The Gas-Powered Dodge Charger Is Back: Inside the 2026 Charger SIXPACK
Quick answer: After a brief hiatus when the previous-generation Charger was discontinued in 2023, a gas engine is back in the 2026 Dodge Charger. Called the SIXPACK, it replaces the old HEMI V8 with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L Hurricane inline-six, available in two power levels — a 420-hp Standard Output in the Charger R/T and a 550-hp High Output in the Scat Pack. Both come standard with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Why the Gas Charger Disappeared — and Why It’s Back
When Dodge relaunched the Charger for the current generation, it arrived first as the all-electric Charger Daytona. For gas-loyal muscle car fans, that left a gap. The 2026 model year closes it: Dodge is now offering the Charger with a genuine gas-powered engine alongside the electric Daytona, giving buyers a real choice for the first time in this generation.
Meet the SIXPACK: What Engine Does the 2026 Charger Use?
The 2026 Charger’s gas engine is the Hurricane, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six — the same engine family now powering the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It’s offered in two distinct tunes:
- Standard Output (S.O.): 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, standard on the Charger R/T
- High Output (H.O.): 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque, standard on the Charger Scat Pack
Both versions pair with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive — a first for a mainstream gas Charger.
2026 Dodge Charger Trims, Specs, and Pricing
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0–60 MPH | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger R/T | 3.0L Hurricane S.O. Twin-Turbo I6 | 420 hp | 468 lb-ft | ~5.0 sec | $51,990 |
| Charger R/T Plus | 3.0L Hurricane S.O. Twin-Turbo I6 | 420 hp | 468 lb-ft | ~5.0 sec | $53,990 |
| Charger Scat Pack | 3.0L Hurricane H.O. Twin-Turbo I6 | 550 hp | 531 lb-ft | 3.9 sec | $56,990 |
| Charger Scat Pack Plus | 3.0L Hurricane H.O. Twin-Turbo I6 | 550 hp | 531 lb-ft | 3.9 sec | $58,990 |
Pricing includes destination charge; figures are manufacturer estimates and may vary by configuration.
Both the two-door coupe and four-door body styles are available, each seating five, and “Plus” trims add equipment like high-backed, fixed-headrest performance seats.
Is the Hurricane Six-Cylinder Really a Worthy Successor to the HEMI V8?
It’s a fair question for longtime Charger fans — and the numbers make a strong case. The High Output Hurricane actually produces 65 more horsepower than the outgoing 6.4L “392” HEMI V8 it replaces, and it delivers roughly 90% of its peak torque as low as 2,500 rpm, meaning it builds power faster than the old naturally aspirated V8 ever did. Stellantis also points to real efficiency gains, with the Hurricane rated as meaningfully more efficient than the larger engines it’s replacing.
Will the HEMI V8 Ever Return to the Charger?
Not likely, at least for now. The current Charger’s STLA-Large platform wasn’t engineered around the physical packaging of the HEMI V8, and tightening emissions and efficiency regulations make a return increasingly unlikely. For 2026 and the foreseeable future, the Hurricane SIXPACK is the Charger’s gas engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Dodge Charger available with a gas engine?
Yes. The 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK brings back a gas-powered option alongside the electric Charger Daytona, using a twin-turbocharged 3.0L Hurricane inline-six in place of the former HEMI V8.
What’s the horsepower of the 2026 Dodge Charger?
It ranges from 420 horsepower in the Charger R/T to 550 horsepower in the Scat Pack, depending on whether the car has the Standard Output or High Output version of the Hurricane engine.
Does the 2026 Dodge Charger have all-wheel drive?
Yes, all gas-powered 2026 Charger SIXPACK models come standard with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2026 Charger still come as an EV?
Yes. The electric Charger Daytona remains available alongside the gas-powered SIXPACK, giving buyers a choice between electric and traditional combustion power for the first time in this generation.
How fast is the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack?
The Scat Pack is rated at 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 177 mph, making it the quickest gas-powered Charger in the 2026 lineup.
What is the starting price of the 2026 Dodge Charger?
Pricing starts at $51,990 (including destination) for the Charger R/T, with the Scat Pack starting at $56,990.
Test Drive the 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK in Jackson, MI
Ready to hear the Hurricane six for yourself? Extreme Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Jackson, Michigan carries the 2026 Dodge Charger lineup, from the R/T to the Scat Pack Plus. Check out financing options, get a trade-in value on your current vehicle, or browse current Dodge incentives before you visit.
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