The Dodge Charger, which has seriously soldiered on since 2011 with minor changes, is getting some more minor updates for 2018 as Dodge hopes to maintain its relevancy on the market. As of the time of this writing, the Dodge Charger is creeping up on eight years old and probably won’t see its much-needed generational shift until at least 2020. With that in mind, it should also be noted that Dodge is downsizing the Charger lineup, which will now be offered in just six trim levels. The revised offering of trim levels and minor updates should at least help the old-geezer of a car carry on, so let’s take a good look at the new trim levels and what each trim level gets.

2019 Dodge Charger SXT Updates

For 2019, the AWD Charger SXT – as best as we can tell – receives no updates to the standard equipment list. It continues to soldier on with things like remote start, electronic stability control, halogen headlights, and a capless fuel system, among other things. What Dodge did add to the SXT was the option for Caramel Nappa leather and the option for the Cold Weather Package, which includes a heated steering wheel and heated driver and passenger seats, wrapped in cloth, of course.

While it shares the same dated look with the rest of the Charger lineup, the SXT is one of the newest and even features an AWD setup. That setup delivers 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque to the ground from a 3.6-liter V-6. It’s far from the fastest charger in the lineup, but it does handle pretty well. Of course, you have to deal with having an automatic transmission only, so if you like to row your own, you better look elsewhere.

2019 Dodge Charger GT

This is technically a new trim level, but it’s really nothing more than an SXT Plus with a different badge on it. It basically replaces the SXT and the SXT Plus, and even comes with the same 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. This trim level, however, comes with a performance hood, more aggressive fascia, new side sills, a small spoiler, and a new set of seats. It comes complete with performance suspension, a 3.07 rear axle ratio, paddle shifters, and performance pages in the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system. The seats are upholstered in Houndstooth cloth while there’s a new Dark Dub instrument panel. You can opt for 20-inch Satin Carbon whiles or Black Noise wheels if you’re willing to pay. It can also be equipped with the aforementioned Cold Weather Package as well.

2019 Dodge Charger SXT AWD Updates

The SXT Plus (RWD) may now carry a GT badge, but the SXT AWD carries over virtually unchanged. It’s got the same 3.6-liter engine with 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. For 2019 Dodge only saw fit to set it up with the same news options available for the SXT – the Carmel Nappa leather interior and Houndstooth cloth seats. It can be had with a new Blacktop package that includes 19-inch Black Noise wheels or the Cold Weather Package. Needless to say, if you have an SXT AWD sitting in the driveway, there’s no need to trade in for something new unless you really want those wheels or a heated steering wheel.

2019 Dodge Charger R/T Updates

For 2019 The Charger R/T actually loses its stand-out status as it will be nearly indistinguishable from the GT as it gets the same performance hood, front fascia, side sills, spoiler, and seats. It even gets the same chassis upgrades with performance suspension. It does get “enhanced” steering but shares the GT’s paddle shifters and the performance pages in the infotainment system, Dark Dub instrument panel, and Houndstooth seat upholstery. The same optional wheels are available as well, including the 20-inch Stain Carbon rollers and the Black Noise wheels. The only real thing that sets it apart is the 2.62 rear axle ratio and the carry-over 5.7-liter Hemi that’s good for 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.

2019 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack Updates

The Dodge Charger R/T carries over with the same 485-horsepower, Hemi V-8, and eight-speed automatic transmission. For 2019, however, it gets some Demon DNA, including a standard line-lock system, a new launch-control switch for easier access, new performance grille, and a Scat Pack bee logo. Optional equipment includes dual carbon stripes, Satin Black hood, and Bilstein adaptive dampers. It’s not a lot, but the addition of the line-lock system is a big plus, and those adaptive dampers are a pretty good idea if you can afford to check the option box.

2010 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Updates

Like the rest of the lineup, the Charger SRT Hellcat doesn’t see a whole lot of improvement over last year’s model. It does get a new performance grille (just like the one on the R/T Scat Pack) with dual inlets. It also comes with Launch assist, Line Lock, After-Run Chiller, and Torque Reserve. There’s new badging on the dashboard, and you can opt for a Satin Black hood, Brass Monkey 20-inch wheels, and Alcantara interior.

2019 Dodge Charger Color Options

Final Thoughts

It’s nice to see some minor additions come to the Charger lineup, however, it’s time for a new generation to come to life. Some of the models didn’t change a bit, receiving just a handful of new, and probably expensive, options. Dodge is clearly trying to keep the Charger relevant until it can manage to create a revamped model but that needs to happen sooner than later as, at this age, consumers will start to lose interest. There’s no need to buy a new Charger when it doesn’t change, which means those with a pre-2014 model could very easily shift over into Camaro or Mustang territory if Dodge doesn’t come correct with revised muscle cars quickly. We’ll have to wait and see what happens, but Dodge is playing a risky game, and things could go south pretty fast.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2015 Dodge Charger.

Read our full review on the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

Read more Dodge news.