8 Cars Like Dodge Chargers: Similar Rides Worth Checking Out
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When Dodge resurrected the Charger in 2005, the brand sought to carry forward a storied nameplate in a whole new format. The coupe of the 1970s was replaced with a modern sedan. And while the market is now becoming dominated by SUVs and crossovers, sedans remain a practical and less-bulky alternative for family hauling. So, what if you like the idea of a Charger sedan but want to see what else is out there? Let’s explore other cars like the Dodge Charger.
We’ll divide these options into two groups: Sedans like the Dodge Charger that are still in production and can be purchased new or used, and sedans that are no longer being made but can be bought used.
Cars Like The Dodge Charger Still in Production
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is the closest of cars like the Dodge Charger. After all, it’s the Charger’s corporate cousin and shares many of the same components. Like the Charger, the 300 is rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD) and has a choice of engines. To go along with Chrysler branding, the 300 is more luxury-oriented, whereas the Charger goes for a sporty flavor.
Base power is a 3.6-liter V-6 (making 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque) that’s connected to the rear wheels and an eight-speed automatic. A 5.7-liter V-8 with an output of 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque is available on the top-tier “S” trim (if you’re looking at older 300s, the Hemi was included in the 300C trim). AWD is only available with the V-6.
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Nissan Maxima
The Maxima has been around for more than 40 years, with recent generations being touted as a “four-door sports car.” While this may be a marketing exaggeration, the Maxima provides respectable acceleration and responsive handling. No one will confuse it for a Corvette, but instead, you’ll have sedan flexibility wrapped in an attractive package.
The current (eight) generation has gone mostly unchanged since debuting for 2016. So, whether you’re considering new or used, you’ll find one drivetrain choice: a 3.5-liter V-6 (with 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque), continuously variable transmission, and front-wheel drive. That’s good enough for the Maxima to do 0-60 mph in a respectable six seconds. Again, it’s not a Corvette, but a stomp on the gas will still put a smile on your face.
Toyota Avalon
Toyota recently announced the demise of the Avalon after the 2022 model year, so this full-sized sedan will still be around in new-car form for a little while longer. In the meantime, you can pick from a hybrid model (the only one on our list) or the sporty TRD trim (debuting in 2020) that benefits from a reworked suspension, a performance exhaust system, and other upgrades.
Inside, the Avalon offers massive cabin space, especially in the back seat, and fit and finish quality that rivals its Lexus cousin. The Avalon won’t set a racetrack on fire, but the 301-horsepower V-6, eight-speed transmission, and front-wheel-drive setup are fine for passing and accessing highway on-ramps. For the 2021 model year, all-wheel-drive became an option on select trims.
Genesis G80
What originally started as the Hyundai Genesis sedan morphed into one of the debut vehicles for the company’s all-new luxury brand, Genesis. As such, the G80 is one of the more upscale vehicles on our list. If you’re looking for a used version with Hyundai badging, go for the 2015-16 models (earlier cars are a completely different vehicle). The G80 nameplate began with the 2017 model year.
Earlier G80s (and the Hyundai version) have an available 420-horsepower V-8 that rivals the performance of luxury import sedans. New models of this spacious sedan get their power from either a turbo four-cylinder or a twin-turbo V-6. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with AWD an option.
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Kia Stinger
Kia’s stylish sedan trades size for in-your-face looks that are hard to miss and performance to boot. You can start with the entry-level Stinger and its turbo-four cylinder (yep, the same one from the G80) and front-wheel-drive configuration. Or, go for the top-tier version that features a twin-turbo V-6 and all-wheel drive, which help the car hit 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (sports-car worthy numbers). Available equipment includes an adaptive suspension and other performance gear that’s more common on Germany’s best.
The cabin features a driver-focused cockpit along with optional luxuries like heated and ventilated seats and quilted leather upholstery.
Cars Like The Dodge Charger No Longer Being Made
Chevrolet Impala
Chevy’s near-total exit of the sedan market meant saying goodbye to the long-serving Impala name after the 2020 model year. But, the last generation Impala (which launched in 2014) is a stylish and capable sedan that borders on a luxury ride when loaded. The base four-cylinder engine might leave you underwhelmed (especially when compared to the base engine of the Dodge Charger), but the available 305-horsepower V-6 offers the needed oomph for a vehicle of this size and weight. The Impala is a solid choice if you need a large backseat and a spacious trunk.
Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS is arguably the ultimate sleeper car (definition: the automotive equivalent of a wolf in sheep’s clothing). It’s a simple formula that involves stuffing a Corvette engine into a plain-jane sedan body in the case of the SS. The result is a car that can go toe-to-toe with many of the V-8 powered Chargers. The SS only lived for the 2014-2017 model years and was never a huge seller, so it may be tough even to find one to buy. But, if you do, you’ll enjoy thrilling performance, excellent handling, and a comfortable cabin. Interestingly, the Chevrolet SS is the only car on our list with a manual transmission (an automatic was available).
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Ford Taurus
The first Taurus debuted in 1986 as a jelly-bean-shaped sedan that shook up the car industry. Fast forward to 2019, and Ford said so long to the sedan business completely, including the venerable Taurus. Why? In 1999, the company sold almost 370,000 Taurus models. In 2019, they couldn’t break 10,000.
But, you can still find plenty in the used car market. From the final (sixth) generation, you’ll discover front-wheel-drive Taurus sedans with a variety of powerplants ranging from a turbocharged four-cylinder to a 305-horsepower V-6. The Taurus SHO offers surprising performance thanks to a twin-turbo V-6 and all-wheel drive.
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