The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T: An Electric Muscle Car Review
This week marks my second encounter with the all-electric Dodge Charger, shifting from the more potent Scat Pack version to the Daytona R/T Plus. This iteration comes at a lower price point but retains the essential muscle car spirit, replacing gasoline power with electric charge. It might initially seem contradictory, and I shared that sentiment at first. Electric vehicles often spark strong opinions, but when the vehicle in question is renowned for its immense V8 horsepower, those emotions tend to escalate even faster. A common thread among the vocal critics following my initial review was that none had actually driven the car, which is truly regrettable given how enjoyable the experience is.
While the 4-door Challenger sedan is a thing of the past, a 4-door Charger variant is on the horizon and, like this 2-door coupe, it promises a striking appearance. Rumors suggest a return of V8 gasoline engines, though Stellantis has yet to officially confirm this. A recent leadership change within the company appears more favorable to the idea, and I would certainly welcome it. However, to be entirely candid, I’m not convinced I wouldn’t still opt for the electric model if given the choice. This puts me in a minority, as sales for this stunning electric Charger haven’t been exceptionally strong, a trend consistent across the broader EV market. For enthusiasts exploring powerful electric options, understanding the capabilities of the 2024 dodge charger ev is essential, highlighting Dodge’s bold step into performance EVs.
Exterior Design: Bold and Modern
The 2024 Charger in the After Dark exterior color presents a visually stunning profile, though I perceive it as a dark blue verging on black, challenging my color vision.
Front view of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus in After Dark color
This new generation of the Charger is noticeably larger than its predecessors. It’s not only longer but also 5 inches wider than the 2023 model and even 2 inches wider than the previous widebody version. A significant design departure is the sportback configuration, essentially a large hatchback, which substantially increases cargo space and lends the Charger a more contemporary aesthetic.
Rear view of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus showcasing the sportback design
The 20” x 10” Blacknoise aluminum wheels contribute significantly to its fantastic look. The front fascia is sleek and modern, featuring a completely open design that directs air through it and over the sculpted hood for improved aerodynamics. A modest rear spoiler is present, and the R/T Stage 1 emblems adorn both front fenders. Words feel insufficient to convey how beautiful I find this Charger Daytona.
Side profile of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus highlighting its stance and wheel design
It’s a true head-turner, successfully blending modern design cues with a classic body style that harkens back to the 1970s. It’s easy to imagine this becoming an equally impressive coupe with a gasoline engine, and its potential success is undeniable if it reaches production. Considering the shift towards electric, exploring details about models like the 2024 dodge challenger electric alongside the Charger offers insight into Dodge’s future direction for its iconic nameplates.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Stepping inside, the cabin is well-executed and surprisingly spacious. I particularly appreciate the wide, comfortable Leatherette seats, which offer some bolstering but less than might be expected. Red stitching provides a tasteful accent along the seat edges, door panels, and across the dashboard.
Interior shot of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus showing the dashboard and front seating
Close-up view of the front seats in the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus
Both front seats feature power adjustments, including power lumbar support, heating, and cooling, with memory settings for the driver. The door panels are, in my opinion, among the most beautiful I’ve encountered, especially enhanced by the ambient lighting at night. Electric buttons are used to open the doors, similar to the system found in a Corvette.
Detail of the door panel in the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus, showing ambient lighting and button
The 16-inch color driver display is simply stunning and highly customizable. The graphics accompanying drive mode changes are unparalleled – akin to watching a high-definition screen directly in front of you. Navigating through the extensive options available on this display takes a considerable amount of time. Above the display, a substantial head-up display includes traffic sign recognition.
Digital instrument cluster in the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus
The 12.3-inch Chrysler Uconnect 5 system is consistently excellent, intuitive to use, and the integrated navigation system functions flawlessly. The 18-speaker Alpine audio system, complete with a subwoofer and surround sound, delivers impressive audio quality. The large touchscreen controls Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, vehicle settings, climate control, and the rearview camera. Exploring the various apps, particularly the Performance Pages, is a thoroughly engaging experience.
Performance Pages screen displayed on the infotainment system in the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus
The center console houses a distinctive pistol-grip gear shifter, a prominent power button for starting the Charger, two generous cup holders, a wireless phone charging pad, two USB ports, and one USB-C port. The entire cockpit is masterfully designed and integrates cutting-edge technology. This includes the squared, heated steering wheel, which is equipped with numerous controls and offers power tilting and telescoping adjustment.
Center console of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus showing the shifter and controls
Accessing the rear seat is straightforward, as the front seat slides power-assisted out of the way, creating a large entry point. It’s worth noting this is a rare feature. Due to the Charger’s increased width and length, two average-sized adults can be genuinely comfortable in the back. Their comfort is further enhanced by heated rear seats with a fold-down armrest and cup holders.
Rear seating area in the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus
Opening the large hatchback reveals a capacious 27 cubic feet of cargo space, which can be concealed if desired. Folding down the rear seats expands this to a substantial 37.5 cubic feet. Additional storage is found underneath, where the tire repair kit is located.
Cargo area of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus with the hatchback open
Optional Equipment Highlights
The Daytona R/T test vehicle featured several key options. The $1,800 Stage 1 package is essential for boosting horsepower to 496. This particular car was equipped with the $4,995 Plus Group, adding LED headlamps, wiper de-icers, the under-hood frunk cargo area, heated and cooled power front seats, a power hatch, keyless remote start, the head-up display, the 16-inch driver’s screen, wireless charger, an enhanced security system, and bright pedals.
Close-up view of the wheel on the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Plus
The $1,095 Blacktop package provides the distinctive wheels and tires seen, along with dark exterior badging. A $2,495 option covers the excellent sound system and a fixed full-glass roof.
Performance: Electric Punch
The dual-motor setup in the 2024 charger daytona banshee (in this R/T variant with Stage 1) delivers up to 496 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque. Stellantis clarifies the “up to 496” figure: normal output is 456 horsepower, but engaging the Power Shot button on the steering wheel provides a 40-horsepower boost for 10 seconds. Even the standard 456 horsepower is impressive, but hitting that button unleashes significant acceleration. A cool-down period is required after using the Power Shot, for both the driver and the car. For those curious about the sheer power available, researching the 2024 dodge charger horsepower specifications across the range provides valuable context.
Fratzonic Exhaust: A Technological Marvel
One of the most debated aspects of the electric Charger is its Fratzonic exhaust system, which, paradoxically, is my favorite feature. It’s not a traditional exhaust but rather a sound system, and it is exceptional. While I may have critiqued EV sounds in the past, this system feels authentic. It mimics the impressive roar of a Hellcat but offers adjustable volume or the option to be turned off completely. It’s truly a marvel of engineering.
How does it work? The Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust technology utilizes a series of strategically placed chambers beneath the electric Charger Daytona. These chambers, in conjunction with woofers and mid-range speakers, generate the exhaust sounds, which are then directed through dual pipes, mirroring gasoline-powered vehicles. The system employs both digital sound generation and filtering, with an emphasis on refining the sound rather than relying solely on artificial digital effects. As expected, the volume increases and decreases in response to accelerator input.
Dodge went further to enhance the muscle car sensation by incorporating “force generators” into the chassis. These devices transmit vibrations throughout the car, intensifying with acceleration or deceleration. This tactile feedback is felt through the steering wheel and seats. Additionally, these force generators can produce their own sounds, adding another layer to the immersive experience. Thus, you not only hear the incredible sound but also feel it. I am genuinely amazed by the technological execution of this system. While some on my social media pages mocked it, those individuals admittedly hadn’t experienced it firsthand as I have.
Advanced Safety Features
A vehicle with this level of performance demands comprehensive safety features, and the Charger delivers. It includes Automated Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Driver-Attention Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Traffic-Sign Recognition. Additionally, it features Active Lane Management and Pedestrian/Cyclist emergency braking.
Pricing and Value
In terms of pricing, my extensively equipped review vehicle had an MSRP of $79,970, including the destination charge, before any discounts or rebates. The base price for the Daytona R/T starts at $57,995. Currently, Dodge is offering significant rebates, and at the time of writing, the $7500 federal rebate remains applicable, which quickly lowers the effective price.
Ride and Drive Experience
The Charger drives wonderfully in its normal mode – it’s quiet, feels comfortable, almost like a family sedan. However, engaging the sportier modes unleashes its true nature as a race car. It’s incredibly quick, sounds amazing, handles like a high-end sports car, yet still offers a usable back seat and a fantastic cockpit. It successfully balances the roles of a great weekend sports car and a practical daily driver. The best part is that this transformation is entirely under your control via the drive mode selection.
MPGe, Charging, and Range
The fuel economy ratings for an electric vehicle of this type are reasonable, rated at 90 MPGe city, 79 MPGe highway, and 85 MPGe combined. Charging times vary depending on the method.
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Level 1 charging using a standard 120-volt household outlet is the slowest option, taking several days for a full charge. Level 2 charging, like the setup I have at home, is significantly faster. I achieved a charge from 15% to 100% in just over seven hours, which is ideal for overnight charging. The fastest method is DC Fast Charging, utilizing high-voltage DC power for rapid replenishment, taking around 27 minutes to go from 10% to 80%.
Rear seat area with armrest down, also indicating charging port area
The 2024 Charger Daytona is equipped with a 400V, 93.9 kWh battery pack, providing a claimed range of 308 miles. As with all electric vehicles, actual range can be influenced by external temperature, terrain, and driving style.
Verdict: An Exciting Electric Future
For devout V8 Hemi enthusiasts, this car is likely not intended for you, and I’d suggest you might not even enjoy driving it. However, it doesn’t deserve criticism either. It’s too accomplished a vehicle to be solely compared to past or future gasoline-powered Chargers. I challenge anyone to simply examine the specifications of this EV and not feel a sense of excitement. The numbers speak for themselves.
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear eloquently summarizes the philosophy behind the electric Charger:
“If we sent you an invitation that said, ‘We want you to come drive the all-new, top-secret replacement for the Challenger. It’s standard all-wheel drive, 670 horsepower, zero to 60 in 3.3 seconds, quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds. It has state-of-the-art technology, a driver-focused cockpit, just as loud from a decibel level as the outgoing Hellcat, 132% more cargo capacity, and more rear legroom than the outgoing four-door Charger…’ Everyone would say, ‘Sign me up, let’s go.’ You might not even ask what’s under the hood, you’d just assume this is an awesome car. It looks like a 1968, the most iconic muscle car in history.”
He continues, “The other thing I tell people is we’re not coming to market with an EV, we’re coming with a muscle car that just happens to be an EV. Because you walk around any auto show or any EV show, they’re all two-box, white vegan leather, flat floor, three big, large screens, big open consoles—they all look exactly the same. That’s what everyone thinks of as an EV, right?”
The CEO is correct. There are very few, if any, truly exciting electric vehicles on the market. Their interiors often share a generic futuristic aesthetic. Dodge has dared to be different, offering electric vehicle buyers something thrilling, visually appealing, a joy to drive, and fundamentally not boring. If you appreciate the muscle car concept but are open to electric propulsion, and desire a car that commands attention, The 2024 Dodge Charger is a vehicle you should strongly consider.
Quick Specs:
- What I Liked Most: Looks, power, range, Fratzonic exhaust sound, and overall value.
- What I Would Change: Truly, nothing.
- MSRP: Base price: $57,995. As equipped: $79,970 including destination, before discounts and rebates.
- Fuel Economy: 90 MPGe city, 79 MPGe highway, 85 MPGe combined. Charging port located on the right side rear.
- Odometer Reading When Tested: 700 miles.
- Weight: 5,838 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Inflator & repair kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 207” long / 80” wide (most allowable by law) / 59” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A.
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended by factory.
- Official Color: After Dark.
- 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona in a few words: If you want electric and you want exciting, it just doesn’t get better than this!
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance; 8-year/100,000 mile warranty on the battery pack and electric powertrain.
- Final Assembly Location: Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
- Manufacturer’s Website: www.Dodge.com
