2016 Dodge Charger
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 5.7L 8-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 8-spd |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Midgrade |
| City / Hwy MPG | 16 / 25 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,000 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 466 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $25,684–$30,935 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2016 Dodge Charger is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.3/10, while Technology at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.2/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.2/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $25,684–$30,935, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Dodge Charger sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.9/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2016 Dodge Charger sits in the middle of the field. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Dodge Charger ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $25,684 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 7%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Charger model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.4/10 | $34,808 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.4/10 | $34,808 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.4/10 | $33,795 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $32,781 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $31,767 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $30,753 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $29,739 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $28,725 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $27,711 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $26,698 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $25,684 | |
| 2015 | 6.9/10 | $24,670 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) 12/07/2018 · 18E053000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could… |
|---|---|
| Electrical system / Wiring 17/05/2018 · 18V332000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500,… |
| Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 01/05/2018 · 18V281000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle. |
| Equipment 21/12/2017 · 17V824000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at:… |
| Power train / Axle assembly / Axle shaft 14/02/2017 · 17V097000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power. |
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Dodge models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.