2019 Dodge Charger R/T: Specs, Trims, Performance, and What Buyers Should Know
The 2019 Dodge Charger R/T sits in an increasingly rare category: a full-size, rear-wheel-drive American muscle sedan with a V8 engine. For buyers researching this model, understanding exactly what the R/T trim delivers — and how it fits into the broader Charger lineup — is the starting point for any serious evaluation.
Where the R/T Fits in the 2019 Charger Lineup
The 2019 Charger came in several trims, each built around a different powertrain. The R/T occupies the middle of the lineup — above the V6-powered SXT and GT trims, and below the supercharged SRT Hellcat variants.
| Trim | Engine | Approx. Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| SXT / GT | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 292 hp |
| R/T | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 370 hp |
| R/T Scat Pack | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 485 hp |
| SRT Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 717 hp |
The R/T's core identity is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which produces 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission as standard. A key feature of this engine is Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which deactivates four cylinders under light load to improve fuel efficiency.
What "R/T" Actually Means
R/T stands for Road/Track, a designation Dodge has used since the 1960s. It signals a performance-oriented package relative to base trims — not a stripped race car, but a street-focused upgrade in engine output, suspension tuning, and visual distinction. The 2019 R/T includes sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brake options depending on package, and a more aggressive exterior appearance than the V6 trims.
Fuel Economy and the MDS System
The EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2019 Charger R/T is approximately 15 mpg city / 25 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive, if equipped through available packages, reduces those figures slightly.
The MDS cylinder deactivation system is designed to help those highway numbers, but some owners report that it can cause a noticeable vibration or shudder when transitioning between four- and eight-cylinder modes — particularly in stop-and-go traffic. This is a known characteristic of the 5.7 HEMI across multiple model years, not unique to 2019. Aftermarket tuners and MDS disablers are commonly used by owners who prefer to keep the engine in V8 mode at all times.
Available Packages and Options 🔧
The 2019 R/T was offered in several sub-configurations:
- R/T (base): 5.7L HEMI, 8-speed auto, 18-inch wheels, sport suspension
- R/T Plus: Adds premium audio, upgraded interior materials, advanced safety features
- R/T Scat Pack: Steps up to the 6.4L engine — technically a separate trim but often compared directly to the standard R/T
Notable available options included the Beats Audio system, performance hood, dual-pane sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, and the Blacktop Package adding gloss black exterior trim.
Common Ownership Considerations
Rear-wheel drive vs. all-wheel drive: The base R/T is rear-wheel drive. AWD was not available on the R/T trim in 2019 — it was limited to the SXT and GT trims that year. This matters significantly for buyers in snow-heavy climates.
Tire wear: The wider rear tires on performance-oriented trims wear faster under spirited driving. Tire replacement costs vary depending on size and brand.
Brake system: Standard R/T brakes are adequate, but higher-performance driving puts more heat through the system. Upgraded brake pads and rotors are a common modification for track-day users.
Interior space: The Charger is a full-size sedan — rear seat room is genuinely usable, which separates it from two-door muscle cars. This is a real practical consideration for buyers weighing a Charger against a Camaro or Mustang.
Reliability Patterns Worth Knowing
The 5.7 HEMI is a well-established engine with a long production history. Common areas that owners and mechanics note across HEMI-equipped Chargers include:
- Cam phaser and lifter wear in higher-mileage examples
- Water pump and cooling system maintenance at higher mileage
- MDS-related tick or knock sounds, often tied to lifter wear
- Power steering — the Charger uses an electric power steering system, and feedback varies from driver to driver
None of these are universal failure points, but they're worth factoring into a pre-purchase inspection on any used example.
Insurance and Registration Costs
The 2019 Charger R/T is classified as a performance vehicle, which typically places it in a higher insurance rating category than a comparable family sedan. Actual premiums depend on the driver's age, history, location, and chosen coverage levels — these vary considerably from state to state and insurer to insurer.
Registration costs also vary by state, and some states calculate fees based on vehicle weight, value, or horsepower. A full-size V8 sedan can land in a higher fee bracket in states with value-based registration systems.
What Shapes the Buying Decision 🚗
The variables that matter most when evaluating a 2019 Charger R/T aren't just on the spec sheet. The gap between a good purchase and a frustrating one often comes down to:
- New vs. used — depreciation on this generation has been significant, making used examples attractive, but mileage and maintenance history matter
- Trim and option combinations — two R/Ts with the same nameplate can differ substantially in features
- Climate and driving conditions — rear-wheel drive in winter requires different expectations than in a sunbelt state
- How the car will actually be used — daily commuting versus weekend driving changes which trade-offs matter
The 2019 Charger R/T is a specific vehicle with specific strengths and trade-offs. How those align with your own driving patterns, location, and priorities is something only your situation can answer.
