The Dodge Charger stands as an icon in the automotive world, a testament to the enduring appeal of the Great American Sedan. In an era dominated by crossovers, the Charger, with its blend of roominess, power, and distinctive attitude, represents a rare breed. It’s a car that echoes the spirit of classic American automotive design, offering a sense of assertiveness and road presence that’s hard to ignore.
Starting with a potent 292-horsepower V6 engine and escalating to the mind-blowing 707-horsepower Hellcat variant, the Charger caters to a wide spectrum of performance desires. However, for those exploring options in the same vein, or perhaps seeking a slightly different flavor of the Great American Sedan, several compelling alternatives deserve consideration. Let’s delve into ten cars comparable to the Dodge Charger, each offering its unique interpretation of this classic automotive archetype.
1. Buick LaCrosse: American Comfort and Sophistication
The Buick LaCrosse, hailing from another esteemed American brand, presents a compelling alternative with a focus on comfort and sophisticated styling. While Buick’s global presence is significant, particularly in markets like China, the LaCrosse retains a distinctly American character in its emphasis on spaciousness and a refined cabin experience.
Priced starting in the low $30,000s, the LaCrosse bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury sedans, offering a premium feel without the premium price tag. Notably, like the Charger, the LaCrosse also offers the option of all-wheel drive, a feature increasingly valued in diverse climates. For those who associate sedans with outdated notions of wallowing handling or cheap interiors, the LaCrosse is a refreshing reminder of how far sedan design has evolved. It proves that the traditional sedan segment, far from fading, is still capable of delivering exceptional vehicles.
2. Cadillac ATS: American Premium Performance Sedan
The Cadillac ATS embodies the spirit of the last Great American Sedans, especially considering its evolution. While the 2019 model year marked the ATS sedan’s transition to a coupe-only body style, remaining 2018 ATS four-door models still offer a chance to own a premium compact sedan from an iconic American luxury brand. The ATS was designed to compete directly with the best European sports sedans, showcasing American engineering prowess in the global market.
The base engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, challenges the traditional American preference for larger displacement engines. However, with 272 horsepower, the ATS’s output closely approaches the Dodge Charger SXT’s 292-horsepower V6. Moreover, the ATS’s finely tuned chassis and dynamic handling characteristics more than compensate for any perceived power difference, making it a genuinely engaging and sporty sedan.
3. Chevrolet Impala: Spacious and Value-Packed American Sedan
The Chevrolet Impala, a nameplate steeped in the history of Great American Sedans dating back to the finned classics of the past, continues to offer a compelling blend of space and value. While its styling might be perceived as understated or geared towards fleet sales, the current Impala delivers a surprisingly engaging driving experience that belies its rental-car aesthetic.
Starting around $29,000, the Impala provides room to upgrade to the more powerful 305-horsepower V6 engine while still remaining more affordable than the entry-level Charger. While power is delivered to the front wheels, the Impala excels in passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Boasting a generous 39.8 inches of rear legroom and a cavernous 18.8 cubic feet of trunk space, the Impala delivers near-luxury levels of space at a mainstream price point.
4. Chrysler 300: Bold and Luxurious American Sedan
The Chrysler 300 undeniably earns its place as a Great American Sedan, particularly in its 300S trim, powered by a robust 363-horsepower V8 engine. Sharing its platform with the Dodge Charger (both are based on an older Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform), the 300 distinguishes itself through its bolder, more luxurious persona.
The 300’s exterior design is imposing and authoritative, lending it a character frequently utilized in film, often as the vehicle of choice for figures ranging from mobsters to bank executives. The base 300 shares the Charger’s 292-horsepower V6 and starts around $30,000. While the Charger leans towards sporty aggression, the 300 emphasizes luxury and a commanding presence.
5. Ford Taurus: The Last of the Large Ford Sedans
As Ford transitions away from traditional sedans, the Taurus represents a final opportunity to own a large four-door car bearing the iconic Blue Oval badge. The Taurus is engineered for comfortable long-distance cruising on America’s highways, effortlessly devouring miles on interstates and city streets alike.
The Taurus also boasts exceptional trunk space, offering a remarkable 20.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly larger than the Charger’s trunk. Engine options include a 288-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a potent twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 365 horsepower in the SHO variant. The Taurus range starts around $29,000, with the high-performance SHO trim reaching approximately $44,000. All-wheel drive is available on SEL and Limited trims, enhancing its all-weather capability.
6. Genesis G80: Korean Luxury with American V8 Spirit
The Genesis G80 earns its spot among Dodge Charger competitors primarily due to its availability with a V8 engine. A spacious sedan powered by a V8 aligns perfectly with the quintessential American sedan formula, even though the G80’s design inspiration draws more from European automotive aesthetics.
The G80 is designed for comfortable and refined long journeys, equipped with generous standard features, advanced safety technologies, and a premium Lexicon sound system (an American brand renowned in professional recording studios). While the V8-powered 370-horsepower Charger R/T offers a performance bargain starting around $37,000, approximately $6,000 less than the base V6-powered Genesis G80, the G80 presents a compelling alternative for those seeking luxury and V8 power in a sophisticated package.
7. Kia Stinger GT: Korean Performance Sedan with European Flair
While a Korean car designed by a German might seem an unlikely candidate in the Great American Sedan discussion, the Kia Stinger GT carves its own niche as a performance-oriented sedan. Despite the Dodge Charger’s self-proclaimed status as the only four-door muscle car, the rear-wheel-drive Kia Stinger GT delivers a formidable 365 horsepower, making it a contender in terms of straight-line speed.
The Stinger GT even outpaces the Charger R/T in acceleration, reaching 60 mph from a standstill in approximately 4.7 seconds, compared to the Charger R/T’s 5.1 seconds. Priced only slightly higher than the R/T, the Stinger GT also distinguishes itself with superior handling and agility on winding roads, an area where the Charger is less nimble. The Kia Stinger GT represents a new generation of sedan, one that could potentially revitalize the body style and broaden its appeal beyond traditional norms.
8. Lincoln MKZ: American Luxury Sedan with Modern Tech
Among the cars comparable to the Dodge Charger, the Lincoln MKZ represents another significant American brand with a rich heritage in luxury automobiles. The MKZ sedan adheres to the classic luxury sedan formula while incorporating modern features like standard adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance.
Starting at $36,995, the 2019 MKZ offers a compelling value proposition in the premium sedan segment, including heated front seats and an adaptive suspension as standard equipment. While the base 2019 Dodge Charger SXT starts at a lower price point around $30,000, the MKZ delivers a more comprehensively equipped luxury experience for a slightly higher investment. As the era of the Great American Sedan potentially enters its twilight, models like the MKZ demonstrate that these vehicles continue to offer compelling blends of luxury, technology, and American automotive spirit.
9. Nissan Maxima: Japanese Sedan with Sporty Character
The Nissan Maxima stands as Nissan’s flagship sedan, offering a blend of luxury appointments and an engaging 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Maxima’s suspension is tuned to provide both enjoyable handling dynamics and a comfortable ride quality, while its standard technology features are suitably advanced.
From long interstate journeys to winding canyon roads, the Maxima proves to be a versatile and rewarding travel companion. Taller drivers will find the Maxima particularly accommodating in terms of interior space. With a refreshed version anticipated for 2019, potential buyers might find attractive deals on 2018 models, which started around $35,000, or await the arrival of the updated Maxima.
10. Toyota Avalon: Japanese Luxury and American Assembly
The Toyota Avalon, known for its exceptional comfort and spaciousness, especially for rear passengers, represents Toyota’s larger, more luxurious sedan offering, positioned above the Camry. The 2019 model year introduced an all-new generation Avalon, manufactured in Kentucky. Historically, Avalon models have featured a high percentage of US-sourced components (up to 70%), solidifying its claim as a Great American Sedan, regardless of Toyota’s Japanese parentage.
Starting at $36,420, the 2019 Avalon features a smooth 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and a comprehensive suite of standard advanced safety features. The Avalon offers a near-Lexus level of refinement and luxury without carrying the Lexus badge, making it a compelling option for those seeking premium features and spaciousness in a well-built sedan.
