The Future of Horsepower: 2026 Dodge Charger vs. 2019 Challenger Scat Pack Test Drive
An Industry Expert’s View on the Modern Muscle Car Evolution
Welcome to the Car and Driver Testing Hub, the benchmark for automotive performance data since our establishment in 1956. We pride ourselves on providing objective, empirical evidence to support our comprehensive driving assessments. This season, our focus has been on the evolution of American muscle, specifically examining the transition from the iconic V-8 powerplants of the past to the new generation of turbocharged six-cylinder engines.
In this review, we delve into a direct comparison between the highly anticipated 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack equipped with the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six and the legendary 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, featuring the classic 392 Hemi. This is not just a comparison of engine specifications; it is a deep dive into what defines a muscle car in the rapidly evolving landscape of 2026 automotive technology.
The Nostalgia vs. The Now: A Test Drive Comparison
The Challenger may have exited Dodge’s production lineup after the 2023 model year, but its legacy continues to permeate the automotive culture. This is perhaps most evident when we look at the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus with its new gas-fed engine. Since we were still in the mindset of the classic muscle era, we seized the opportunity to compare the test results of this new generation with those we recorded for the 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody during its peak.
What’s Changed: Engine Power and Technical Evolution
Significant shifts have occurred since the golden days of the V-8 muscle car. Dodge’s new generation of muscle cars no longer offers a V-8 engine in their production models. Our comparison focuses on the Scat Pack version of the new 2026 Dodge Charger, which features a 550-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six (dubbed the Hurricane). This stands in contrast to the 2019 Challenger we tested, which was powered by a 485-hp naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V-8 (the famous 392 Hemi).
Performance Breakdown: Torque, Horsepower, and Drivetrain
While the raw numbers might seem similar at first glance, the delivery of power is fundamentally different. The 2026 Dodge Charger utilizes a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six Hurricane engine, which produces 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. This configuration is designed to provide strong torque figures at low RPMs, thanks to the turbocharging.
The 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, on the other hand, featured a 485-hp naturally aspirated 6.4L V-8, known for its linear power delivery and the satisfying roar of a large-displacement engine. This difference is a primary factor in the observed performance metrics.
Drivetrain and Technology
A significant factor in the performance disparity is the drivetrain. The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is only available in an all-wheel-drive configuration, utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack was offered in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but our test vehicle was a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model.
This technological shift from the raw mechanical simplicity of the RWD Challenger to the technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system of the Charger reflects the changing priorities in automotive design. In the modern era, the emphasis is placed on handling, stability, and efficiency, as evidenced by the 2026 Dodge Charger’s all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine.
The Test Drive Results: Stopping Distance, Grip, and Acceleration
It is often disheartening to observe a new model underperforming its predecessor. Unfortunately, this is the reality when comparing the 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack with the discontinued 2019 Dodge Challenger. In several key performance metrics, the new Charger lags behind.
Braking Performance: The 70 mph Stop Test
When braking from 70 mph, the 2019 Dodge Challenger needed only 148 feet to come to a complete stop. In comparison, the 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack required a much longer 177 feet. This significant difference is a critical indicator of the vehicle’s overall handling and stability.
Skidpad Results: Measuring Lateral Grip
The skidpad test measures the maximum lateral acceleration a vehicle can achieve. The 2019 Challenger achieved 0.96 g, indicating excellent grip and stability. The 2026 Charger recorded only 0.90 g. This discrepancy is attributed to several factors, including the vehicle weight and tire specifications.
Factors Affecting Performance: Weight, Tires, and Grip
The reason for the performance gap becomes clear when examining the finer details. The 2026 Dodge Charger is not yet available with summer tires, a critical component for performance driving. However, Dodge has indicated that summer tires will be available later in the year, which should improve performance in the future.
Weight Penalty: The Increased Mass of the Charger
Adding to the performance disadvantage is the increased curb weight of the new Charger. The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack weighs approximately 4889 pounds, whereas the 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack tipped the scales at 4352 pounds. This 537-pound weight penalty, combined with the all-season tires, explains the observed performance discrepancies.
The Thrill of Speed: 0-60 MPH Acceleration Comparison
In the realm of muscle cars, straight-line speed is often the deciding factor. This is where the 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack shines. Despite its increased weight, the 2026 Dodge Charger reached 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, outperforming the 2019 Challenger, which took 3.9 seconds. This two-tenths of a second advantage demonstrates the power of the twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane engine.
Quarter-Mile Acceleration: Proving the Hemi’s Legacy
The 2026 Dodge Charger also proved faster in the quarter-mile, completing the run in 12.1 seconds at 116 mph. The 2019 Challenger finished the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 114 mph.
However, despite the Charger’s quicker launch, the 2019 Dodge Challenger featured a more responsive engine. The 5-to-60 mph time for the Challenger was 4.2 seconds, compared to the Charger’s 4.8 seconds.
The Enduring Debate: What Defines a Muscle Car?
The definition of a “muscle car” has been a topic of debate since the segment originated. It will surely differ from what your neighbor Fred thinks, and his definition will likely differ from ours. However, the 2026 Dodge Charger with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six still delivers impressive straight-line speed. While it may not have the traditional number of cylinders, it offers a modern take on the muscle car concept.
Analyzing the 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack vs. 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack
The automotive world continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by a convergence of technological innovation, environmental regulations, and changing consumer preferences. Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the muscle car segment, long dominated by the raw power and mechanical charm of the V-8 engine. Today, manufacturers are increasingly embracing turbocharged six-cylinder engines, driven by the pursuit of better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
This shift raises a critical question for enthusiasts: Can a turbocharged six-cylinder engine capture the soul of a V-8? To answer this question, we turn to the 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack and the 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack. By comparing these two iconic vehicles, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of American muscle.
The Modern Muscle Car: 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack
The 2026 Dodge Charger represents a paradigm shift in the automotive industry. As a two-door muscle car, it adopts a new platform and new powertrains designed to meet the demands of the 21st century. The gas-fed version of the Charger features the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine, producing 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The Hurricane engine is a testament to modern engineering, combining turbocharging with direct injection to optimize both power and efficiency. Unlike the naturally aspirated V-8, the Hurricane engine delivers strong low-end torque, which translates to impressive acceleration from a standstill.
Powertrain and Drivetrain Configuration
The 2026 Dodge Charger is offered in all-wheel-drive only, utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration provides enhanced traction and stability, particularly during aggressive acceleration and cornering.
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