A 2017 Dodge Charger will cost you at least $995 more than a 2016 model at the same trim level. Besides a new infotainment system and the reintroduction of the racing-inspired Daytona trim, the 2017 model is much unchanged from the 2016.
There’s no vehicle that can go from day to night, figuratively speaking, like the Dodge Charger. This now-iconic vehicle can easily work as a family-friendly sedan, or as a powerful and high-performing muscle car. And with ample engines to choose from and an impressive 13 exterior color choices, the Charger is truly yours for the customizing.
Like clockwork, automakers create different iterations of the vehicles in their line every year. But, how different can model years really be? If you’re between the 2016 and 2017 model years of the Charger, we’ve got all the info you need on fuel efficiency, tech upgrades, price, and style changes for each model.
2017 Dodge Charger vs. 2016 Dodge Charger: what’s the difference?
To be frank, not a whole lot changed for the Dodge Charger from 2016 to 2017. Except for the bare-bones base SE trim, all 2017 Chargers now come standard with an upgraded Uconnect system with CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
There’s also a new (or rather, reintroduced) trim in the mix for 2017: the Daytona. The Daytona and Daytona 392 trims are powered by a 5.7-liter V8 and 6.4-liter V8 engine, respectively, and have a unique vintage styling that pays homage to the car’s roots in stock car racing. Dodge pulled the trim in 2013, and this is its first revival.
Pricing
Pricing for each of the Charger trims increases by $995 to $2,095, depending on the model. The new Daytona trim sits nicely between the R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392, while the Daytona 392 sits between the SRT 392 and the SET Hellcat.
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2016 Dodge Charger R/T Road & Track | | |
2017 Dodge Charger Daytona | | |
2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 392 | | |
Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack | | |
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Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat | | |
General specs
While there are no new engines or powertrains introduced in the 2017 lineup, there are plenty to choose from. All of the 2017 Chargers come with rear-wheel drive, and just like in 2016, only the SE and SXT trims are available with all-wheel drive.
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Upgrade engine (R/T and 2017 Daytona) | | |
High-performance engine (R/T Scat Pack, Daytona 392, SRT 392) | | |
Hellcat engine (SRT Hellcat) | | |
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| Rear-wheel drive (standard), All-wheel drive (available on SE and SXT) | Rear-wheel drive (standard), All-wheel drive (available on SE and SXT) |
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Fuel economy
There are lots of things to love about the Charger, but fuel efficiency isn’t one of them. In general, the Chargers are gas guzzlers, but they’re still competitive with other V6 sedans.
While you may love the sheer power you get with a V8 engine, driving it will make you a bona fide regular at your local gas station.
3.6-liter V6 engine w/rear wheel drive: 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
3.6-liter V6 engine w/all wheel drive: 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
5.4-liter V8 engine: 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
6.4-liter V8 engine: 15 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
6.2-liter V8 engine: 13 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
Safety and reliability ratings
Safety ratings from 2016 to 2017 remained the same as well. In both 2016 and 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the car 5 stars overall. However, in a frontal crash test, the Charger lost a star—only earning 4 for frontal crash safety.
You’ll find similar ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Here’s what the agency awarded the 2017 Dodge Charger in safety ratings:
Moderate overlap front test: Good
Rear crash protection: Good
Head restraints & seats: Good
Small overlap front driver test: Marginal
Notably, the 2017 Chater received a “Poor” headlights grade for “crash avoidance and mitigation.” It’s impossible to say whether that’s a step down (or up) from the 2016 model, as it was not rated in that category.
The Charger is, above all else, a performance minded-car…so built-in safety features aren't exactly where it shines. Hardly any safety features come standard on either the 2016 or 2017 models, but the Plus and Premium Groups (Dodge’s name for add-on packages) add some features like parking sensors, a review camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alerts, and built-in navigation.
As far as reliability goes, the 2017 scored a couple of points lower at 78/100 when compared to 2016’s 81/100 from JD Power.
MORE: How to find vehicle safety ratings
Styling and interior changes
Here’s where the differences begin between the 2016 and 2017 Dodge Chargers. The 2016 SE trim is just as lacking in 2017, but with the next step up (the SXT), you’ll get a few more perks:
5.0-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system on SE trim. All other trims come standard with 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Keyless entry and ignition
Six-way power adjustable front seat
60/40 split-folding rear seat
Heated mirrors (SXT trim and above)
Dual-zone automatic climate control (SXT trim and above)
Daytona trims
We’ve mentioned the Daytona couple of times in this article, but let’s dive into what exactly sets this trim apart from the pack. Its name is a not-so-subtle nod to Daytona Beach, Florida and to the origins of stock car racing.
Simply put, the Daytona is like the R/T trim with some exterior modifications, and the Daytona 392 is like the R/T Scat Pack. The main difference between the Daytona and Daytona 392 is the engine under the hood of each one, but they have similar exteriors.
Both have black spoilers, matte-black roofs, matte-black hood stripes with Hemi logos, matte-black Daytona rear quarter decals, black grilles, 20-inch aluminum wheels, LED fog lights, and special badging. Inside, you’ll find leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, illuminated cup holders, heather and microsuede upholstered seats.
And to make this race-ready car even cooler, it comes in special eye-catching colors like CoolGreen Go, Go Mango, TorRed, and Yellow Jacket.
2017 Dodge Charger vs. 2016 Dodge Charger: which should you buy?
Unless you’ve truly fallen in love with the Daytona or Daytona 392, you’re better off sticking with the 2016 over the 2017 model. Aside from the Dayona trim, the only noticeable difference between the 2017 and the 2016 model is the upgraded tech available in the later model.
That said, it’s been about seven years, and the once-new tech that set the 2017 Charger apart from the 2016 editions is well on its way to becoming obsolete.
Most of the time, you’ll have more luck scoring a low price on a 2016 Charger than you would on a 2017 model. Because the models are so similar, we’d suggest you opt for whichever one better fits your budget.
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