Home > News & Blogs > 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Review: Muscle Meets Modern in a Bold Redesign
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Review: Muscle Meets Modern in a Bold Redesign
Dodge Charger Daytona EV: Bold Electric Reinvention or Muscle Car Identity Crisis?
The automotive world watched with bated breath as Dodge unveiled its all-electric Charger Daytona - a radical reinvention of America's beloved muscle car. Does this high-voltage challenger deliver the thrills diehard Mopar fans crave, or does it represent an identity crisis wrapped in retro-futuristic styling? We put the Scat Pack through its paces to find out.
Striking Design: Retro Futurism Done Right
Dodge's designers walked a tightrope with the Charger Daytona's styling - honoring the brand's heritage while signaling its electric future. The result is arguably one of the most successful EV designs to date:
- Iconic silhouette: The exaggerated proportions maintain classic Charger DNA while accommodating battery packaging
- Lighting drama: Full-width front light bar and illuminated Fratzog badge create nighttime presence
- Aerodynamic touches: Functional hood pass-through and rear spoiler balance drag reduction with cooling needs
Unlike some EVs that disappear in traffic, the Daytona turns heads everywhere. During our testing, it generated more spontaneous interactions from strangers than any vehicle we've evaluated in recent memory - proof that Dodge nailed the emotional connection.
Performance: By the Numbers
Specification | Daytona R/T | Daytona Scat Pack |
---|---|---|
Max Power (with PowerShot) | 496 hp | 670 hp |
Torque | 404 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft |
0-60 mph | 4.7 sec | 3.3 sec |
Quarter Mile | 13.1 sec | 11.5 sec |
Usable Battery Capacity | 93.9 kWh (100.5 kWh total) |
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The Acceleration Experience
Flooring the Scat Pack delivers brutal initial thrust - the hallmark of electric torque - but there's noticeable power tapering above 70 mph. The PowerShot function (a 10-second overboost) helps, but can't completely mask the 5,800-pound curb weight. Our testing confirmed Dodge's 3.3-second 0-60 claim, though the quarter-mile times varied more with battery state of charge.
Driving Dynamics: Muscle Meets Modernity
Through winding roads, the Scat Pack surprises with its composure:
Strengths
- Adaptive suspension maintains excellent body control
- Staggered summer tires provide tenacious grip
- Brake blending between regen and friction brakes is seamless
Weaknesses
- Steering lacks feedback despite quick ratio
- One-pedal driving mode isn't as refined as competitors
- Weight is noticeable during direction changes
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The EV Reality Check
While Dodge positions the Daytona as a muscle car, its EV limitations become apparent:
Range and Charging
EPA estimates give the Scat Pack 241 miles (216 with summer tires) - adequate but unremarkable. The 183 kW peak charging rate trails segment leaders, requiring ~24 minutes for 20-80% charges at ideal conditions. For context, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N charges at up to 238 kW.
Fratzonic Exhaust: Love It or Hate It
Dodge's synthetic exhaust system generates debate. While the V-8-inspired tones are impressively visceral (reaching 126 dB), purists may balk at the artificiality. The system does allow customization or complete deactivation.
Competitive Landscape
The Daytona enters a fierce segment:
- Tesla Model 3 Performance: $20k cheaper, faster charging, better range (296 miles), but lacks drama
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: More engaging drive, superior regen controls, but polarizing styling
- Upcoming gas Charger SixPack: Likely cheaper, traditional muscle feel, but without EV benefits
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Who Is This Car For?
The $75,185 Scat Pack presents a paradox. Traditional muscle car buyers may reject its EV nature, while EV enthusiasts will find better values elsewhere. It ultimately serves:
- Diehard Dodge loyalists embracing electrification
- Buyers prioritizing theatrical design over cutting-edge EV tech
- Those wanting an American performance EV with brand heritage
The Verdict: A Promising First Attempt
The Charger Daytona succeeds as a bold statement of Dodge's electric future but stumbles as a complete package. Its stunning design and straight-line performance impress, while range, charging, and price give pause. As the first swing at an electric muscle car, it shows promise - but the competition isn't standing still.
For those considering the leap, we recommend test driving both the Daytona and its rivals. The heart may want the Dodge, but the head might prefer alternatives - at least until Dodge refines its electric recipe in future iterations.

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Last Updated On May, 19-2025