2017 Dodge Charger SXT Sedan: Specs, Features, and What Buyers Should Know

The 2017 Dodge Charger SXT sits at the entry point of one of the few remaining full-size rear-wheel-drive sedans on the market. For buyers researching this model, the SXT trim represents the base configuration of a car that punches well above its price class in terms of interior space and road presence — but it comes with trade-offs worth understanding before you buy.

What the SXT Trim Actually Means

In Dodge's trim hierarchy, SXT stands as the base trim of the 2017 Charger lineup. Above it sit trims like the R/T, Daytona, and SRT variants. The SXT is not a stripped-down car by any measure — it includes a solid feature set — but it uses a different powertrain than higher trims, which matters significantly for buyers comparing options.

Engine and Drivetrain

The 2017 Charger SXT is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, rated at approximately 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Power runs through an 8-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels as standard. An all-wheel drive (AWD) option was available on the SXT for the 2017 model year, which distinguishes it from some of the higher-performance trims that were rear-wheel drive only.

This is an important distinction: buyers who live in regions with harsh winters or who prioritize year-round traction may find the AWD-equipped SXT more practical than a rear-wheel-drive R/T, despite the R/T's larger engine.

Fuel economy for the 2017 Charger SXT V6 with rear-wheel drive is rated at approximately 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway by the EPA. AWD versions are slightly lower. Actual results vary based on driving style, load, tire condition, and terrain.

Standard Features on the 2017 SXT

The SXT came with a reasonable suite of technology and comfort features for its price range:

The Uconnect system in the 2017 Charger was generally well-regarded for its responsiveness compared to competitors of that era. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard on the 2017 model — that's a known limitation buyers should account for if smartphone integration matters to them.

Size and Interior Space

The Charger is a full-size sedan with genuine rear-seat room — something that separates it from the Camaro and Mustang it's sometimes compared to. With approximately 116.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and a 16.5 cubic foot trunk, it functions well as a daily driver or family vehicle, not just a performance car.

The four-door body style (the Charger has always been a sedan, unlike its two-door competitors) makes rear access practical in ways that matter for everyday use.

Common Ownership Considerations 🔧

Reliability for the 2017 Charger V6 is generally considered adequate for the class, though owners have reported mixed experiences. Areas that come up in owner feedback over time include:

• Electrical gremlins — particularly with infotainment system responsiveness on earlier software versions
• Transmission — the 8-speed automatic has been flagged in some Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for shifting behavior; software updates have addressed some of these
• Fuel injector and throttle body cleaning — a common maintenance item on direct-injection V6 engines after significant mileage

Always check for open recalls on any used 2017 Charger through the NHTSA website using the vehicle's VIN before purchase. Recall status doesn't transfer automatically — it reflects the vehicle itself, not the owner.

Buying a Used 2017 Charger SXT: What Varies

If you're looking at a used example, several factors shape what you'll actually pay and what you're getting:

• Mileage and service history — the Pentastar V6 is known for durability when properly maintained, but skipped oil changes compound over time
• AWD vs. RWD — AWD models may carry a price premium and have slightly higher maintenance costs (transfer case, additional drivetrain components)
• Optional packages — many 2017 SXT examples were sold with the Plus Package or Blacktop Package, which added features like the 8.4" Uconnect, ventilated seats, or exterior trim differences
• Regional pricing — private party, dealer, and auction prices vary meaningfully by market
• State-specific factors — registration costs, inspection requirements, emissions testing, and title fees all vary by state

Insurance rates for the Charger can run higher than comparably priced family sedans due to its performance association and repair cost profile. Your driving history, location, coverage level, and the insurer's own actuarial data all factor into what you'd actually pay. 🚗

What Changes Between RWD and AWD

For buyers deciding between configurations, the mechanical differences go beyond just traction. AWD adds weight, which affects both fuel economy and handling feel. RWD models are generally preferred by enthusiast drivers for their balance characteristics. AWD models have more drivetrain components that can require service over time — including the transfer case and rear differential.

Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on where you drive, how you drive, and what you're willing to maintain.

The 2017 Charger SXT offers a specific combination of space, powertrain options, and price point that appeals to a particular type of buyer — but how well it fits depends entirely on your driving habits, location, and what a specific example's history looks like. 📋