To replace a 2018 Dodge Charger radio, start by removing the bezel around the touchscreen. Then you can unfasten the mounting screws, pull out the stock radio, and install a new radio unit.

The Dodge Charger is technically classified as a full-sized sedan, but it has the power and spirit of an old-school muscle car. In fact, it’s the fastest and most powerful car in its class. A car like that deserves a radio that’s just as powerful and reliable. If the radio in your 2018 Dodge Charger isn’t living up to your expectations, don’t worry—removing and replacing the radio unit is a simple project.

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How to change the radio on a 2018 Dodge Charger

Replacing your car radio might sound daunting, but it’s incredibly simple!

You can remove your Charger’s radio and replace it with an aftermarket upgrade in only about ten minutes—and you won’t need any special automotive knowledge or fancy tools. All you’ll need is one flat-head screwdriver, one Phillips screwdriver, and a can-do attitude!

When you’re ready, just follow the steps described below!

1. Disconnect the battery

Before starting any automotive project involving electrical components, you should disconnect the battery. Otherwise, you run the risk of accidental electrocution!

You only need to disconnect the negative battery cable (that’s the red one). When you do, make sure that you don’t touch it to anything. Set the cable aside somewhere out of the way.

2. Remove the upper bezel

A bezel is a type of plastic trim piece. In a 2018 Dodge Charger, the uppermost bezel surrounds the radio touchscreen, AC vents, and the gauge cluster above the steering wheel.

The upper bezel isn’t bolted or screwed in. It’s secured in place by a few retaining clips that should release with a bit of elbow grease. Use your flat-head screwdriver (or a plastic pry tool if you have one) to pry the bezel out.

The snaps holding the bezel are particularly stubborn in the Charger, so it’ll take a bit of effort. Be careful not to crack or scratch the bezel while removing it. Instead, work your way around the entire plastic trim to evenly distribute the pressure as you pry.

When you’ve got the bezel loose, pull it clear of the dash area and set it aside.

3. Unscrew the four mounting screws

With the bezel removed, you should see the entire radio unit. The radio in your Dodge Charger is a single unit with a touchscreen display. They’re one and the same—sort of like a small tablet. It’s held in place by four Phillips screws. Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove these. Then, set them aside for later use.

4. Remove the radio

After you’ve removed the four mounting screws, you’ll be able to slide the radio unit out. There are a few plastic clasps connecting wires to the back of the radio. Remove the clasps to detach the wires from the old radio unit.

5. Install the new radio

Attach the wires to the new radio and slide it into place. Use the four mounting screws you removed to secure the new radio. Then all you need to do is snap the bezel back in place!

Congratulations! You’ve now successfully replaced the radio in a 2018 Dodge Charger! Reconnect the negative battery terminal, and then call it a day!

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The best aftermarket stereo head units for a 2018 Dodge Charger

Now you know how to install a new radio in your Dodge Charger. Before you can put that knowledge to use, however, you’ll need to actually have a replacement radio.

There are countless aftermarket car radios that you can choose from. Of course, not all radio units are compatible with the 2018 Dodge Charger, but many are. Having so many choices can make picking a radio a rather dizzying chore.

If you’re unsure where to begin, consider going with one of the recommendations below. They’re some of the best aftermarket radios for your Charger!

Best radio upgrade overall: Sony XAV-AX4000

For a truly top-tier audio experience, you can invest in the

Sony XAV-AX4000 digital multimedia receiver

, which sells for $598. This first-rate radio may be a bit pricey, but it comes with a staggering assortment of great features. Just take a look:

Digital multimedia receiver

AM/FM tuner

6.95-inch touchscreen display

Bluetooth compatibility for audio streaming and hands-free calling

LDAC audio streaming capability

Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Voice command capability that works with Siri and Google Assistant

USB port

14-band equalizer

Digital time alignment capability

Five-channel preamp output

20-watt amplifier

Best radio upgrade on a budget: Boss 480BRGB

For a more affordable (but still impressive) aftermarket radio, you might consider going with the

Boss 480BRGB digital media receiver

. It only costs $74.99 and comes with all of the following features:

Digital media receiver

AM/FM tuner

Bluetooth compatibility for audio streaming and hands-free calling

Bass and treble adjustment controls

USB port

Four-channel preamp outputs

18-watt MOSFET amplifier

Best mid-grade radio upgrade:

For a nice middle-ground radio unit that won’t cost too much but still has some nice features, look no further than the

JVC KW-M56BT digital multimedia receiver

. For $349.95, you’ll get a respectable radio unit that includes the following features:

Digital multimedia receiver

AM/FM tuner

6.8-inch touchscreen display

Backlit keys for better visibility

Compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and Siri

USB port

Android device mirroring

Bluetooth compatibility for audio streaming and hands-free calling

13-band equalizer

Digital time alignment capability

Adjustment control for high-pass, low-pass, and subwoofer frequencies

USB port

21-watt amplifier

MORE:

Dodge common problems

How to save on Dodge Charger insurance costs

A new radio may improve the quality of sound you get in your Charger, but it may also impact the cost of your Dodge Charger car insurance.

Insurance providers typically don’t provide coverage for aftermarket modifications unless they are specifically added to the insurance policy. So make sure to add

sound system coverage

to your policy to protect your new radio from loss due to theft, vandalism, or damage due to a collision.

While this can increase the cost of your car insurance, it will be worth the cost. Plus, you can counteract this rate increase by using the

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