The 2024 Dodge Charger is a full-size muscle car with two engine options and a significant design change from previous years

The 2024 Dodge Charger marks a major shift for the model. Dodge redesigned it from the ground up, moving away from the V8-only lineup that defined earlier Chargers. The 2024 version comes as either a gas-powered car or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), giving buyers two distinct powertrains to choose from depending on their priorities and budget.

This generation represents Dodge's transition toward electrification while still offering traditional engine performance. If you're shopping for a muscle car, understanding the differences between the two 2024 options will help you decide which fits your driving habits and financial situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Charger comes in two versions: a gas-powered model and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that can run on electricity alone for shorter trips.
  • The gas Charger uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine, a change from the V8 engines in older Chargers, producing less horsepower than previous generations.
  • The PHEV version pairs a smaller gas engine with an electric motor and battery, offering better fuel economy but higher upfront cost.
  • Both versions come in multiple trim levels with different features, pricing, and technology packages that affect the total cost.
  • Real-world fuel economy and electric range depend heavily on how and where you drive, not just what the manufacturer lists.

Gas Engine: The 3.6-Liter V6 and What It Means for Performance

The standard 2024 Charger runs on a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This is a significant departure from the V8 engines that powered Chargers for decades. If you're familiar with older Chargers or comparing this to competitors, the V6 means less raw power and a different driving feel — less aggressive acceleration, quieter engine sound, and better fuel economy than a V8 would deliver.

The V6 pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Dodge rates the gas Charger at approximately 23 miles per gallon combined (city and highway combined), though your actual mileage will vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and how much highway versus city driving you do. This engine is sufficient for daily driving and highway cruising, but it won't deliver the muscle-car sensation that V8 Chargers historically offered.

Plug-In Hybrid: How the PHEV Version Works and When It Saves Money

The 2024 Charger PHEV combines a smaller gas engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This setup lets you drive on electricity alone for shorter trips — typically 30 to 40 miles depending on driving conditions — before the gas engine kicks in. For commutes under that distance, you can charge at home overnight and use almost no gas on your daily drive.

The PHEV costs more upfront than the gas version, usually several thousand dollars higher depending on trim level. However, if you have a place to charge at home and drive mostly short distances, the fuel savings and potential tax incentives (which vary by state and change year to year) can offset that higher purchase price over time. The PHEV also produces more total horsepower when both the gas engine and electric motor work together, giving it better acceleration than the gas-only version.

Charging time matters for your daily routine. A standard 120-volt household outlet charges the battery slowly — typically 10 to 12 hours for a full charge. A 240-volt home charger (the kind used for electric vehicles) cuts that to 2 to 3 hours. If you don't have access to home charging, the PHEV's advantage shrinks significantly because you'll rely more on the gas engine.

Trim Levels and What Features Cost Extra

Dodge offers the 2024 Charger in multiple trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, and Scat Pack (for the gas version) and SE, SXT, and R/T (for the PHEV). Each step up adds features like leather seats, upgraded audio systems, all-wheel drive, performance suspension, and advanced safety technology. The base SE trim is the most affordable but has fewer creature comforts; the Scat Pack (gas only) is the highest-performance option with the most aggressive styling.

Pricing varies by trim, engine type, and location. The gas Charger starts lower than the PHEV, but adding popular options — all-wheel drive, premium audio, navigation, heated seats — can quickly raise the total cost. Before shopping, decide which features matter to you and which are nice-to-have, because dealers often bundle options into packages that force you to pay for things you don't need.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Driving Costs

The gas Charger's EPA rating of approximately 23 miles per gallon combined is decent for a full-size muscle car, but it's not exceptional. Your actual mileage depends on whether you drive mostly highway (where you'll see better numbers) or city (where you'll see worse). Aggressive driving, towing, and cold weather all reduce fuel economy below the EPA estimate.

The PHEV's fuel economy is measured differently. The EPA rates it in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), which accounts for both electricity and gas. On paper, this number looks impressive, but what matters more is how many miles you drive on electricity versus gas. If you charge every night and drive short distances, you'll use very little gas and see excellent real-world economy. If you rarely charge or take long road trips, you'll use more gas and the PHEV's advantage shrinks.

Calculate your own costs by estimating your annual mileage, your local gas price, and your local electricity rate. For the PHEV, factor in the cost of installing a 240-volt charger at home if you don't already have one — this typically runs $500 to $2,000 depending on your electrical setup.

Safety Features and Technology Differences

Both the gas and PHEV versions include standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring on most trim levels. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and 360-degree camera systems. These features don't differ between the gas and PHEV versions — the difference is in trim level, not powertrain.

The infotainment system includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen on base models, with larger screens available on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, letting you connect your phone for navigation and music. Wireless charging pads and premium audio upgrades are available but cost extra.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership Costs

The gas Charger requires standard maintenance: oil changes, filter replacements, and routine inspections. Parts are widely available and repair shops are familiar with this engine, so service costs should be reasonable. Dodge's warranty covers the powertrain for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The PHEV has more complex systems — the battery, electric motor, and hybrid control software — which means potential repair costs could be higher if something fails after warranty expires. However, the battery itself is typically covered for eight years or 100,000 miles under federal law. Brake wear is often less severe on hybrids because regenerative braking (using the electric motor to slow the car) reduces wear on traditional brakes. Over time, this can offset some of the higher repair risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 Charger still a muscle car without the V8?

It depends on your definition. The V6 gas engine delivers less power and a different character than classic V8 Chargers, so enthusiasts who value raw horsepower may feel disappointed. However, the PHEV version produces more total horsepower when both motors work together, and the car still looks and handles like a performance vehicle. If you want the most aggressive performance, the Scat Pack gas model is the closest to traditional Charger character.

Can I charge the PHEV at a regular outlet?

Yes, but it's slow. A standard 120-volt household outlet will fully charge the battery in 10 to 12 hours, which works if you charge overnight. A 240-volt charger (like those used for electric vehicles) charges in 2 to 3 hours and is much more practical for daily use. If you don't have access to home charging, ask whether your workplace or nearby public chargers offer 240-volt options.

How much does the PHEV cost compared to the gas version?

The PHEV typically costs $4,000 to $6,000 more than the gas Charger at the same trim level, though this varies by dealer and location. Some states offer tax credits or rebates for plug-in hybrids that can reduce this difference. Calculate whether fuel savings over the time you own the car will make up the higher purchase price based on your driving patterns.

What's the difference in towing capacity between the two versions?

The gas Charger can tow up to 3,600 pounds when properly equipped. The PHEV's towing capacity is lower — typically around 2,000 pounds — because the added weight of the battery reduces what the vehicle can safely pull. If towing is important to you, the gas version is the better choice.

Does the 2024 Charger come in all-wheel drive?

Yes, all-wheel drive is available on both the gas and PHEV versions on most trim levels, though it adds cost and slightly reduces fuel economy. All-wheel drive improves traction in snow and wet conditions and can improve handling, but it's not necessary for most drivers in moderate climates.