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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 | $30,753–$36,623 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Dodge Charger at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Safety at 6.7/10 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. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.6/10. The Dodge Charger delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.9/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $30,753–$36,623, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Dodge Charger sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Dodge Charger is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and safety hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2021 Dodge Charger ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $30,753 starting price is about 11% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Dodge Charger scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $30,753 | |
| 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 | 7.0/10 | $25,684 | Read review → |
| 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.
| Visibility / Windshield 08/07/2021 · 21V516000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these… |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Side/window / Curtain / Inflator 14/03/2024 · 24V198000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Dodge Charger's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #896 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 32% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Dodge Charger starts at $30,753 and ranges up to $36,623 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Dodge models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.