2015 Dodge Charger Preview: 2014 New York Auto Show

The 2015 Dodge Charger is the domestic brand’s flagship sedan, and as such the decision to bring it in line, styling-wise, with the newest four-door in the Dodge lineup – the compact Dart – makes perfect sense.  The full-size Dodge Charger now features a significantly different look from the model it replaces, one that trades in muscular menace for a more refined aggression.  There’s also a few packaging changes that have been made to the new sedan that will have an impact on who exactly will be interested in cross-shopping Dodge when it comes time to purchase the next family ride.

New 2015 Dodge Charger: What’s New

While the 2015 Dodge Charger might now be more Dart-like in appearance, it still enjoys a visual personality all its own.  The narrow headlights outlined by a horseshoe of LEDS, combined with the new sloping hood, are the most obvious Dart call-outs, but Dodge has also reworked nearly every body panel (in some cases, subtly, as on the sides of the car) in order to create a cohesive Charger look.  The most familiar areas of the sedan include the rear fascia, which maintains the Charger’s signature LED tail lights, as well as the scallop carved into the front doors and fenders.

A 292 horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 remains standard with the 2015 Dodge Charger, while a 370 horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 (also good for 395 lb-ft of torque) is available with the R/T trim.  The two biggest changes include an eight-speed automatic replacing all other transmission options for the new Charger, and the elimination of optional all-wheel drive for R/T models.  This means that while the base SE can now be had with four wheel motivation, the eight-cylinder edition of the car becomes rear-wheel drive only.  Inside, the Uconnect 8.4 vehicle interface is included on all but the least-expensive Charger, and a TFT gauge cluster is also available.

New 2015 Dodge Charger: What Autobytel Thinks

The 2015 Dodge Charger looks slick and still offers a performance punch for those seeking a more aggressive family ride.  The elimination of a Hemi-powered all-wheel drive model is disappointing, especially for those who live in northern climes, but the implementation of an eight-speed tranny for the 5.7-liter motor (a welcome addition) probably had a lot to do with it.  We’re also happy that Uconnect 8.4, which is by far the best touchscreen interface in the industry, is now available almost across the board.