Review: Dodge Charger Daytona
Dodge is betting big that muscle car purists will embrace the Charger Daytona — an all-electric performance sedan that refuses to go quietly into the future. Channeling the spirit of its 1960s namesake while embracing brutal modern performance, this EV forces us to reconsider everything we expect from electrified speed. But does it feel like a true Charger, or just a clever facsimile?
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- More Room Than You'd Expect: Despite being a sports coupe, the Charger Daytona offers a surprisingly spacious trunk, a well-designed interior for storage, and even a frunk. Dodge proves that practicality and performance can coexist.
- Responsive Handling: Reviewers highlight the Charger Daytona’s sharp steering and dynamic handling, delivering an engaging driving experience on curvy roads. A major evolution from previous petrol models!
- Surprisingly Smooth Ride: Contrary to expectations, the Charger Daytona delivers a smooth and well-balanced suspension, ensuring a comfortable ride. This applies to both passive shocks and adaptive systems.
- Classic Muscle Car Heritage: The Charger Daytona showcases a design inspired by the legendary 1968 Charger, combining vintage muscle car aesthetics with modern EV innovation for a bold and unforgettable look.
- Authentic Muscle Car Acoustics: While many premium EVs incorporate unique external sound designs, Dodge took it a step further with the Charger Daytona. It replicates the roar of the petrol-powered Hellcat models at nearly the same volume, making it a standout feature that true driving enthusiasts will appreciate.
Disadvantages
- Lacking the Punch of a True Muscle Car: While the Charger Daytona has a bold, muscle-car aesthetic, its acceleration doesn't quite match the visuals. The base R/T trim reaches 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and even the Scat Pack's 3.3-second time is slower than rivals like the Tesla Model 3 Performance. We’re hoping for a future high-performance edition.
- Interior Quality Falls Short: While the Charger Daytona’s interior is a significant upgrade from previous Dodge models, some materials — especially in the pricey Scat Pack trim — feel lower quality than expected. It’s better than before, but still not quite premium.
- Expensive Compared to Rivals: With a starting price of $59,595 and the top Scat Pack trim reaching $73,985, the Charger Daytona is a costly option compared to performance EVs like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, Kia EV6 GT, or Chevy Blazer EV SS. At this price point, it’s more of an emotional purchase than a practical one.
Let's Pick Your Perfect Dodge Charger Daytona
Currently, the Dodge Charger Daytona is available in two trims: R/T and Scat Pack. Each comes with unique features tailored to different driving preferences. Let's break down their key differences and find out which one suits you best!
Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
Price in the US: $59,595 (new)
If you're drawn to the Charger Daytona for its bold design and character, the R/T trim offers the best value. It maintains the aggressive styling and most key features while being significantly more affordable.
Though its 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds isn't particularly impressive, it makes up for it with a longer range of around 317 miles, making it a practical option for daily driving.
Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
Price in the US: $73,985 (new)
If acceleration is your top priority, the Scat Pack’s 3.3-second 0-60 mph time is definitely an upgrade.
However, at its high price point, there are faster and/or more affordable performance EVs to consider, like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, Kia EV6 GT, or Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance.
Verdict
If you love the Charger Daytona for its design and character, the base R/T trim is the better value — it’s significantly cheaper while retaining the same bold styling and most features.
If acceleration is a priority, the Scat Pack’s 3.3-second sprint is an improvement, but at its price point, there are faster and much cheaper performance EVs to consider.
If you’re set on this car but not in a rush, waiting for the used market might be the smartest move, as prices are likely to drop fast.
Plus, Dodge plans to release 4-door versions in the future, so if you’re looking for better rear passenger space and easier access, those upcoming trims might be a better fit.
Use our Comparison tool to stack the Charger Daytona against top EVs and find out if it delivers what you're looking for.
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