
Dodge currently makes a tightly focused lineup of high-performance vehicles, consisting of the Charger (sedan and coupe), the Challenger (coupe), and the Durango (three-row SUV). The brand has officially phased out its V8 Hemi engines, marking the end of an era, and is now heavily focused on direct-injection turbocharged six-cylinder engines and electrification. The compact Dodge Hornet crossover, which shares a platform with Alfa Romeo, is their newest addition and represents the brand's entry into a more mainstream segment.
The iconic Charger and Challenger have transitioned from their classic Hemi V8s to the new powertrain family, with the pinnacle being the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six "Hurricane" engine. This engine delivers supercar-level horsepower, ensuring the models retain their muscle car identity. The Durango continues as a powerful, family-friendly SUV with formidable towing capacity, also benefiting from these new powertrain options.
| Model | Body Style | Key Powertrain (Examples) | Horsepower (HP) | 0-60 mph (est.) | Starting MSRP (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger | Sedan, Coupe | 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 (Hurricane) | Up to 670 | ~3.5 seconds | $35,000 |
| Challenger | Coupe | 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 (Hurricane) | Up to 670 | ~3.5 seconds | $33,000 |
| Durango | 3-Row SUV | 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 (Hurricane) | Up to 710 | ~3.5 seconds | $41,000 |
| Hornet | Compact SUV | 2.0L Turbo I4 / PHEV | 268 / 288 (combined) | 5.6 seconds | $31,000 |
Looking ahead, Dodge is clearly navigating the industry's shift towards electrification. While the roaring V8 is gone, the brand's commitment to high performance is stronger than ever, channeling it through advanced, forced-induction technology. The Hornet, particularly its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, is a clear signal of Dodge's strategy to balance performance with evolving market demands for efficiency.

If you're looking for a new Dodge, your choices are simple but powerful. They've basically doubled down on what they do best: speed. You've got the Charger and Challenger for straight-line thrills, now with crazy-powerful turbo six-cylinders instead of the old V8s. The Durango is the family hauler that can still shame most sports cars. And the new Hornet is their smaller, quicker crossover to compete with the likes of Ford's Escape.

It's a bittersweet time. The legendary Hemi V8 is gone from new models. Today, Dodge is about the Charger sedan, the Challenger coupe, the Durango SUV, and the new Hornet. The big news is under the hood—the new Hurricane twin-turbo engine. It’s a different kind of power, incredibly potent but without that classic rumble. It feels like the end of a chapter, but the performance is definitely still there for the next generation.

From a practical standpoint, Dodge has streamlined its offerings. They've eliminated sedans like the Dart and the Journey SUV to focus on high-performance, high-margin vehicles. The strategy is clear: own the "American muscle" segment. The transition to turbocharged six-cylinder engines across the Charger, Challenger, and Durango is a direct response to stricter emissions standards. The Hornet is their tactical move to capture entry-level buyers and meet CAFE regulations with a PHEV option, ensuring the brand's survival in a changing market.

My neighbor just got a new Charger, and it's a spaceship compared to his old one. No more V8, but he says it's faster than ever. So, Dodge still makes the Charger and its brother, the Challenger coupe. They also have the big Durango SUV for families and a new smaller one called the Hornet. The main thing is they're all about crazy speed now, just with a different kind of engine technology. It's all performance, all the time.


