Dodge Offers a Worthy Successor to the Kia Stinger with the New Charger
As an ardent admirer of the Kia Stinger, I’ve long hailed it as one of the standout automotive introductions of recent years.
Its distinctive blend of GT-like proportions, a liftback configuration, and the potency of a twin-turbocharged V6, all complemented by optional all-wheel drive, made it a rare gem in the market. In a segment dominated by German luxury brands, Kia’s bold venture into performance territory was a refreshing surprise.
However, despite its merits, the Stinger faced an unfortunate demise due to tepid sales, lingering badge biases, and a market shift towards mundane crossovers. Nevertheless, Dodge has emerged as an unexpected savior, presenting the new Charger as a worthy successor to the Stinger.
Upon delving into the specifications and intricacies of the all-new Dodge Charger, it struck me that Dodge is essentially offering a vehicle that mirrors the essence of what the Stinger provided. Fundamentally, they share striking similarities.
While the Stinger offered a choice between a base 2.5-liter turbocharged I4 and an optional 3.3-liter V6 producing 365 hp, Dodge’s new Charger presents two variants of its 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane I6 engine, boasting outputs of 420 hp or an impressive 550 hp in the high-output version, both paired with standard all-wheel drive.
Both vehicles adopt the practicality of a four-door liftback design. Although the Charger surpasses the Stinger in size, with a longer wheelbase and overall length, the latter boasts marginally greater cargo capacity, highlighting their respective strengths in utility.
Dodge has inadvertently crafted an American counterpart to the Kia Stinger, embodying one of the most coveted car body styles. The ability to opt for the same potent powertrain in a coupe variant further enhances its appeal.
While the absence of the iconic Hemi V8 engines may raise eyebrows, Dodge’s offering fills a void in the market for a spacious, all-wheel-drive sedan with a liftback configuration and a potent straight-six engine.
With the gas-powered Chargers slated for release in 2025, Dodge stands poised to potentially captivate enthusiasts with its compelling offering, provided the pricing aligns with expectations.
In doing so, Dodge could very well cultivate a cult following akin to the fervor surrounding the Kia Stinger, solidifying its position as a brand attuned to the desires of performance-oriented drivers.
Also read: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Arrives As The World’s First And Only Electric Muscle Car
