2026 Dodge Charger R/T vs Scat Pack: 5 Key Differences
Following the new-generation Dodge Charger’s all-electric introduction a year ago, the first two gas-powered models of the coupe and sedan have finally arrived. These new cars are designated under the SIXPACK sub-family, and as the name suggests, both the 2026 R/T and Scat Pack are powered by Dodge’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 Hurricane engine.
Both trims are offered in regular guise or the better-equipped Plus versions. Although much of the R/T and Scat Pack are quite similar in terms of content, there are some differences – both minor and major. To help consumers better understand the two trim levels of the 2026 Dodge Charger, we’ve highlighted five main areas where the Charger R/T and Scat Pack differ the most.
Engine
As stated in the introduction, a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder finds its home in both trims of the Charger SIXPACK. In the R/T, it arrives with standard output, totalling 420 hp and 468 lb.-ft. of torque. With less turbocharger boost, the engine runs a higher compression ratio of 10.4:1 and makes maximum power at 5.200 rpm. In comparison, the Scat Pack’s engine produces 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque at a lower engine compression ratio of 9.5:1 with a power peak at 6,200 rpm.
The extra oomph in the Scat Pack translates to the road as Dodge claims it can run from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while the R/T needs a bit longer, hitting 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. There’s a bigger discrepancy in top speed, but that has more to do with tires than actual engine performance. The entry-level R/T is limited to 127 mph while the Scat Pack can keep scampering all the way to 177 mph.
With the higher compression ratio and less power, the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T is more fuel efficient, although 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway aren’t all that spectacular. Still, it’s better than the Scat Pack, which is rated for 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Suspension and Brakes
The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack comes with just one suspension choice called the Performance Suspension. The R/T can have the Performance Suspension set-up as well, if the Performance Handling Group option is selected. Otherwise, it comes standard with the Touring Suspension. But wait, there’s also a third choice for R/T customers that falls between the Touring and Performance set-ups, called the Sport Suspension. This is part of the Blacktop Group.
With the brakes, it’s a similar story. The Scat Pack comes standard with the Brembo large brake set-up, which can also be upgraded as part of the Performance Handling Group on the R/T. Otherwise, the R/T comes with just regular grade brake rotors and calipers. Other upgrades the Performance Handling Group gives the R/T that come standard on the Scat Pack include line lock, launch control, the valved exhaust, and more.
Wheels and Tires
There is no shortage of wheel choices for the 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK cars. The R/T comes standard with 18-by-8.5-inch wheels and, at launch, has two 20-inch wheel options, a 20-by-9.0-inch and a 20-by-10.0-inch. The entry-level 18-inch wheels wear 245/55R18 Nexen all-season tires. The Narrower 20-by-9.0-inch wheels also have Nexen all-season tires, measuring 255/45R20. The larger wheels are part of the R/T Performance Group and wear the largest tires available on that trim, 275/40ZR20 Goodyear performance all-seasons.
The Scat Pack comes standard with 20-by-10.0-inch wheels and can be had with another wheel of the exact same size. As well, there are two more 20-inch wheel options, these ones measuring 11 inches in width. The 20-by-10.0-inch wheels wear the Goodyear 275/40ZR20 performance all-season tires, while the wider 20-by-11.0-inch wheels have larger 305/35ZR20 Goodyear performance all-season tires at all four corners. If that’s still not quite enough grip, the 305 mm tires can be upgraded to higher-performance three-season Goodyears.
Exterior
On the outside, the R/T and Scat Pack can be configured almost identically. The only real areas of constant difference are the badges and wheels. Other than that, the biggest difference occurs if someone opts for the Carbon & Suede Package on the Scat Pack, which replaces the side mirror caps with carbon fiber covers.
Interior
Inside, the R/T entry level comes standard with features not available on the Scat Pack, like a non-auto-dimming mirror, full cloth seats, a non-heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker sound system. The material combinations of the seats can differ between the R/T and Scat Pack as well, depending on option packages. Finally, other differences between the R/T and the Scat Pack have to do with the Carbon & Suede Package only available on the Scat Pack.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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They priced out their buyers on these. Entry level V6 Pentastar for 25-30k, base V8s for 35-45k, special models for 45k-100k. Very few will be interested in a base I6 for 50-60k. They really misread the market and their target consumer here. Price matters. Also, where is the manual option?
None come with “ steel” brake rotors .They are cast iron class 30 or 40. You call yourself an auto journalist???? I bet you think that the engine blocks in the past were “steel” .They were cast iron class 30 or 40.