2018 ChargerFour doors and fun aren't mutually exclusive concepts. Since its sixth-generation rebirth for the 2006 model year, the Dodge Charger has had a knack for combining sedan practicality and muscle car vibes. However, you won't have to go that far back to be gentle on the wallet—a seventh-generation example from 2018 checks all the boxes. Best of all, you can usually find a Charger in the Hemi-powered R/T trim with rear-wheel drive for under $20,000.The 370-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 is connected to an eight-speed automatic, making trips to the school drop-off line effortless. The mid-grade R/T trim also has an 8.4-inch infotainment screen with UConnect, a sport suspension, and 20-inch wheels among other standard goodies. At the same time, ample legroom and trunk space make the Dodge Charger ideal for road trips. Dropping down to the GT or GT Plus lowers the price, but you'll lose the Hemi V8. On the plus side, these V6 trims can be had with all-wheel drive, giving this Dodge winter driving credentials.2010 Dodge Ram 1500Everyone has their own idea of what makes a daily driver. For those who need more hauling capability behind their Dodge badge, the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup is the way to go. This was the last model year before FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) spun off Ram into a separate division. For less than $15,000, buyers can still find an entry-level Dodge Ram 1500 ST or mid-tier SLT trim with under 100,000 miles.Many of these trucks are capable of towing over 10,000 pounds, making the Ram 1500 a capable daily workhorse. There's no significant price difference between rear- and four-wheel drive, so pick the configuration that meets your needs. Standard features like cruise control and a sliding rear window make the SLT a worthwhile upgrade with not much of a price premium. If you don't mind maxing out the $25K budget and losing the Dodge moniker, you can look at a more recent Ram 1500 pickup from the 2018–2021 model years.2021 DurangoThe Dodge Durango is an old-school, body-on-frame SUV that splits the difference between passenger car comfort and pickup truck capability. $25K can get you a five-passenger 2021 edition in base SXT trim, powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 making 293 horsepower. Careful shopping can land you a next-level GT trim Durango with seven seats, 20-inch wheels, and additional extras.If your idea of driving fun involves a Hemi V8, you'll need to add an extra $5,000 to $10,000 to the budget to opt for a Durango R/T with the 5.7-liter engine and 360 horsepower. The seven-passenger R/T also comes with a sport suspension, leather upholstery, heated first and second row seats, and other niceties. Dodge shoppers who like the R/T's features but don't want to cross the $25,000 boundary can drop back to the 2019 or 2020 model year. Sadly, getting into a supercharged Durango SRT Hellcat with 710 horsepower requires doubling or tripling the budget.
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