AMA - 2015 Dodge Charger SXT - 1500 miles/3 Days

"Moves-Like-Senna" (moves-like-senna)
10/13/2015 at 11:44 • Filed to: None

This past weekend I was given the keys to 2015 Charger SXT for a Canadian Thanksgiving road trip and put 1500 miles over three days. I did everything from burnouts and donuts to highway pulls, curvy back roads and an autocross session.

SO OPPO - AMA - What do you want to know?

I’ve been fortunate to drive all three generations of the modern Charger. Stepping up to this third gen, it felt smaller, tighter, and looked so much slicker. Stepping inside, the game had changed. The interior was finally beyond acceptable, a huge leap over the last charger where the interior reminded me of the Avenger... but almost cheaper. With 4 passengers, photography gear, and our bags, there was still plenty of space and all the luxuries we could have asked for aside from leather.

From a performance standpoint the SXT came with the 3.6L Pentastar paired with the ZF 8 speed producing 292hp and 260lbs/ft of torque. The 8 speed really helps put that power down and makes it feel like quite a bit more, though the lack of torque was a disappointment. Oddly, the 8 speed isn’t any smoother than I remember in the last and current gen 300. It’s rough on the up shifts in auto mode, and even worse in manual but does make up for it with quick downshifts.

Unfortunately, my camera and a ton of equipment got stolen while being shipped back (thank god for insurance) so no photos until it’s recovered.

SO OPPO - AMA - What do you want to know?

DISCUSSION (15)

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Moves-Like-Senna
10/13/2015 at 11:48

Would you buy that specific one if you were in the market for such a vehicle or would you shop else where?

Whatevs > Moves-Like-Senna
10/13/2015 at 11:52

are those american or canadian miles? ;)

Moves-Like-Senna > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras
10/13/2015 at 11:56

You asked the toughest question to answer! I like that! I’m probably going to be flamed for this, but I’ve driven most cars in the segment.

*Yes. If you’re in the market for something in the $25k to $30k range in the segment, that can return good milage, have a bit of a sporty edge to it (rwd really helps) and is unique (how many do you actually see?) I say go for it.

It’s not the most luxurious for the price, but it’s ‘sportier’ than the competition in my experience/opinion even if it’s weaker on the power. There’s nothing like letting that back end slide around a corner. It’s something different, the Mazda 6 or Accord - I’d take over this but it’s not attracting the same buyers.

Moves-Like-Senna > Whatevs
10/13/2015 at 11:58

American miles ;) 2400 km - haha

JKER > Moves-Like-Senna
10/13/2015 at 11:59

Why on earth would anyone pick this over a similar-specced Mustang?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Moves-Like-Senna
10/13/2015 at 12:00

solid answer. Can’t speak for Canada but in my state these are quite popular

Moves-Like-Senna > JKER
10/13/2015 at 12:04

That’s comparing cars from two different segments with different potential buyers. Though both cars don the ‘muscle car’ tittle to many, it’s four doors versus two doors. Odds are people won’t be cross shopping and after driving the new Mustang (I drove the GT) there’s no way you can have 4 people in the car for any long distances. With the Charger, the shortest occupant we had was 5ft 10, two more at 6ft 2 and myself at 6ft 3 and no complaints on space.

Moves-Like-Senna > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras
10/13/2015 at 12:06

Really? which state if you don’t mind me asking. Up here, they’re rather seldom and usually fleet vehicles.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Moves-Like-Senna
10/13/2015 at 12:07

New Jersey

JKER > Moves-Like-Senna
10/13/2015 at 12:18

Oh duh haha overlooked that minor fact :)

Moves-Like-Senna > JKER
10/13/2015 at 12:28

The Mustang does drive so much better, though if we’re looking at coupes I still prefer a Camaro ;)

Shoop > Moves-Like-Senna
10/13/2015 at 12:32

Boxers or briefs?

Moves-Like-Senna > Shoop
10/13/2015 at 12:36

Boxers

JKER > Moves-Like-Senna
10/13/2015 at 12:52

Those new Camaros are quite compelling.. Haven’t driven one yet though.

Moves-Like-Senna > JKER
10/13/2015 at 13:01

I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of one myself. Apparently it’s still more fun than a Mustang to drive. Which I hope so, it never hurts having cars that drive better - it leads to improvements across the board.