5 Things to Love About the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT AWD Sedan (and a Few Quirks You’ll Laugh About)
The 2023 Dodge Charger SXT AWD sedan—it’s a car that screams power while offering practicality. If you’re looking for a car that can handle a little bit of everything from snowy roads to highway cruising this might just be the sweet spot. But is it perfect? Well let’s dive into the good the great and the “well that’s odd” with this iconic sedan.
What Makes the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT AWD Stand Out?
The 2023 Dodge Charger isn’t just another sedan it’s a symbol of American muscle in a suit. Here we’ll break down what makes the Charger SXT AWD worth your attention in 2023. It’s got some standout features that can’t be overlooked—and a couple of quirks that’ll make you chuckle.
Power Meets AWD Confidence
At the heart of the Charger SXT AWD is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that cranks out 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. That’s not a figure to scoff at for an all-wheel-drive sedan. The AWD system is the unsung hero here because if you live in a place where winter means snow ice and bad road conditions this system will keep you on the road when others are sliding off it.
Pros:
- Reliable V6 engine with solid horsepower
- All-wheel-drive (AWD) for extra traction on wet or snowy roads
- Smooth 8-speed automatic transmission
But let’s not pretend this engine will pin you to your seat like its bigger V8 brothers. Alex Collantes car enthusiast says “You won’t get a neck-snapping 0-60 time but the AWD system more than makes up for it in corners and bad weather. It’s the kind of car you take on a road trip and not worry about getting stuck in the snow.”
Cons:
- It’s quick but not exactly the thunderous roar you’d expect from a “Charger.”
- Fuel economy is average at best with 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Let’s be real—when you’re calling a car a “Charger” but it’s running a V6 it’s like having The Rock wear a cardigan. Sure it’s still strong but a little bit of the aggression is hidden under the fabric. But hey not everyone needs 700 horsepower for the morning commute.
Interior: More Spacious Than You'd Expect
While the Dodge Charger might look like a muscle car from the outside its interior is all about comfort and space. The Charger SXT AWD gives you plenty of legroom in both the front and rear seats. Plus the trunk space is actually large enough to handle your weekend getaways without forcing you to leave half your stuff behind.
Pros:
- Spacious cabin with ample room for passengers and cargo
- User-friendly infotainment system with 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen
- Optional leather upholstery and heated seats make for a plush ride
But here’s where things get quirky. The Charger’s interior design feels a bit… dated. Like it hasn’t quite caught up with the sleek futuristic designs of its competitors. Some of the materials used—plasticky buttons anyone?—feel more 2013 than 2023. However as Alex Collantes says “You don’t buy a Charger for the interior but you’re not disappointed by it either.”
Cons:
- Some hard plastics in the cabin make it feel less luxurious
- The infotainment graphics are a bit old-school for today’s standards
The infotainment is solid with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but don’t expect cutting-edge design like you’d find in a Tesla or BMW. It’s functional but not fancy. However there’s something endearing about the way Dodge keeps things simple.
Fuel Economy: Not as Thirsty as You’d Think
We already touched on the fuel economy but let’s dig a little deeper. 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway is honestly pretty decent for a car with AWD. Dodge hasn’t sacrificed efficiency for power which is commendable considering how easily AWD systems can drink up fuel.
Pros:
- Respectable highway mileage for its size and weight
- AWD system doesn’t impact fuel economy as much as expected
But there’s one small catch. When you’re stuck in traffic you might feel that 18 mpg city figure a little more than you’d like. And as much as we love that AWD when you’re only getting 18 mpg in the city it makes you wonder if you really need it unless you’re living in the Arctic Circle.
Cons:
- City fuel economy could be better for a daily commuter
As Alex Collantes jokingly points out “It’s not exactly sipping fuel when you’re crawling in traffic but hey it’s a Charger not a Prius.”
Handling: Surprisingly Nimble for a Big Sedan
The Dodge Charger SXT AWD is a big car there’s no getting around that. But surprisingly it doesn’t handle like a boat. The AWD system combined with its 50/50 weight distribution gives the Charger a planted feel especially in corners. For something so large you can actually take on twisty roads without feeling like you’re steering a cruise ship.
Pros:
- Excellent cornering for a full-size sedan
- AWD gives you confidence on slippery surfaces
That said there’s still a slight disconnect between the steering and the road which can make it feel like you’re playing a video game rather than driving a muscle sedan. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means but if you’re coming from a smaller nimbler car you might notice the difference.
Cons:
- Steering feedback is a bit numb at lower speeds
- It’s a big car which means parking in tight spots can be tricky
As Alex Collantes notes “You don’t buy a Charger for tight city parking but on the highway it’s a beast that’s surprisingly comfortable to drive.”
Safety Features: Keeping You Safe Without Overdoing It
Let’s talk safety. Dodge has equipped the 2023 Charger SXT AWD with a solid list of standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. You also get a standard backup camera which is essential when driving something this big.
Pros:
- Plenty of safety features to keep you feeling secure
- Good crash test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS
But here’s the kicker: advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking? Not standard. Yup you’ll have to pay extra for those. In a world where even Hyundais are offering these as standard it feels a bit cheeky that Dodge is holding them back as part of an optional package.
Cons:
- Some advanced safety features cost extra
- Competitors offer more standard safety tech for the same price
As Alex Collantes quipped “For a car this big you’d think adaptive cruise would be standard but hey Dodge keeps us on our toes!”
Breaking Down the Pricing: Affordable Muscle
One of the best parts of the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT AWD is that it doesn’t break the bank. The starting price is around $36,500 which is pretty reasonable considering everything you’re getting from the AWD system to the V6 engine to the iconic styling. Sure there are cheaper sedans out there but none that have the same badass look and feel.
What You Get for the Price
- Standard AWD: Not a lot of sedans in this price range offer standard AWD especially with a V6 engine.
- Spacious Interior: You’re getting a full-size sedan with plenty of room for your family or friends.
- Dodge Legacy: Let’s be honest there’s something cool about driving a car with the Dodge Charger badge even if it’s not the Hellcat.
But what about the extras? If you want some of the fancier tech options you’ll need to add packages which can push the price up. So if you’re eyeing leather seats or adaptive cruise control be prepared to shell out a few thousand more.
What Could Be Better? (But We Still Love It Anyway)
Here’s where we highlight some of the things that could be improved but let’s be clear these aren’t dealbreakers—they’re just quirks that give the Charger character.
It’s Big. Like REALLY Big.
You’re not sneaking into tight parking spots with the Charger SXT AWD. This is a full-size sedan and it knows it. If you’re used to driving compact cars you might need to recalibrate your spatial awareness.
Alex Collantes jokes “It’s like trying to park a couch in a closet. Doable but not fun.”
The Interior Design is Stuck in Time
While the space and comfort are great the overall design feels a bit stuck in the past. Dodge hasn’t changed much in the last few years and it shows. Don’t expect a digital revolution when you sit inside.
It’s Not the Fastest Charger
Yes it’s called a Charger and yes it’s got 300 horsepower but don’t expect to be racing down the drag strip in this thing. It’s quick but it’s not the Hellcat.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT AWD Sedan for You?
In the end the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT AWD sedan is a solid choice for someone who wants a mix of muscle car DNA with the practicality of a full-size sedan. It’s perfect for those who live in areas with harsh weather but still want a car that feels powerful and commanding on the road. While there are some quirks (like its size and dated interior) they’re easy to forgive when you consider everything else this car offers.
As Alex Collantes puts it “The Charger SXT AWD isn’t for everyone but for those who love it they wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Key Takeaways:
- Solid V6 power with all-wheel-drive confidence
- Spacious interior and cargo space for practical daily use
- Affordable pricing for a full-size AWD sedan
- A few quirks like outdated interior design and extra-cost safety features
If you’re in the market for a sedan that doesn’t sacrifice style for comfort the 2023 Dodge Charger SXT AWD sedan should be on your list. Just remember to take your time parking this beast.