7 Reasons Why the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT Stands Out

The 2023 Dodge Charger SXT is one of those cars that seems to always catch your eye when it roars past. A muscle car that mixes performance and comfort, it’s a sedan that offers practicality with a wild side. Whether you're commuting to work or ready to tear up the highway, this car has the versatility to handle it all. Here’s why the Dodge Charger SXT 2023 stands out from the crowd – and yes, there are a few quirks along the way.

Power and Performance

When we talk about the Dodge Charger, power is always top of mind. The SXT trim may be the entry-level option for the Charger lineup, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a lightweight.

The Engine

Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t the Hellcat's monstrous V8 – and that’s okay – because the V6 offers plenty of kick for daily driving while being easier on the wallet at the pump. Plus, you can opt for all-wheel drive (AWD) if you want better traction in tricky conditions.

• Horsepower: 292 hp (enough to make you grin without losing your driver’s license)
• Torque: 260 lb-ft (perfect for highway merges)
• 0-60 mph: Around 6.5 seconds (respectable for a V6)

"Honestly I was surprised by how quick the SXT feels for a V6," says Alex Collantes, a muscle car enthusiast who test-drove the Charger SXT for a week. "I’m used to heavier V8s but this was a fun balance between power and drivability."

Driving Dynamics

For those who want a smoother ride than the stiffer suspensions found in higher trims like the Scat Pack or Hellcat, the SXT is your guy. It’s designed for everyday driving comfort while still giving you that adrenaline boost when you put the pedal down.

• Smooth ride on city roads and highways
• Steering is responsive without being too aggressive
• The AWD option adds more control, especially in bad weather

Let’s be real though – if you’re coming from something smaller, like a Honda Civic, you might notice the Dodge Charger is...well... a bit like piloting a yacht through traffic. You might need to work on your parking game, but hey, that’s part of the fun right?

Fuel Economy

Not everyone buys a muscle car for its fuel efficiency, but the Charger SXT does offer a better balance than its big brother, the Hellcat. With the V6 engine, you can expect:

• 19 mpg in the city (not bad considering the horsepower)
• 30 mpg on the highway (pretty impressive for a muscle sedan)

Just remember though – if you have a heavy right foot, those numbers will drop. It’s easy to get carried away with the Charger’s growl and power, but your gas tank will remind you quickly that this isn’t a hybrid.

Design and Style

The 2023 Charger SXT stays true to its muscle car roots while also looking like a modern sedan. If you like the aggressive stance of a Charger, this trim doesn’t tone it down just because it’s not a V8.

Exterior

The wide grille, signature hood scoops, and bold lines make the Charger unmistakable. It screams muscle car, even at a glance. The SXT trim still gets the LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and dual exhaust tips that let everyone know you’re driving something with some serious punch.

However, we have to laugh at how Dodge markets its "sporty design" – let’s be honest, this thing is massive. Parking in tight spots or trying to weave through downtown traffic can sometimes feel like maneuvering a tank. But hey, at least you look good while doing it. And if you're lucky enough to find a parking spot, you get to flex a bit as you step out.

Interior

Inside the 2023 Charger SXT, it’s all about comfort and tech. You get a mix of cloth and leather upholstery, with enough room to stretch out – whether you’re the driver or a passenger in the back.

• 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4 (because apparently we need more screens in our lives)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard
• Optional heated seats and steering wheel (for those chilly mornings)

"I felt like I was in the cockpit of a spaceship with all the buttons and tech," Collantes jokes. "But everything is intuitive and within reach, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed."

One small gripe though – for a car this big, the trunk space is just...average. You’d think with all that muscle, it could flex a bit more in the cargo department. It’s fine for groceries or a couple of weekend bags, but don’t expect to fit a month’s worth of Costco runs in there.

Technology and Safety Features

Dodge didn’t skimp on the tech front with the SXT trim either. The Charger SXT offers a full suite of driver assistance features, although you’ll need to opt for some higher packages to get the complete set.

Standard Safety Features

• Rearview camera (because backing up a beast like this without one would be terrifying)
• Blind-spot monitoring (trust us, you’ll need it)
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Optional Features

• Adaptive cruise control (a lifesaver on long road trips)
• Lane departure warning (helpful when you get distracted by how cool your car looks in the side mirrors)

For a muscle car, the Charger does a pretty good job at keeping you safe, but like any car, it’s not without its quirks. For example, the blind spots on this thing are huge – we’re talking aircraft-carrier level blind spots. So, when Dodge gives you blind-spot monitoring, don’t take it for granted. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.

Pricing and Value

The 2023 Dodge Charger SXT is the most affordable option in the Charger lineup, which makes it an excellent entry point for those who want muscle car vibes without the sky-high price tag. You can get one starting around $34,000 – and if you add AWD or some extra packages, you’re looking at closer to $38,000-$40,000.

What You Get for the Money

• A V6 engine with more than enough power for daily driving
• Bold styling that turns heads
• Modern tech features that make driving easier
• A comfortable interior with plenty of space

But here’s the kicker – if you really want that full muscle car experience, you might find yourself daydreaming about the R/T or Scat Pack trims. The SXT offers great value, but let’s not kid ourselves – when you see a Hellcat pull up next to you, a part of you might wish you had splurged.

Pros

• Affordability: It’s a bargain compared to higher trims.
• Comfort: Great for long drives or daily commutes.
• Fuel economy (relatively speaking): It won’t drink gas like a V8.

Cons

• It’s big: Parking can be a chore.
• It’s not a V8: If you're expecting the full muscle car rumble, you might feel a bit left out.
• Trunk space: For a car of this size, the cargo area is smaller than expected.

Conclusion

So, is the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT the right car for you? If you’re looking for a muscle car with daily drivability, tech features, and comfort, all wrapped up in an affordable package, the SXT checks all the boxes. Sure, you’re not getting the full fire-breathing experience of the Hellcat, but you’re also not paying a sky-high price or burning through gas every week.

"I think the SXT is a great balance," concludes Alex Collantes. "It’s fast enough to be fun but practical enough that I don’t feel guilty driving it every day. If you want to dip your toes into the muscle car world without going full crazy, this is the way to go."

At the end of the day, the 2023 Charger SXT is all about balance – and if you’re looking for a car that can make you smile every time you start it up while still being practical for the real world, it might just be the muscle car for you.