2026 dodge charger daytona review


The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona is more than just a powerful car—it's a bold statement. Dodge is known for creating vehicles that combine strong performance with great style, and the Charger Daytona is no exception. It mixes strong power with advanced technology, making it one of the most exciting cars people are looking forward to this year. With its eye-catching look, new features, and strong engine choices, the Charger Daytona is ready to change what people expect from a modern muscle car.

For many years, the Dodge Charger has been a symbol of power, speed, and attitude in the American muscle car world. The 2026 version takes this even further. It doesn't just remember the past—it moves forward with high-performance design and the latest car technology. Whether you're a long-time Charger fan or someone new to the brand, the 2026 Charger Daytona is built to give you the excitement and fun that car lovers love.

Exterior Design: A Bold Statement  

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona makes a strong first impression with its confident and powerful look. Dodge has taken its famous muscle car and given it a fresh update that mixes old-school bold styling with new, modern touches. Every part of the car, from the curves to the angles, has been carefully designed to show off its performance-focused nature.

Up front, the Charger Daytona has a more intense and aerodynamic grille. This not only helps with airflow and cooling but also gives the car a tougher, more aggressive look. The grille’s sharp shape and bold design clearly tell you this is a performance car, not just something that looks good. The front bumper has also been redesigned for a smoother look, with functional air intakes that help the engine work better and keep the car stable when going fast. These changes make the car look more powerful and show that it’s built for action.

The body of the 2026 Charger Daytona is a new take on the strong lines that have always defined the Charger. From the back to the front, every part is shaped to make it look like it’s moving, even when it’s parked. The low, stretched-out design gives the car a wild, almost predator-like appearance, suggesting it’s always ready to go. The designers have found a great balance between sharp, bold edges and smooth curves, creating a look that’s both striking and well-proportioned.

One of the key features of the 2026 Charger Daytona is its wide, flared wheel arches. These aren’t just for style—they actually allow for bigger tires and wheels, which boosts both the car’s look and its handling. The wheels themselves are designed to look high-performance, with detailed patterns that add to the sporty feel. They come in different finishes, like gloss black and shiny chrome, so you can personalize the car’s look to match your style.

The back of the Charger Daytona really highlights the muscle car’s design. The taillights are a tribute to the Charger’s long history but have been updated with modern LED lights for a brighter, more aggressive look. These light shapes are connected by a bold, wide light bar across the rear, giving the car a futuristic and tech-savvy feel. A new rear diffuser adds to the sporty look and improves how the car moves through the air. The four exhaust tips are polished to perfection, making the car look stylish and also giving that deep, strong engine sound that fans of muscle cars love.

The 2026 Charger Daytona comes in a variety of exciting color options, including special ones like “Daytona Orange” and “TorRed,” which are sure to grab attention wherever you go. Whether you go for a classic, dark look or a bright, flashy finish, there’s a color that fits your style. Dodge also offers different exterior trim packages, letting you customize the car’s appearance exactly how you like.

Performance and Powertrain

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona brings muscle car performance to a whole new level, offering a variety of powertrain options that fit every type of driver. Whether you're looking for the raw power of a V8 engine or a more balanced mix of performance and fuel efficiency, the Charger Daytona has the right power for you. This new version not only honors Dodge’s long history of performance but also sets new standards in modern muscle car design.

Powerful Engine Options

The 2026 Charger Daytona has a range of engines that give you thrilling acceleration and impressive top speeds. The base model has a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which makes around 300 horsepower—enough power for daily driving and fun highway trips. But if you want the real muscle car experience, Dodge has added some powerful V8 engines.

The standout engine is the 6.4-liter HEMI V8.

This engine comes from the famous HEMI family, known for its strong power and deep growl. It produces 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Charger Daytona to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. This engine offers a great mix of power and comfort, making it perfect for drivers who want performance without sacrificing everyday driving.

For those who want the ultimate experience, the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 is the way to go. This engine delivers 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, offering an unforgettable driving experience with powerful acceleration and a deep, resonating growl. With a single press of the gas pedal, the Hellcat V8 provides fast acceleration and a powerful feel, whether you're on the track or just driving around town.

Electrified Powertrain for a New Era

The 2026 Charger Daytona also comes with a new hybrid powertrain, which is the first of its kind for the Charger line. This version mixes the strong power of the HEMI V8 with modern electric efficiency. The electrified HEMI V8 gives around 570 horsepower, combining powerful acceleration with better fuel efficiency compared to regular gas models. This hybrid option lets drivers enjoy the best of both worlds: the power of a classic muscle car with the advantages of modern hybrid technology.

The electrified powertrain also delivers instant torque, making the driving experience smooth and responsive. The integration of electric and gas power allows for a seamless shift between the two, making it an efficient option for drivers who want to reduce their environmental impact without giving up performance.

Transmission and Handling: Precision in Every Shift

No matter which engine you choose, the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona has a Torqueflite 8-speed automatic transmission. This transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, whether you're driving casually or going full speed. For drivers who want more control, there’s a manual shift mode that gives you the chance to control gear changes, adding more excitement to the driving experience.

The Charger Daytona’s transmission works well with its suspension system, which has been tuned to give a good balance of comfort and handling. The 2026 model features an adaptive suspension system that can be adjusted based on driving conditions and personal preferences. Whether you're taking sharp turns or cruising on long highways, the adaptive suspension responds smoothly to the road while still providing a comfortable ride. The suspension works with high-performance brakes that give you precise stopping power, giving you confidence at high speeds and during hard braking.

Driving Modes and Performance Customization

One of the standout features of the 2026 Charger Daytona is its range of driving modes, which let you customize the car’s performance to match your needs. The car includes several modes, including Sport, Track, and Eco, each designed to adjust how the car responds in terms of throttle, suspension, and steering.

  • Sport Mode sharpens the throttle response, stiffens the suspension, and enhances steering precision, offering a more connected and aggressive driving experience. This mode is great for weekend drives or fun cornering sessions, giving you the muscle car feel you love.

  • Track Mode takes things even further, optimizing the car's performance for high-speed stability, cornering, and maximum acceleration. With settings designed for the track, the Charger Daytona feels right at home on the racing circuit, giving you an experience that's close to professional-level performance.

  • Eco Mode is perfect for driving more efficiently, adjusting power delivery to make the most of fuel efficiency. While it doesn’t take away from the performance, Eco mode ensures that the car uses power wisely, making it a great choice for long trips or everyday driving.

Technology and Features

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona is not just a powerful car—it also comes with a lot of advanced technology meant to improve your driving experience, keep you safe, and make things more convenient. Dodge has added many smart features that are great for people who love technology, without losing the car’s strong, powerful performance. Whether you're driving or just sitting back, the Charger Daytona helps you stay connected, comfortable, and in control.

Uconnect 5 Infotainment System

The heart of the Charger Daytona's tech is the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It has a user-friendly interface and comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen as standard. This big screen lets you easily access entertainment, navigation, and other features. The system is fast and responsive, so you can use your favorite apps, music, and settings without getting distracted.

With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can connect your smartphone to the car.
 This lets you make calls, send messages, and control apps through the touchscreen or by using your voice. Whether you're finding your way around a new city, listening to a podcast, or playing music, the Uconnect 5 system keeps you connected while you drive. The system also works with Amazon Alexa, letting you control the car with your voice.
 You can adjust the temperature or ask for directions without touching the wheel. Just say the command and the Charger Daytona responds.

Digital Driver’s Display

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona has a 12-inch digital driver’s display instead of traditional dials.
 This screen shows all the key information you need in a clean and customizable format. It can display performance data, driving instructions, and safety alerts clearly and in high resolution. One of the best parts of the digital display is its performance features. Track enthusiasts and anyone who likes to monitor their car’s performance will love the real-time data it provides, like how fast the car accelerates, how much G-force it's experiencing, lap times, and even tire pressure. These tools help drivers better understand and enjoy their Charger Daytona's abilities.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The 2026 Charger Daytona is also packed with safety and driver assistance tech. It has a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that help keep you safe on the road while still letting you enjoy the car's performance. Features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning work together to provide extra safety, especially on highways or in crowded cities.

Blind-Spot Monitoring warns you if there is a car in your blind spot. Lane-Keeping Assist helps you stay centered in your lane by gently steering the car back on track if you drift. The Forward-Collision Warning system uses radar and cameras to detect potential crashes and can even apply the brakes automatically to avoid an accident. Adaptive Cruise Control keeps a safe distance from the car in front, making long drives more comfortable and less tiring. The 2026 Charger Daytona also has an optional 360-degree camera system, giving you a top-down view of your surroundings. This helps you park in tight spots and avoid obstacles. Paired with front and rear parking sensors, it makes driving a big car like the Charger Daytona much easier.

Premium Sound System

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona also has an excellent audio system for entertainment.
 It offers an optional Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and a subwoofer that adds depth to the sound. Whether you're playing your favorite music or just relaxing, the system provides a rich and immersive audio experience that rivals some of the best in the market. With active noise cancellation, the Charger Daytona ensures your music and conversations are clear and crisp, even at high speeds. The cabin stays quiet, so you can focus on driving and enjoy all the audio quality this premium system has to offer.

Wireless Charging and Connectivity

In addition to the high-tech features, the 2026 Charger Daytona gives you convenience and connectivity options to make driving easier. The car includes wireless charging for your phone, so you don't have to worry about tangled cables. Just place your phone on the charging pad and it will stay powered as you drive. The Charger Daytona also has USB ports throughout the cabin, including USB-C and USB-A ports, so everyone can charge their devices quickly and easily.
 These ports are placed where they are easy to reach but still keep the cabin neat and organized.

Customizable Ambient Lighting

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona also lets you personalize the look of the interior with ambient lighting options. Choose from a variety of colors to match your mood or set the lights to change as you drive. Whether you're driving at night or parked at a car event, the customizable lighting adds a touch of luxury and style to the cabin, letting you make the space truly your own.

Interior Comfort and Design  

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona is more than just a powerful and stylish car—it’s also a comfortable and functional place to be. Inside, you’ll find a cabin that mixes high-quality materials, modern technology, and smart design. It still keeps that strong, muscular look that defines Dodge. Whether you’re driving on the highway or taking a twisty road trip, the Charger Daytona’s interior feels smooth and comfortable, making every ride enjoyable.

Ergonomically Designed Cabin  

The interior of the 2026 Charger Daytona is made with care for both performance lovers and those who enjoy luxury. As soon as you sit in the driver’s seat, you’ll notice how well the controls and seat are made for comfort. The seats are designed to give you great support, whether you’re driving for hours or going fast. They’re available in premium materials like Nappa leather and Alcantara, which look fancy and are strong enough to handle daily use.

The driver’s seat can be adjusted in many ways, so you can find your ideal driving position.
 The steering wheel can also be moved up and down and in and out for better control and comfort. The seat even has memory settings, so you can save your preferred position and easily get back to it every time. The front passenger seat is also comfortable, with enough legroom and support to feel like you’re in a luxury car, not just a muscle car.

Spacious and Versatile Layout  

Even though the 2026 Charger Daytona is a high-performance car, it still has plenty of space.
 It seats five people, and the front and back seats have lots of room for your legs and head. This makes it good for long trips with friends or family. The back seats are surprisingly roomy, even for taller people. Plus, the rear seats can be split into two parts, which helps you make more space in the trunk when you need to carry bigger things.

The trunk is also quite big, with 16.5 cubic feet of space—enough for luggage, groceries, or anything else you need. Whether you’re going on a weekend trip or running errands, you won’t have to leave anything behind because of limited space. Dodge made the Charger Daytona’s interior so that it’s both fun to drive and practical for everyday use.

Premium Materials and Finishes  

The attention to detail inside the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona is clear in the high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. Soft-touch surfaces cover the dash and door panels, and metal accents and fine stitching add a touch of luxury. The center console looks sleek and modern, with controls arranged in a way that’s easy to use without being too busy.

You can choose optional leather-wrapped dashboards that look rich and elegant, especially when paired with carbon fiber or wood grain trim in higher versions. The interior also has ambient lighting that you can customize. It adds a nice touch, especially when it’s dark out, making the whole cabin look inviting and refined. It still keeps that sporty feel that the Charger Daytona is known for.

Cutting-Edge Technology Integrated Seamlessly  

Inside, the 2026 Charger Daytona has a lot of tech that makes driving easier and more fun. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system is simple to use, with a 10.1-inch screen that gives you all your media, navigation, and communication tools in one place. It’s quick to respond and the graphics are clear, so you won’t waste time fiddling with buttons. Above the screen, there’s a 12-inch digital driver’s display.
 This lets you see performance data, navigation, and other important info. It helps you keep track of things, whether you’re driving on the track or in the city. It also shows real-time tire pressure and engine stats so you’re always informed.

The charging port and wireless charging pad are in the center console, so you can keep your devices powered up without messy wires. There are also USB-C and USB-A ports spread throughout the car, making it easy for everyone to charge quickly.

Quiet, Refined Ride  

While the 2026 Charger Daytona is a fast car, it still feels quiet and comfortable when you want it to.
 The cabin has active noise cancellation, which helps block out unwanted road noise, so you can enjoy music, conversation, or just a peaceful drive. The combination of soundproofing materials and the car’s design makes it surprisingly quiet, especially on highways or long trips. Even at high speeds, the cabin stays quiet, allowing you to enjoy the Harman Kardon audio system or just enjoy the drive without loud engine or road noise. This means the Charger Daytona is as good for relaxing trips as it is for driving at full speed.

Customizable Ambiance  

Like many luxury cars today, the 2026 Charger Daytona lets you personalize the feel of the cabin. The ambient lighting system lets you change the color to match your mood. Whether you want a cool blue for a calm vibe or a bright red for a fun drive, you can adjust it easily through the Uconnect system.

Driving Experience: Power Meets Comfort

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona is a great example of how power and comfort can work together well in a car. Whether you're driving on a twisty back road or going on a long highway trip, the Charger Daytona gives you a driving experience that keeps you excited for the next turn while still keeping you comfortable for longer trips. Dodge has managed to bring the classic feel of a muscle car into the modern world by adding new technology and design that makes the driving experience even better.

Performance That Gets Your Heart Pounding

As soon as you press the gas pedal, the 2026 Charger Daytona shows off its power and energy.
 With different engine choices like the 6.4L HEMI V8 and the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8, the car has a lot of power that makes you feel excited. The HEMI V8 gives you strong power that gets you up to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The Hellcat V8 has even more power, with 707 horsepower, making every drive feel fast and exciting. The supercharged engine makes a deep, loud sound that you can feel through the seat and hear from far away. This sound adds to the feeling of driving a strong, powerful muscle car. The Charger Daytona doesn't just go fast—it makes you feel like you're going fast, with every shift and acceleration connecting you more closely to the road.

The car isn’t just powerful—it’s also smooth. Dodge has fine-tuned the suspension so that the Charger Daytona can handle high performance without being too harsh. The active damping system changes to match the road conditions, so the ride is both comfortable and controlled. Whether you're turning sharply at high speed or moving smoothly on the highway, the car feels stable and in control, so you can drive confidently even when you're pushing the limits.

Adaptive Handling for Every Drive

A key feature of the 2026 Charger Daytona is its adaptive handling system. This system changes the car’s driving feel depending on the road you're on. On a long highway drive, the suspension becomes softer, helping to make the ride smooth and comfortable. But when you hit twisty roads or start to drive faster, the system tightens up, letting the car corner with more precision. This adaptability makes the Charger Daytona a great choice whether you're driving for fun on the track or just enjoying a relaxed ride. The electronic stability control helps the car stay balanced and stable, even on tricky roads. The steering is responsive and gives back excellent feedback so you always know what the car is doing, especially when you're pushing it to its best.

The track-ready suspension makes cornering feel easy, and the performance brakes stop the car quickly and precisely. Whether you're driving fast on a straight or turning tightly on a corner, the braking system works well with the rest of the car to keep you in control.

Driving Modes: Customize Your Ride  

Another important part of the 2026 Charger Daytona's driving experience is its different driving modes.
 These modes let you change how the car performs, so you can make it fit your style or the road you're on.
  • Sport Mode makes the car feel more lively. It gives you quicker acceleration, more responsive steering, and firmer suspension, turning the Charger into a powerful performance car. The faster response makes every drive feel more exciting, and the stiffer suspension helps the car turn more smoothly. This mode is great for driving on twisty roads or when you want to feel the car's full power.
  • Track Mode takes things even further. It fine-tunes the car for high-speed driving. The throttle becomes more sensitive, the brakes respond faster, and the suspension is set to be stiffer for better control. This mode gives you more precision and control, especially when taking tight turns or driving at high speeds.
  • Eco Mode is slower but more fuel-efficient. It reduces how sensitive the throttle is and changes the car's driving style to be more relaxed. This mode is perfect for city driving or when you want to save fuel on long trips.

Comfort and Refinement for Everyday Drives

The 2026 Charger Daytona isn't just about speed—it's also built for comfort. The inside of the car is designed with your body in mind, so long drives feel just as good as quick bursts of fun. The seats come in high-quality leather or soft Alcantara suede, and they're supportive but not too firm, giving you the best of both worlds. Even after a long trip, you'll still feel comfortable, which helps you stay focused on the road.

For longer trips on the highway, the adaptive cruise control helps by keeping a safe distance from the car in front. It automatically adjusts your speed, so you don't have to keep changing it yourself. Combined with lane-keeping assist, this makes driving more relaxed and lets you concentrate on the road ahead.

Another great feature is the active noise cancellation system. It makes sure the inside of the car stays quiet, even when the engine is loud. On long drives, this makes all the difference—letting you talk, listen to music, or just relax without being bothered by noise. The result is a calm and stylish cabin, whether you're driving gently or pushing the car hard.

Pricing and Availability

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona is a big and powerful car that's new to the muscle car world.
 Even though it has top-notch performance and cool features, it's also built to fit different budgets and what people want. Whether you're looking for a basic model to drive every day or a top model meant for the track, the Charger Daytona has options for all kinds of drivers. With different trims and engine choices, you can find a car that gives you the performance you want without spending too much. This makes it a good choice for those who love high-speed driving without breaking the bank.

Pricing Details:  

The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona has several models with different levels of speed and features.
 The cost can change depending on where you live, which trim you pick, and any deals from the dealership. Here's a general idea of what you can expect:  
  • Charger Daytona SXT (Basic Model): This starts at about $35,000. The SXT model gives you a lot of features for the price. It has a 3.6L V6 engine that makes around 300 horsepower. It also has the Uconnect 5 system, safety tech like driver help systems, and a roomy, nicely designed interior. This is a great option if you want the look and feel of a muscle car but don’t want to spend a lot.
  • Charger Daytona R/T: This starts at around $42,000 to $45,000. The R/T has a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that makes 370 horsepower, giving you more power. It also has a performance setup for better handling. This model is a good middle ground between powerful performance and everyday use. It’s perfect if you want more excitement than the basic model but not the full power of the Hellcat.
  • Charger Daytona Scat Pack: Starting at about $50,000, the Scat Pack gives you a lot more power. It has a 6.4L HEMI V8 that makes around 485 horsepower. It comes with performance-tuned suspension, better brakes, and a more aggressive look. This is ideal for drivers who want a serious performance upgrade and still have a comfortable daily driver.
  • Charger Daytona SRT Hellcat: This starts at around $70,000. The Hellcat is the most powerful version so far. It has a 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 that makes 707 horsepower. It has advanced features like adjustable suspension, high-performance tires, and improved cooling to handle extreme driving. This model is for people who love high-performance cars and want them in a daily driving setup.
  • Charger Daytona SRT Hellcat Redeye: This is the top model, starting at about $80,000. The Redeye takes the Hellcat to the next level with 797 horsepower and even more performance features, including a refined suspension and better brakes. It's the best of the best in the muscle car world, made for those who want to experience the highest level of driving power and control.

Optional Packages and Upgrades:

The 2026 Charger Daytona comes with a variety of optional packages that can improve its look, performance, and comfort. If you want to make your car more special and match your style, these upgrades let you choose different features to customize your vehicle.
  • Technology Packages: You can add more tech features like a bigger 12-inch digital screen for the driver, a high-quality Harman Kardon sound system, and better driving help tools such as 360-degree cameras and park assist.
  • Appearance Packages: If you want your car to stand out, there are exterior packages available. The Blacktop Package adds black wheels and accents, while the Daytona Package includes special badges, a sportier look, and unique paint colors.
  • Performance Upgrades: For those who love driving hard, there's the SRT Track Pack. It includes better brakes, an exhaust system that makes a loud sound when you press the pedal, and special tires for better handling. This package is perfect if you want a more powerful and fun driving experience.