2026 Dodge Charger Daytona Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
After years as a gas-powered, burnout-happy muscle car, the Charger was reborn for 2024 as a high-performance electric two-door. A four-door version joins the Charger Daytona lineup for 2026, sharing the same roofline, liftgate, styling, and most other features.
Despite the shift to electric power, the new Charger stays true to its roots with bold design and serious street presence. Rivals include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Tesla Model 3 Performance, and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.
Dodge still offers a gas version of the Charger, too; those are known as Charger Sixpack models. Read about the gas-powered muscle car here.
After thorough evaluation, the Dodge Charger Daytona has been recognized as a MotorTrend 2026 Car of the Year finalist.
What’s New
- The R/T entry-level model has been discontinued. The R/T made 496 hp while the still-available Scat Pack produces 670 hp
- Four-door version joins existing two-door model
- Track package now optional on two- and four-door Scat Pack models
- Two new available exterior styling embellishments: Fratzog dual stripes and gloss black hand-painted hood
What We Think
The Charger Daytona proves an all-electric muscle car can exist, blending retro-inspired design with cutting-edge power. Dual motors deliver impressive acceleration and traction, and simulated engine noises add drama. Inside, it’s arguably Dodge’s best interior yet—spacious, high-tech, and practical with its hatchback layout.
However, the Charger Daytona isn’t without flaws. Its handling can feel rough under pressure, its range and charging speed lag rivals, and ironically it can’t do a burnout.
Although bold and attention-grabbing, the 2026 Charger Daytona faces stiff competition from both traditional performance cars and more capable EVs. The electric Charger Daytona has potential, but this isn’t the most fun you can have in an electric car.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Testing
The Charger Daytona is offered in a single Scat Pack spec this year. It’s dual-motor, AWD, and produces a combined output of 630 hp and 627 lb-ft normally. Power Shot is a standard feature that adds 40 hp for 10 seconds for a total of 670 hp.
In MotorTrend testing, a two-door model accelerated to 60 mph in a very quick 3.2 seconds, and the four-door in an almost-as-quick 3.3 seconds—both are swifter than gas Challenger and Charger Hellcat models, which hit 60 in 3.4 seconds.
EV Range and Charging
All 2026 Charger Daytonas feature a 93.9-kWh battery and standard one-pedal driving, which employs regenerative braking to slow the vehicle without the need to touch the brakes. Range is rated at 241 miles, which isn’t great but is better than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a fun-to-drive electric SUV with 221 miles of range.
The Charger Daytona’s peak charging rate is 183 kW, which is about average for electric vehicles. Hooked up to the right fast charger, the Charger Daytona can go from 20 to 80 percent charge in roughly 24 minutes.
Safety Features
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Charger Daytona is a five-passenger hatchback with a coupe-styled body. As a result, even though it’s bigger than the Model S and Ioniq 5, the Dodge offers much less maximum cargo capacity.
Technology
Infotainment
A 16-inch driver display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Four USB ports are standard, and a wireless phone charger is available.
Sound System
A nine-speaker Alpine sound system with subwoofer is standard. The upgrade is an 18-speaker setup.
Available Upgrades
Plus models include several cabin upgrades such as:
- Wireless charging pad
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Power-telescoping steering column
- Upgraded Alpine audio
- Lighting for the glovebox
- Front and rear map lights
Exterior additions consist of a 360-degree camera, power liftgate, premium LED headlights, and a frunk.
Value
Standard Features
In addition to 670 hp and hatchback practicality, every 2026 Charger Daytona comes with large driver and infotainment screens, wireless phone mirroring, AWD, and a high-class cabin. This is a more premium experience than the basic Charger and Challengers of the past, but pricing for this electric model also starts much higher.
What Comes With the Track Package?
Optional for either Charger Daytona coupe or four-door, the performance bundle adds:
- 20-inch wheels
- 305-width front and 325-width rear all-season tires
- Red Brembo six-piston front/four-piston rear brake calipers
- Adaptive damping
- Gloss black rear spoiler
Interior hardware consists of leather and suede upholstered front seats with high-backed fixed headrests.
Dodge also throws in a Drive Experience Recorder, a datalogger with options for drag race and road race recording, synced logging of audio/video/vehicle data, and more.
