The Dodge Charger GT is a unique offering in the full-size sedan market—a bold, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive car that blends sporty appeal with real-world usability. One of the most asked questions by potential Canadian buyers is: “How much horsepower does the Dodge Charger GT have?” While the answer—300 horsepower—might seem straightforward, there’s much more to the story.
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsThis article explores the Charger GT’s power output, how it translates to on-road performance, its place within the Charger lineup, and how well it performs under Canadian driving conditions—from urban traffic to icy winter roads.
At the heart of the Dodge Charger GT is the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine—a workhorse found in many Stellantis vehicles, including the Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 6,350 rpm |
| Torque (RWD) | 264 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque (AWD) | 262 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic |
| 0–100 km/h (approx.) | 6.4 seconds (RWD) / 6.6 seconds (AWD) |
| Fuel Type | Regular unleaded (87 octane) |
The GT trim takes the same 3.6L V6 used in the SXT trim and tunes it for additional performance. Through a performance intake, dual exhaust, and sport calibration, it produces 8 more horsepower than the base model.
Horsepower isn’t just a number on paper—it affects how the vehicle feels in real-world conditions. In Canada, where climate and road quality vary dramatically by region, the Charger GT’s powertrain is a practical performer.
The Charger GT’s 0–100 km/h time is around 6.4 seconds for the RWD model, which is brisk for a V6-powered full-size sedan. With AWD, acceleration drops slightly to about 6.6 seconds due to increased weight and drivetrain resistance.
Thanks to 300 hp and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the GT offers:
One of the standout features of the Charger GT in Canada is the availability of AWD—a rare option for a non-luxury performance sedan.
For Canadians in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, or Quebec, where harsh winter driving is the norm, AWD offers a substantial safety and performance benefit.
With 300 horsepower, you might expect poor fuel economy—but the Charger GT remains relatively efficient for its size and power, especially considering its AWD capability.
| Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWD | 12.4 | 7.8 | 10.3 |
| AWD | 12.8 | 8.7 | 11.0 |
It runs on regular unleaded fuel, offering a distinct advantage over V8-powered trims that often require mid-grade or premium fuel. With high gas prices in parts of Canada, this can result in meaningful long-term savings.
To better understand the GT’s horsepower, it helps to compare it with other trims in the Charger lineup.
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXT | 3.6L V6 | 292 hp | 260 | RWD / AWD |
| GT | 3.6L V6 (tuned) | 300 hp | 264 (262 AWD) | RWD / AWD |
| R/T | 5.7L V8 | 370 hp | 395 | RWD |
| Scat Pack | 6.4L V8 | 485 hp | 475 | RWD |
| Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 717–807 hp | 650–707 | RWD / AWD |
The GT trim offers the best mix of horsepower, drivability, and winter readiness. It gives you a taste of performance without the expense or thirst of a V8.
The Charger GT doesn’t just deliver raw numbers; it enhances the driver’s experience with:
While it doesn’t roar like a Hellcat, the GT provides a satisfying, confident drive that’s more engaging than most midsize sedans on the road.
In Canada, vehicles with higher horsepower typically attract higher insurance premiums. That makes the GT a smart compromise: it has noticeable performance, yet avoids the higher rates often associated with 400+ hp V8s.
| Category | Charger GT |
|---|---|
| Insurance (ON/BC avg) | $1,800–$2,400 annually |
| Fuel (annual est.) | $2,300–$2,800 (depending on region) |
| Maintenance | Moderate; V6 parts widely available |
The Pentastar V6 is known for long-term reliability and affordable upkeep, unlike the more complex HEMI and Hellcat engines.
The Charger GT is ideal for Canadians who want:
It competes with models like the Nissan Maxima (300 hp) and Toyota Camry XSE V6 (301 hp) but stands out with RWD/AWD versatility and bold styling.
For the vast majority of drivers, 300 hp is more than enough. It enables:
Plus, the torque curve is tuned for drivability, not just peak numbers. For daily use, especially in Canadian driving conditions, the Charger GT is more than capable.
The Dodge Charger GT’s 300 horsepower offers a sweet spot between performance and practicality. It’s powerful enough to deliver fun, quick acceleration, yet refined and efficient enough for everyday use across Canada’s diverse terrain and climate.
With its AWD capability, bold muscle-car styling, and driver-focused upgrades, the GT trim stands out as a compelling option for Canadian drivers who want something more exciting than a standard sedan—but without the price tag and fuel appetite of a V8.
Whether you’re navigating the streets of Toronto, cruising the Trans-Canada Highway, or heading through a snowy Montreal suburb, the Charger GT delivers a confident, comfortable, and powerful driving experience—all with 300 horsepower under your right foot.
