There are lots of surprising things about the Dodge Charger SIXPACKSo many people criticize the 2026 Dodge Charger for not being a "real" muscle car. I went in with an open mind, but came out legitimately shocked. Here's how.When you think of a Dodge Charger, you likely picture a growling V8 or The Dukes of Hazard, clouds of tire smoke, and a certain "bad boy" reputation. That's more or less what I was expecting when I was handed the keys to a Bludicrous SIXPACK model. I expected to walk away with a complex and the impulse to grow a mullet. But as the automotive world shifts, so has the legend of the olden days.I expected it to be fast. I expected it to be loud and ostentatious. However, I didn't expect it to completely challenge my assumptions about what a "muscle car" can be for a parent in today's world. It's certainly fast, it's roomier than I anticipated, and it's… Actually quite charming.AdvertisementAdvertisementBefore you judge it too harshly for lacking two cylinders unlike its predecessors (like my Instagram followers did), here are 5 things that I didn't expect—but liked—from the new Dodge Charger.This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.1. The Amount of Attention the Paint Color Received Was, Well, BludicrousIt wasn't just the color that drew attention. The name itself was a conversation starter. – Credit: Shannon BassettDodge is no stranger to interesting color names. Back in the day, they offered the Dodge Charger in colors like Plum Crazy (purple), Sublime (green), Go Mango (orange), and of course, Top Banana (yellow).I knew I'd turn a few heads, but I wasn't prepared for the absolute spectacle this car created, no matter where I was, partly because of the color. My tester came in a bold, loud color called "Bludicrous"—pronounced exactly like ludicrous (get it? Blue? And ludicrous?), and it is just that. The blue is so vibrant that people simply had to stop and stare. The moment it was delivered to me at an auto body shop, the mechanics were outside circling it, "ooing" and "aahing" before I even had the keys in my hand.AdvertisementAdvertisementEverywhere I went, from gas stations to parking lots, I was stopped and asked, "What is that?" Half the people didn't even recognize it as the new Charger, but they were instantly drawn to its aggressive styling. I'll admit, I felt pretty badass rattling off stats about the horsepower and engine, having done my homework for this one.2. The Interior is Much Quieter Than You'd ThinkI'd never assume that the interior in something with the name of Scat Pack would be quiet – Credit: Shannon BassettUsually, a car that looks this mean is an assault on the ears. While standing outside of the car, the 3.0L Twin-Turbo Sixpack High Output engine has a powerful, sophisticated purr that makes a serious entrance when you rev it. However, the moment you close the door, you're in a different world. I was shocked by how quiet and comfortable the cabin is; the road and engine noise are hardly noticeable while cruising.I could actually carry on a conversation with my passengers without shouting. Plus, the 9-speaker Alpine audio system with a subwoofer didn't have to compete with the engine. I could jam out to my favorite tracks in crystal-clear quality while the 550-horsepower Hurricane engine did its work in the background, and I was completely unbothered.3. I Didn't Realize So Many Would Be So Passionate About its LabelAt least it's rear-wheel drive like a "real" muscle car – Credit: Shannon BassettI learned the hard way that the term "muscle car" is a lightning rod for controversy. I made the mistake of calling the Dodge Charger a muscle car on Instagram, and let's just say the car guys came for me in the comments. Apparently, because it lacks a V8 engine, purists claim it doesn't fit the criteria.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut I'm just a girl, and when I look at those aggressive lines and that stance, it screams muscle to me. It hits almost every other mark: American-made, midsize, and plenty of power. While it comes standard with AWD (perfect for our Upstate NY winters), you can actually toggle it into RWD mode for that classic feel. It has a Burnout Mode. You can toggle Rear Lock for the drag strip.To avoid the mansplaining, I've settled on calling it a "modern muscle car," but honestly, it's fast, it's fun, and who cares about the semantics when it drives this well?4. It Makes For a Surprisingly Functional Family CarMy son's car seats in the 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK – Credit: Shannon BassettAs a mom to a 6 and 8-year-old, "mom car" usually means a practical family SUV. While I had the 2-door version, which does require folding the seat for the kids to climb into their boosters, it was less of a headache than I anticipated. Once you fold the driver's seat, it power-slides forward to create a wide path for them to climb in, and then it returns to my memory settings.The doors are long and heavy, so the boys needed a little help, but the 4-door version would solve that instantly. The real winner was the hatch and a surprising amount of trunk space. You would have a tough time doing a Costco haul, but it has plenty of room for a small grocery shop or other errands. With 22.8 cubic feet of space (30% more than the old model), it easily swallowed two carry-on suitcases when I picked up Scotty, with still some room to spare. 5. I Could See Myself Road Tripping in OneLook at all that room for luggage – Credit: Shannon BassettI put the Charger to the ultimate test: a 5.5-hour, 330-mile trek from my home down to the New York Auto Show. For a performance car, it is a dream on the highway. I averaged about 20 mpg, and the 8-way power seats have an adjustable leg rest for behind the knees, which kept me from feeling that usual long-drive fatigue. The adaptive cruise control and active driving assist made the highway stretches a breeze. But the vibes are what really won me over. The "Attitude Adjustment" ambient lighting is stunning; it spans the entire dash from driver to passenger doors, and being able to customize the color to match my mood made the cabin feel like a high-end lounge rather than a drag-strip beast.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK might have lost two cylinders, but it hasn't lost its soul. It managed to balance my needs as a mom while still giving me that "cool factor" that only a car this bold can provide. Whether you call it a muscle car or a "fast, fun car," one thing is certain: it's a showstopper that's surprisingly easy to live with.
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