The 2023 Dodge Charger R/T is a car that unapologetically grabs your attention. In a world increasingly dominated by quiet electric vehicles and refined crossovers, the Charger R/T roars in with a V8 rumble and a defiant attitude. After spending some time behind the wheel, it’s clear this car isn’t about subtlety or perfection. But if you’re looking for a muscle sedan with character, and a whole lot of it, the Charger R/T might just put a grin on your face as wide as mine.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a car without its faults. It’s a big sedan, sometimes feeling cumbersome in tight spaces. The build quality might not be up to par with some competitors, and carving corners with grace isn’t its forte. Yet, these shortcomings are easily overshadowed by its sheer, unadulterated fun factor. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s designed for drivers who appreciate a bit of rebellious spirit in their ride. The Charger R/T is the automotive embodiment of “rowdy,” and despite its flaws, it’s an absolute blast to drive.
My Full Review of the 2023 Dodge Charger R/T
Let’s preface this by saying I typically gravitate towards the practical and sensible. My daily driver is a Honda Fit, and while I enjoy my Mustang GT for weekend fun, a large sedan like the Charger R/T isn’t usually on my radar. However, stepping into the Charger R/T was a refreshing departure from the norm, and a reminder that sometimes, cars are meant to be more than just transportation.
First Impressions: A Familiar and Intimidating Presence
The Dodge Charger’s design is instantly recognizable. This generation has been around since 2006, with a significant update in 2011, making it a familiar sight on American roads. Its popularity is undeniable, and the distinctive growl of its engine has certainly left an impression over the years.
Approaching the Charger R/T with the key fob in hand felt surprisingly…badass. It has a commanding presence. While undeniably a large four-door sedan, it manages to look muscular and aggressive. From the flared fenders and wide stance to the assertive front lip, the Charger R/T exudes a sense of purpose, even when standing still. It’s a design that communicates power and attitude.
The rear end is undeniably “thicc,” as the original article playfully notes, emphasizing the car’s wide and planted stance.
This car makes you feel something, even before you start the engine. It’s a visceral reaction to its styling, a blend of intimidation and excitement.
Driving Impressions: Loud, Proud, and Straight-Line Fun
The 2023 Charger R/T is not designed for timid drivers. Its size is immediately apparent, making parking in tight spots a calculated maneuver. Backing up requires attention, and attempting to navigate corners with excessive speed might earn you some unwanted attention.
However, point it straight, and the Charger R/T transforms into a different beast. Even gentle acceleration from a stoplight is accompanied by a satisfying rumble and a noticeable surge of power. It’s inherently fun to drive in a straight line, offering a taste of classic American muscle car thrills.
Navigating parking garages at low speeds reveals a duality: the glorious sound of the V8 echoing off the walls is a definite pro, while the sheer size of the car in confined spaces is a con. Body roll is noticeable in corners, and acceleration produces a satisfying squat, emphasizing the car’s dramatic and somewhat exaggerated movements.
While not ideal for tight, twisty roads, the Charger R/T is surprisingly enjoyable for everyday driving. It excels at freeway cruising, feeling stable and powerful at higher speeds. And for those moments of stoplight sprints, it delivers an addictive dose of adrenaline.
The driving experience is exactly what you’d expect from a large, rear-wheel-drive sedan with a powerful V8. It’s smooth, stable on the highway, and requires minimal effort for comfortable cruising.
Using the paddle shifters for manual gear changes with the 8-speed transmission adds a sporty element, though the automatic mode is perfectly capable for most driving situations.
Style and Design: Aging Gracefully with Muscle
“Elegant” isn’t the first word that comes to mind when describing a 5,300 lb, four-door sedan. The 2023 Charger R/T is a substantial vehicle, measuring nearly 200 inches long and 75 inches wide.
Despite its age, the Charger’s design remains surprisingly appealing. The sculpted indentation on the front doors and the low roofline are standout design features that contribute to its muscular aesthetic.
While some angles might be more flattering than others, the overall design is undeniably aggressive and purposeful.
A humorous reminder to remove the yellow splitter guards if you own one – a detail that screams “rental car” if left on.
The bodywork features numerous scoops and cuts, further enhancing its muscular appearance. The rear spoiler adds a sporty touch, completing the overall aggressive styling.
The side scoop detail is a particularly distinctive element, contributing to the Charger’s unique visual identity.
The Engine: HEMI Power and That Glorious Sound
Powering the 2023 Charger R/T is a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, producing 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial amount of power, even for a car of this size.
The HEMI V8 is the heart and soul of the Charger R/T, delivering the kind of raw power and sound that muscle car enthusiasts crave. While not the quickest car in a straight line, it’s certainly quick enough to be engaging and fun. It will easily outpace less powerful V6 models like the Challenger SXT.
The 5.7L V8 stands out for its exceptional sound. It’s arguably the best-sounding engine in a mass-produced vehicle today, offering a deep, resonant rumble that’s intoxicating at any speed. The engine delivers consistent power throughout the rev range, with ample torque available from low RPMs and strong pull all the way to redline. It even surpasses the sound of the highly regarded 2016 Hertz Shelby GT-H Mustang in the author’s opinion.
Interestingly, the engine bay appears quite spacious, suggesting potential for even larger powerplants, though the 5.7L HEMI is more than adequate for the R/T.
Handling: Old School Muscle, Not a Track Star
If you prioritize razor-sharp handling and precision cornering, the 2023 Charger R/T is not the ideal choice. It embraces an old-school approach to driving dynamics, prioritizing power and straight-line performance over nimble handling. However, this doesn’t mean it’s devoid of fun in the corners.
The R/T package includes upgraded suspension components like beefier sway bars and sport-tuned coilovers, which do offer improvements over the base model. However, the suspension is still relatively soft, resulting in noticeable body roll in tight corners. The large 20-inch wheels and tires (245/45ZR20) contribute to its visual appeal, but also make tire-smoking burnouts and donuts effortlessly achievable.
While not a canyon carver, the Charger R/T is still entertaining to push in corners, especially when accompanied by the V8’s soundtrack.
Compared to more comfort-oriented sedans, the Charger R/T offers a firmer ride, leaning towards a sportier feel, even if it’s not on par with dedicated sports cars.
Interior: Retro Charm with Modern Touches
The interior of the 2023 Charger R/T reveals its age. Designed in the early 2000s, it has received updates over the years, but it still feels dated compared to newer competitors.
While not winning any design awards, the interior is functional and reasonably well-appointed, especially when considering its original design era.
The dashboard design evokes a sense of early 2000s aesthetics, with a somewhat dated infotainment system.
The front seats are a highlight, offering ample bolstering and support. They are designed to cradle the occupants, providing a comfortable and secure feel.
The seats are praised for their comfort and support, holding occupants securely during spirited driving.
Practical features like large cupholders are present, but the interior materials are predominantly plastic, reflecting a budget-conscious approach.
The infotainment screen and user interface are described as archaic, lacking modern smartphone integration features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Despite the dated infotainment, the Charger R/T does offer dual USB-A ports and an auxiliary jack for connectivity.
Rear seat legroom is surprisingly limited for a car of this size, suggesting it’s not primarily designed for passenger comfort in the back.
Adjustable rear headrests are a welcome feature, adding a touch of practicality.
The Charger’s interior, while not cutting-edge, offers a distinct character and comfortable front seating.
The trunk is spacious, easily accommodating luggage, making it practical for road trips despite its muscle car persona.
Gas Mileage: Expect Thirst, Not Efficiency
Fuel economy is not a strong suit of the 2023 Dodge Charger R/T. During the review period, which included a mix of highway driving and spirited acceleration, the average fuel economy was 18 mpg. This is typical for a V8 muscle car and should be expected by potential buyers.
Fuel consumption is the price you pay for the V8 power and exhilarating driving experience.
Pros and Cons: A Car of Character and Compromises
The 2023 Dodge Charger R/T is a unique offering in the four-door sedan segment. It’s excessive in ways that evoke a sense of youthful rebellion, even in responsible adults. It’s a car that reminds you that driving can be more than just a mundane task.
Pros:
- The Sound: The 5.7L HEMI V8 delivers an unmatched auditory experience, arguably the best sounding mass-produced American car in its class.
- Engine Thrust: The V8 provides impressive power and torque at any RPM, making it responsive and engaging in various driving situations.
- Highway Cruising: The Charger R/T excels at comfortable and confident highway driving, feeling stable and powerful at higher speeds.
- Comfortable Front Seats: The front seats offer excellent support and comfort, making long drives enjoyable.
Cons:
- Build Quality: The Charger R/T’s build quality may not meet the standards of some competitors, with potential for rattles and creaks.
- Obnoxiously Loud and Large: Its loud exhaust, large size, and aggressive styling can be perceived as excessive or attention-seeking.
In conclusion, the 2023 Dodge Charger R/T is a car that prioritizes visceral thrills and character over outright refinement and practicality. It’s a muscle sedan that stays true to its roots, offering a raw and engaging driving experience for those who appreciate a bit of rebellion in their ride. If you’re looking for a car that makes a statement and puts a smile on your face, despite its imperfections, the Charger R/T is worth considering.
