20 Cars Similar to the Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger’s assertive stance and peppy acceleration have made it an iconic American car since 1969. Famously driven by Dominic Toretto, the Dodge Charger is a car you can buy with your heart and head. But what if the Charger doesn’t tick all the boxes for you? What are your alternatives?
20. Subaru BRZ
Another Subaru does this list justice. The Subaru BRZ is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder or the Boxer engine, known among car connoisseurs. It generates 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The BRZ is not the quickest of the lot but offers precise handling backed by its superb steering ratio.
19. Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 is neck-to-neck with the Chevy Camaro regarding fuel economy and performance. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the GR86, while a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine for the 2022 model delivers 280 hp. The horsepower for the GR86 clocks in at 205, and the engine issues 156 lb-ft of torque. The sports sedan competes with cars in and out of its range like the Subaru BRZ and the Hellcat.
18. BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series has 14 distinct trim options. BMW 4 and 3 series are much alike, and the significant differences are driver assistance features, increased horsepower, and a splash of luxury. The entry-level 4-Series GC is the 430i, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 255 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque going to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Gran Coupe reaches 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. Although it costs ten grand more than the Charger, the BMW 4 series has similar MPG and top speed to the Chevy Camaro, only bettered by the V-8 options for the Dodge Charger.
17. Chevrolet Camaro
Camaro Bob, the wealthiest man in Paradise, drives a Chevy Camaro since it is an absolute muscle car. The base trim is motivated by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 275 hp, but you can choose the V-6 (335 hp) or V-8 (435 hp) options. The LT1 and the 1SS give the ultimate Camaro experience. Some may argue the car is claustrophobic, but it is only a driver’s car, not so much a passenger car. The 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all trims. There are 8- or ten-speed transmissions available. The infotainment system is all standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Rear cross traffic and forward Collision warning are standard safety features in the car.
16. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang hides a monster under the hood. The two-door sedan is a logical challenger to the Dodge Charger. Ford Mustang has a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine kicking out 320 horses or the superior 5.0-liter V-8 delivering 480 hp. The Ford Mustang trounces the Dodge Charger in performance and speed. The EPA estimates the Ford Mustang to have 25 MPG, two more than the Charger. The drawback is the Ford Mustang is less comfy for the rear seated passengers and is ideal for kids, not passengers with large heads. Step up to the top-tier Mustang, an absolute muscle car powered by the Shelby GT500, delivering 760 hp.
15. Volkswagen Arteon
The Volkswagen Arteon fastback style is a worthy opponent to the Dodge Charger, only second to the Toyota Avalon. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Arteon clocks 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, which is insanely quick. Standard safety features (lane keep assist, lane departure warning) and driver assistance features are present. The Adaptive Suspension automatically adjusts, but you can set it manually too. With heated front seats and luxurious furnishings, the Arteon packs a punch for drivers looking for speed and luxury.
14. Dodge Challenger
If you desire an upgrade in space and fashion to the Dodge Charger, then the Dodge Challenger is up your street. The Dodge Challenger has V-6 and V-8 options, just like the Charger. Choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. RWD is standard, but you can choose AWD for the SXT and GT trims. The top-tier Hellcat is a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 eight-speed automatic kicking out a pavement punishing 717 horsepower and manages 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The Challenger Hellcat Redeye delivers 797 hp but is rare to find.
13. Chevrolet Malibu
Not as eye-catching as the KIA K5, but it ranks decently among mid-sized sedans. For this category, we’ll have to compare the top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Premier trim. The base trim doesn’t cut it; even Chevrolet discontinued it. The Premier trim kicks out 250 horses and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can opt for the Premier versions that cost more. The 9-speed automatic transmission powered by CVT is standard. The infotainment system of Malibu has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but the interior feels cheap for its price point.
12. Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS never kicked in with the U.S market, but there are a few SS still on the market. Chevrolet SS only lasted from 2014-2017. The V-8 corvette engine sits under the hood of the SS. A six-speed automatic transmission is available, but most are stick shifts. The Chevrolet SS is faster than the base Charger and has more precise handling. If you desire comfort and speed, the SS is for you. Looking for a Chevrolet SS is akin to seeking a unicorn. That said, they do exist.
11. KIA Stinger
The KIA Stinger took the world by storm on its debut. KIA’s stylish sedan starts at the base level with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine kicking out 252 horses, but there is an updated 2.5-liter turbo I-4 kicking out 300 hp or switch to the top tier V-6 engine hitting 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. Safety and luxury features in the Stinger beat the Dodge Charger. Safety features are standard, while the models have heated and ventilated seats and adaptive climate control. Quilted leather seats are optional for the premium V-6 trim.
10. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Alfa Romeo Giulia delivering 280 horsepower routed to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard is RWD, but you can upgrade to AWD for better traction. The rear wheel sonorous engine still hits 0-60 in 5.7 seconds which is 0.2 seconds slower than the AWD option. The interior of the Alfa Romeo Giulia feels cheap for its price point, but the seats are comfortable, and there are some genuine wood trimmings. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration.
9. Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a neatly packaged sports sedan with a flat four 2-liter engine issuing 268 hp mated to a six-speed manual transmission. There’s a CVT option available if you desire it. The horsepower is indicative of what you expect in terms of MPG. The WRX STI 2.5-liter engine rakes in more fuel, but it is rewarding. The interior is pretty standard. The slip center differential and ability to tweak power to the rear or front is one of the unique propositions of the WRX. It is a worthy competitor to the Dodge Charger, and their retails are at par.
8. Ford Taurus
It seems the best days are behind us. The Ford Taurus is another casualty of the reigning crossover SUVs. Don’t get us wrong. The Ford Taurus is a venerable car. The only reason for its discontinuation is Ford bid farewell to the sedan category. The Taurus all-wheel drive is standard, and you can choose the turbocharged four-cylinder or the 305-horsepower twin-turbo V-6. If you decide to buy the Taurus, you must settle for the strut suspension and 6-speed transmission.
7. Cadillac ATS
Cadillacs are known for their unparalleled luxury. However, the ATS model was discontinued in 2019 due to poor sales as car buyers preferred the crossover SUVs more. The Cadillac ATS base model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 272 horses. The other engines available are 333hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine and 464 hp twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which is the most superior trim. The eight-speed transmission is standard, but there’s a 6-speed manual available. MPG averages 25. The drawbacks to the ATS are the stiff ride and laughable rear cabin space. The CT5 is an upgrade to the ATS if you are loyal to the Cadillac brand.
6. Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon’s end was anticipated, and Toyota announcing the 2022 model would be the final one came as no surprise to Car Culture. The fact is that the Avalon is no Corvette It won’t set the race track on fire. Still, it is a Toyota. It will last longer than some cars in this write-up. A base Avalon delivers 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels with 8-speed automatic transmission. Much of its performance, comfort, and fuel economy match the Nissan Maxima. However, the Avalon is a tad more luxurious (Basically a Lexus). You can switch the 3.5 V-6 engine for a hybrid model incorporating a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor.
5. Nissan Maxima
A logical alternative in the midsize sedan range is the Nissan Maxima. Nissan attempted to create a car that competes in the current market and succeeded in doing so owing to the angles and curves of the Maxima. The Maxima isn’t insanely fast as the Dodge Charger, and some drivers describe it as “inherently boring.” A few drivers’ sentiments do not stop the Nissan Maxima from moving from 0-60 in a respectable 6 seconds. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. The continuous variable transmission (CVT) ensures a smooth ride coupled with front-wheel drive giving you better handling. The R/T trim for the Dodge Charger is better regarding raw power and performance and costs less, but we can’t argue prices, only specifications.
4. Genesis G80
We have to call it in with the Genesis G80. For its sticker price, it competes with sedans far above their market value. The Genesis G80 (an upgrade from G70) is a luxury car with superior refinement compared to the Dodge Charger. The Genesis G80 is an apples-to-apples comparison to the Dodge Charger since it gives drivers the same unbridled connection to power. The G80 delivers 311 hp on the V-6 engine and 420 horsepower on the V-8 engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all trims, and the G80 has an 8-speed transmission like the Dodge Charger. You may be spoilt for choice with G80 since there’s an inline four inter-cooled turbo engine and a twin-turbocharged V-6 delivering 365 horsepower.
3. Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan redefines sports sedans. It is fully electric, kicking out 321 horses for the base trim and 616 horses for the Turbo and Turbo S trims. The car may feel claustrophobic, but once you get shoved in the seat due to its peppy acceleration, you won’t notice. The interior has nice furnishings but is a driver’s car and less of a passenger’s car regarding comfort.
2. Audi RS3
The four-door sedan jettisons the prejudices surrounding sedans and muscle cars. The Audi RS 3 is the raciest version of the luxury sedan range. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine kicking out 401 horses. You will notice a weird paddle shifter to select the gears on the inside. But once in motion, you can use the selectors on the steering wheel. Bolstered front seats make it a complete racing car with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system neatly tucked underneath the dashboard. The Audi RS3 has an upscale cabin with all-wheel drive and a spacious interior, making it a comfortable car to drive.
1. Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is the corporate cousin of the Dodge Charger and has similar drivetrain components, making it a robust option for iconic sedans. Like the Dodge Charger, you can choose RWD or AWD for the Chrysler 300. The only difference is that the Chrysler 300 is more luxurious, while the Charger is sportier. In terms of performance, you get 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque for the base trim, which has a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The top-tier S trim delivers 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, backed by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine. Considering the base trim Dodge Charger provides the same hp as the Chrysler 300 base trim; it is a good value for your money. The Chrysler 300 blends luxury and athleticism without the boyish racer vibe of a Dodge Charger. The 2019 Chrysler 300 is particularly popular among luxury car lovers.
