What engine and transmission does the 2015 Dodge Charger have?

The 2015 Dodge Charger came with three engine choices. The base model used a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The mid-range option was a 5.7-liter V8 making 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier R/T model and SRT8 variant used an 8.3-liter V8 producing 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque in the SRT8.

All three engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 and standard V8 sent power to the rear wheels, while the SRT8 came standard with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy ranged from 16 city / 25 highway for the V6 to 14 city / 23 highway for the 5.7-liter V8, and the 8.3-liter V8 achieved 13 city / 21 highway.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2015 Charger offered a V6, 5.7-liter V8, or 8.3-liter V8, each with different horsepower and fuel economy figures depending on trim level.
  • All models used an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the SRT8 offering all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
  • Fuel economy varies significantly by engine: the V6 achieved the best mileage at 16/25, while the high-performance 8.3-liter V8 returned 13/21.
  • The 2015 model year marked the second generation of the modern Charger, with a refreshed interior and updated technology features.
  • Common maintenance items include spark plugs, transmission fluid, and brake pads, with costs varying based on which engine you own.

Fuel economy and real-world driving costs

EPA estimates for the 2015 Charger depend heavily on which engine you choose. The V6 is the most economical at 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined. The 5.7-liter V8 drops to 14 city / 23 highway / 18 combined. The 8.3-liter V8 in the SRT8 achieves 13 city / 21 highway / 16 combined.

Real-world mileage often runs lower than EPA estimates, particularly in city driving or with aggressive acceleration. Owners report that highway driving in the V6 and standard V8 models can sometimes match or slightly exceed EPA figures. The SRT8's fuel economy is heavily dependent on driving habits—spirited driving will significantly reduce mileage. All 2015 Chargers require regular-grade gasoline except the SRT8, which requires premium fuel.

Interior features and technology in the 2015 model

The 2015 Charger received a mid-cycle refresh that updated the interior with a new dashboard design and improved materials. The base SE and SXT trims came with a 5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8.4-inch Uconnect system with smartphone integration. Bluetooth, USB ports, and auxiliary audio inputs were standard across the lineup.

Seating capacity was five passengers across all models. The rear seat folded down to increase cargo space in the trunk. Climate control, power windows, and power locks came standard on most trims. Higher trims added leather seating, heated front seats, and a premium sound system. The SRT8 included performance-oriented features like a flat-bottomed steering wheel and sport-tuned suspension displays on the instrument cluster.

Safety ratings and standard safety equipment

The 2015 Charger received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It scored four stars in frontal crash, four stars in side crash, and four stars in rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a "Good" rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and "Acceptable" in the side crash test.

Standard safety features included dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes came on all models. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and a backup camera. The SRT8 included performance braking systems with larger rotors and pads designed for high-speed driving. No 2015 Charger came with automatic emergency braking, which was not yet standard across the industry.

Common maintenance costs and reliability concerns

The 2015 Charger generally has a solid reliability record, though some model years in this generation experienced transmission issues. Regular maintenance includes oil changes every 10,000 miles, spark plug replacement around 100,000 miles, and transmission fluid service every 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Brake pads typically last 50,000 to 70,000 miles.

Owners have reported occasional issues with the 8-speed transmission, particularly hesitation or jerky shifts in some examples. The V6 and V8 engines are generally durable, though the SRT8's 8.3-liter V8 requires more frequent maintenance due to its high performance. Suspension components like control arms and sway bar links can wear out around 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Cooling system maintenance is important on all models, as radiator and water pump issues have been documented in some vehicles.

Trim levels and what each one includes

The 2015 Charger lineup started with the SE, which came with the 3.6-liter V6, basic interior features, and a 5-inch touchscreen. The SXT added more comfort features like power adjustable seats and a better audio system. The R/T introduced the 5.7-liter V8 engine, sport suspension tuning, and upgraded styling.

The SRT8 represented the performance flagship, featuring the 8.3-liter V8, all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and aggressive exterior styling with a functional hood scoop. Between SE and SXT, the differences were primarily in interior comfort and convenience features rather than performance. The R/T and SRT8 were aimed at buyers prioritizing power and handling over fuel economy. Pricing varied significantly based on trim and options, with the SRT8 commanding a substantial premium over the base SE.

Comparing the 2015 Charger to its competitors

The 2015 Charger competed directly with the Chrysler 300, which shared the same platform but offered a more luxury-focused interior. The Dodge Charger emphasized performance and value, particularly in the R/T and SRT8 trims. The Chevrolet Impala was another competitor, though it leaned more toward comfort and refinement than raw power.

Against the Ford Taurus, the Charger offered more engine options and sportier handling. The Nissan Maxima provided similar performance in the mid-range but with a different design philosophy. The Charger's main advantage was its V8 engine availability across multiple trim levels and its reputation for straightforward, no-nonsense performance. Buyers choosing the Charger typically valued the V8 engine options and rear-wheel-drive dynamics over the more tech-forward interiors found in some competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much horsepower does a 2015 Dodge Charger R/T have?

The 2015 Charger R/T uses the 5.7-liter V8 engine, which produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and sends power to the rear wheels. The R/T is positioned between the base V6 and V8 models and the high-performance SRT8.

What is the difference between the 2015 Charger R/T and SRT8?

The main differences are engine size and all-wheel drive. The R/T uses a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower, while the SRT8 uses an 8.3-liter V8 with 645 horsepower. The SRT8 comes standard with all-wheel drive, has larger brakes, a more aggressive suspension, and premium interior upgrades. The SRT8 also requires premium fuel, while the R/T uses regular-grade gasoline.

Is the 2015 Charger good on gas?

The V6 model is the most fuel-efficient at 16 city / 25 highway. The 5.7-liter V8 achieves 14 city / 23 highway. The SRT8 returns 13 city / 21 highway. These are EPA estimates; real-world mileage depends on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. The Charger prioritizes performance over fuel economy, so it is not the best choice if fuel savings are your primary concern.

Does the 2015 Charger have all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive is only available on the SRT8 model and comes as standard equipment. The SE, SXT, and R/T models are rear-wheel drive only. If all-wheel drive is important to you, the SRT8 is your only option in the 2015 lineup, though it comes at a significantly higher price than other trims.

What kind of gas does a 2015 Dodge Charger need?

The V6 and 5.7-liter V8 models require regular-grade gasoline (87 octane). The SRT8 with the 8.3-liter V8 requires premium-grade gasoline (91 octane or higher). Using regular fuel in the SRT8 can reduce performance and damage the engine over time. Always check your owner's manual or the fuel door for the correct octane rating for your specific model.