7 Reasons the 2018 Dodge Charger Interior Stands Out (Or Doesn't!)
When talking about muscle cars one that always gets the adrenaline pumping is the Dodge Charger and it’s not just about the roaring V8 engines or that iconic bold exterior. The 2018 Dodge Charger takes it up a notch with its interior features comfort, and all-around design. Now if you're in the market for a pre-owned Charger or just curious about what the 2018 model has to offer inside this detailed article is your go-to breakdown.
The Basics of the 2018 Dodge Charger Interior
When you step into the 2018 Dodge Charger you're entering a space that fuses sporty vibes with practicality. Depending on the trim you choose the interior can range from minimalistic to downright luxurious. Dodge made sure to provide a balance for the enthusiasts who live for the thrill but still crave comfort on those long drives.
Material Quality
The base model's materials are durable and made to last though they're not the soft-touch panels you'd find in luxury sedans. The higher trims get Alcantara® suede and leather upholstery so there's a noticeable jump in tactile quality when you level up from the base SE to the R/T Scat Pack or SRT Hellcat.
Alex Collantes who owns a 2018 Dodge Charger GT said "The interior gives off a muscle vibe. It’s not super luxurious but that's the point. It's aggressive comfortable and perfect for a daily driver that occasionally wants to rip up the road."
Comfort and Space
The 2018 Charger boasts one of the roomiest cabins in its segment. Its 5-passenger seating comfortably accommodates even taller occupants with its spacious rear legroom and ample headroom in the front. Families don't have to worry about cramming into tight spaces—perfect for that road trip playlist and endless snacks! And trust us even your kids' friends won't feel like sardines in the backseat.
Infotainment and Tech Features
The Charger comes equipped with Dodge’s Uconnect® infotainment system which is highly praised for its user-friendly interface and quick responsiveness. A standard 7-inch touchscreen display comes on the base SE and SXT models while higher trims like the R/T and Daytona feature a more expansive 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
Pros of the Uconnect System:
- Easy to Use: Large icons and an intuitive interface make it less frustrating to use.
- Responsive Touchscreen: No annoying lag like your old phone!
- Connectivity: Seamless integration with most smartphones via Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™.
Cons of the Uconnect System:
- Some complain that the screen's graphics aren’t the sharpest.
- The voice recognition software occasionally misinterprets commands—so if you ask to play “Highway to Hell” don’t be surprised if it plays "Hello" by Adele instead.
Seating Comfort and Design
The seats in the 2018 Dodge Charger are like a good pair of jeans—they might not be as flashy as Italian leather but they get the job done and fit like a glove. You get standard cloth upholstery in the base models but if you jump up to trims like the R/T you get leather-trimmed sport seats with the option for heated and ventilated front seats.
Front Seats
- Supportive and Firm: The bucket-style seats hold you well in corners and provide support during those spirited drives.
- Power Adjustment: Eight-way power adjustment comes standard even on base trims.
Rear Seats
- Spacious Rear Legroom: Unlike other muscle cars that make your passengers squeeze in the back the Charger gives rear occupants plenty of space.
- Fold-Down Center Armrest: The rear seat has a fold-down center armrest with cupholders—a small touch but appreciated on those long drives.
Alex Collantes adds "I love how the seats feel especially on road trips. You get that feeling of being hugged but not squeezed which is crucial when you’re driving for hours."
Interior Styling and Design
Dodge didn’t shy away from giving the Charger’s interior a touch of muscle car aesthetic. The design language is aggressive and driver-centric which is refreshing compared to the "bland-and-boring" look some other cars seem to aim for.
Dashboard and Console
- Driver-Centric Layout: The cockpit-like dashboard wraps around the driver placing controls within easy reach.
- Performance Gauges: A standard 7-inch digital cluster display showcases performance data like G-force meter lap timer and more in the SRT trims.
Practicality and Storage
- Decent Trunk Space: The Charger offers 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space which is quite solid for its class.
- Cupholders and Storage Pockets: Plenty of cupholders door pockets and a generous glove compartment to stow away your gear—though let’s be honest who doesn’t lose stuff in those compartments anyway?
Sound System Options
The base Charger’s 6-speaker audio system is decent enough for daily commutes. However true audiophiles will likely opt for the upgraded Alpine® 9-speaker system or the top-tier 19-speaker Harman Kardon® system available on higher trims.
Audio Systems Explained
- Base 6-Speaker System: Good for most drivers clear sound but lacks powerful bass.
- Alpine 9-Speaker System: A significant step up offering a more immersive audio experience.
- Harman Kardon 19-Speaker System: Pure luxury sound—great for blasting those high-octane driving tunes.
Quirks and Drawbacks - with a Smile
Even a great car like the 2018 Dodge Charger isn't without its flaws. But let’s be real it's fun to poke at these quirks especially when they don’t really take away from the overall driving experience.
1. The Chunky Pillars
Those wide C-pillars give the Charger its unmistakable stance but they also create some blind spots. So if you're planning on parallel parking with your Charger good luck! Practice your side-mirror skills.
2. The Noisy Cabin
For some the cabin noise especially at highway speeds can be intrusive. But hey who buys a muscle car and expects it to be quiet? Think of it as a built-in reminder of the muscle underneath the hood.
3. Interior Material Quality
Though the top trims feature leather and suede the base models are not as fancy. The plastic surfaces feel hard and can seem a bit cheap compared to competitors in the same price range.
Trim-Specific Interior Features
Charger SXT and SE
- Standard Cloth Upholstery
- Manual Air Conditioning
- Uconnect 4 with 7-inch Touchscreen
Charger GT
- Upgraded Uconnect 4C with 8.4-inch Touchscreen
- Available Heated and Ventilated Seats
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option
Charger R/T and Daytona
- Performance Seats with Leather Trim
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sport Mode with Paddle Shifters
Charger R/T Scat Pack
- Alcantara Suede-Trimmed Seats
- Brembo High-Performance Brakes (Not exactly interior but you’ll notice the difference in the cabin!)
Charger SRT Hellcat
- Laguna Leather Performance Seats
- Red Seat Belts (For that extra sporty touch)
- 200-MPH Speedometer (A reminder of what your car can do)
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2018 Dodge Charger does offer a range of safety and driver-assist features but don’t expect it to be fully loaded like some high-tech sedans. Depending on the trim you can get features like:
- Rearview Camera (Standard across all models)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (Available on higher trims)
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning (Available in packages)
As Alex Collantes jokes "I love the blind spot monitoring because let’s face it those wide pillars aren’t doing us any favors."
Fuel Economy vs. Fun Factor
We have to mention that the Charger’s fuel economy isn’t its biggest selling point especially if you go for the V8 models. But let's be real anyone looking for a muscle car like this is probably more interested in the "fun per gallon" factor rather than squeezing out every mile. The V6 models are a bit more conservative on gas but you might find yourself longing for that V8 growl.
Final Verdict - Is the 2018 Dodge Charger Interior Right for You?
The 2018 Dodge Charger’s interior balances comfort functionality and sportiness without losing its muscle car roots. It's not a car that tries to be everything for everyone—and that’s a good thing. If you're looking for a sedan with an aggressive style that doesn’t compromise on space while still providing a decent dose of tech and features the Charger will fit the bill.
If you're willing to put up with a few quirks and potential drawbacks like those chunky pillars or less-than-luxury materials in the lower trims the Charger makes a compelling choice for anyone wanting to blend performance and practicality.
"It’s like having your cake and eating it too—only your cake has a HEMI and leather seats," says Alex Collantes.
References:
- Dodge.com - Official website for specs and features
- MotorTrend.com - 2018 Dodge Charger review and comparison
- Edmunds.com - Expert reviews on the 2018 Charger interior specs and performance
This overview covers the 2018 Dodge Charger interior features quirks and advantages with a touch of humor and depth to give you a clear picture before you consider your next ride!