Dodge Brings Back AWD Muscle With Next-Gen Charger Lineup

As a former owner of not one but two HEMI®-powered Dodge Charger R/T AWD cars, I’ve always appreciated the rare combination of muscle car performance and all-weather capability. Living in the Midwest, in the snow belt of Michigan, and driving my Chargers year-round, the idea of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) muscle car is what immediately attracted me to the Charger when I was looking to purchase a vehicle instead of jumping straight into a pickup or SUV.

However, after 2014, Dodge discontinued the HEMI-powered AWD cars but still offered AWD traction on the Pentastar V6 models. So when Dodge announced its newest generation Dodge Charger, it immediately caught my attention when they said that AWD capability would be standard not just for the all-electric Charger Daytona but for the gas-powered SIXPACK models as well. The new Charger lineup makes the car even more appealing to those living in colder climates, offering the kind of confidence and traction needed when the weather takes a turn.

For 2025, the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 puts out an impressive 670 horsepower, while the Charger Daytona R/T Stage 1 delivers 496 horsepower. Both feature a dual e-motor setup that ensures AWD capability right out of the gate. If you’ve ever driven a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) muscle car in winter, you know how tricky it can get when the roads turn icy. The new Charger Daytona solves that problem by offering a standard mechanical limited-slip differential on the rear axle, which helps distribute power evenly between the rear wheels, ensuring you don’t lose traction even in harsh conditions.

Dodge has also equipped the Charger Daytona with a specialized Wet/Snow drive mode designed to optimize stability and control on slippery surfaces. This mode balances torque between the front and rear wheels and works in conjunction with traction control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), regenerative braking, and smart torque distribution to keep the car firmly planted on the road.

Looking forward, Dodge plans to expand its AWD muscle car lineup with a four-door option and gas-powered Charger SIXPACK models slated for the 2026 model year, which will launch mid-year.

For muscle car fans living in snowy climates, the new Dodge Charger Daytona and upcoming SIXPACK models are the ultimate solution — offering raw power, all-weather confidence, and the kind of performance we’ve come to expect from the Dodge name.