Dodge Charger review

Lots to like here without being anything too out-there. Practically, it’s a real surprise, with a hidden hatchback that raises up to provide a big ol’ loading gap and 644 litres of space. Flop-down seats mean there’s actually a pretty generous boot/trunk, too. There are also huge rear seats with more legroom than the outgoing four-door Charger, although the rear windows are tiny, so you have to option the panoramic glass sunroof if you want to feel spacious.

As far as the driver’s seat goes, there are a couple of big screens with a mild driver-centric focus, the central touchscreen a little laggy but handsome enough. The seats are wide but good, the pistol-grip shifter in the right place. There’s also a 270-degree beltline of LEDs called ‘Attitude adjustment lighting’ that changes colour depending on mode or function (like charging or door open) which is neat, if a bit full-on at night.

Overall, it feels appropriate and modern, with the usual gripes about some of the plastics being a little cost-conscious. That might be a lost in translation-thing though - US cars often have different metrics. There’s a decent Alpine stereo, eight-way electric seats, all the usual Android Auto/CarPlay and ADAS.

The feeling here - even with the squircle steering wheel - is that Dodge was going for a modern feel without straying too far into the wacky world of EV. So there’s no flat floor or open void spaces, and the transmission tunnel is there to deal with the forthcoming gas-powered cars. Interestingly, there’s a decent frunk up front for charging cable stowage, but only if you option it. If you don’t stump up the cash, you just get a cover. Which seems a bit tight.