2022 Dodge Charger: Specs, Trims, Ownership Costs, and What Buyers Should Know

The 2022 Dodge Charger is one of the last remaining large, rear-wheel-drive American sedans with a traditional V8 option — a increasingly rare combination in a market shifting toward crossovers and electrification. Whether you're researching one as a used purchase or trying to understand what you already own, here's a grounded look at what this car actually is and what ownership involves.

What Kind of Car Is the 2022 Charger?

The Charger is a four-door rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedan built on a platform shared with the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300. It seats five and offers a range of powertrains from a turbocharged four-cylinder up to a supercharged V8. Despite its muscle car reputation, it functions as a practical daily driver for many owners — it has a real back seat and a usable trunk.

All 2022 Chargers use an 8-speed automatic transmission. There is no manual option. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on certain trims, which changes the car's winter usability profile significantly.

2022 Charger Trim and Powertrain Breakdown

The 5.7L HEMI uses cylinder deactivation (MDS — Multi-Displacement System), which switches to four-cylinder mode under light load to improve fuel economy. Some owners disable this via tune; others find it completely unnoticeable. The 6.4L does not use MDS.

Fuel Economy: What to Expect 🔋

EPA estimates for the 2022 Charger vary considerably by powertrain:

• V6: Around 19 city / 30 highway MPG (RWD)
• 5.7L V8: Around 16 city / 25 highway MPG
• 6.4L V8: Around 15 city / 24 highway MPG
• Hellcat variants: 13 city / 21 highway or lower

Real-world fuel economy depends heavily on driving habits, local traffic, and whether the HEMI's MDS system is functioning correctly. Owners with heavy right feet routinely see figures well below EPA estimates.

Common Ownership Considerations

Tire and Brake Wear

Higher-output Chargers — particularly Scat Pack and Hellcat trims — are hard on rear tires and brakes. Wide performance tires (up to 305mm on some trims) are expensive to replace, and replacement intervals vary based on driving behavior. Owners who use launch control or drag strip launches regularly will see accelerated wear.

HEMI Tick

The HEMI tick — a tapping or ticking sound from the engine on cold starts — is a widely discussed issue across HEMI-powered Chrysler/Dodge products. It's associated with the exhaust manifold bolts and lifter valley area. Some vehicles tick and run without issue for years; others develop more significant lifter or cam problems. A proper diagnosis from a mechanic familiar with HEMI engines matters here — the tick alone doesn't tell you the severity.

Infotainment and Electronics

The 2022 Charger uses Uconnect 5 on most trims, a significant upgrade from earlier Uconnect generations. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Uconnect 5 runs on an Android-based system and generally received positive reviews for responsiveness, though software updates and module replacements can be dealer-dependent.

SRT Hellcat Insurance Costs 🚗

Insurance premiums on Hellcat-powered Chargers are notably higher than on comparable sedans. The combination of high horsepower, theft risk (Hellcats have been targeted), and repair costs means insurers treat them differently. The gap between a V6 Charger and a Hellcat Charger on insurance premiums can be several thousand dollars annually — but exact figures depend on your state, zip code, driving record, coverage level, and insurer.

Buying a Used 2022 Charger: What Varies

The 2022 Charger's used market pricing reflects powertrain, trim, mileage, accident history, and regional demand. A base SXT and a Jailbreak are not even close to the same purchase. Key factors to investigate:

• HEMI tick history and any lifter work already performed
• Tire condition and remaining tread (factor replacement cost into your offer)
• Vehicle history reports for prior accidents, especially on performance trims that may have seen track use
• Remaining factory warranty — the 2022 Charger carried a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty from Dodge, with coverage transferability depending on when and how it was sold
• Open recalls — check the NHTSA database by VIN before purchasing

Depreciation and Resale Context

The Charger's production ended with the 2023 model year — Dodge retired the gas-powered Charger as the brand moves toward electrification. This makes certain 2022 trims, particularly Scat Pack and Hellcat models, potentially more interesting to collectors or enthusiasts over time. Whether that affects resale value in your market is something current used car pricing tools reflect better than any prediction can.

What Your Situation Determines

How the 2022 Charger works as a vehicle — its powertrain options, platform, technology, and known mechanical tendencies — is consistent across the country. What varies is everything that shapes whether ownership makes sense for a specific buyer: your state's insurance market, local gas prices, how you plan to use the car, your mechanical aptitude for maintenance, and what comparable vehicles are selling for in your area. The specs are fixed. The fit is yours to assess.