horsepower, while the standard V8 Charger produces 370 horsepower. The Scat Pack accelerates noticeably faster and reaches higher top speeds. The difference is most noticeable in acceleration from a standstill and on the highway.

Can I still buy a new Scat Pack Charger?

No. Dodge discontinued the Charger after the 2023 model year, so all Scat Pack Chargers available for purchase are used vehicles from 2015 to 2023. Dodge has not announced plans to bring the Charger back as of now.

How does the Scat Pack Charger compare to the R/T 392?

Both produce 485 horsepower, but the R/T 392 uses a larger 6.4-liter engine. The R/T 392 typically costs more and consumes more fuel. In real-world driving, the performance difference is minimal, though the 392 offers a larger displacement engine for those who prefer that specification.

What does the hood scoop on the Scat Pack actually do?

The scoop is functional, not just cosmetic. It channels cooler outside air into the engine's intake system, which can improve performance slightly, especially during hard driving or in hot weather. This design choice reflects Dodge's focus on making the Scat Pack a genuine performance package.

Are Scat Pack Chargers reliable?

The 5.7-liter V8 engine has a solid reputation for reliability when maintained properly. However, if a used Scat Pack was driven hard or tracked, the suspension, brakes, transmission, and cooling system may show wear. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a may have access to mechanic before buying.