This is where things begin to get messy. Dodge’s packages mean you can start to get some serious complexity and budget blowing going on when you drill down. Some options, like sport seats ($295) and the Rallye Appearance Group with extra hp, torque, a spoiler, performance tires and paddle shift ($495) are really well priced. Others, like this premium group and the $1,395 black roof are not.

Then there are a Porsche-level number of combinations and option groups that could lead to cost overruns.

Still, FCA group has a lot of really useful and enjoyable features. We’ve gone on about UConnect before – it’s touchscreens done right. The instrument cluster is beautiful, fun, easy to use and packs more information than just about any other on the market. By the time you add the full 8.4-inch system with its replay and playback functions, all the safety stuff like adaptive cruise, lane-departure and blind-spot warnings et al there’s a lot of car here.

The interior design is top notch, but some of the materials on this tester were easy to scuff and a little cheap. Still the surfaces are all forgiving where you touch them and visually interesting in most places. The Maxima has better quality materials, but the Charger outdoes the Impala here.

Ergonomically all the major functions are laid out well, but there are some peripheral quirks that will take used to getting used to. The fuel cap button for example. First of all, why does it have one? Most other cars now have a springy lid that releases itself, no button required. Second, why is it hidden in the door trim, facing the front of the car? The trunk release button is also tiny and off centre, under a healthy coat of road salt I couldn’t actually see it at first. Those are minor gripes, mind you.

The V6 Charger is very much an adequate car, and I mean that in the good sense. It has strong bones and that means great driving dynamics, solid amenities and excellent comfort. If you want something large, don’t want an SUV and value solid comfort and capability the Charger in V6 AWD is a great option.

But with the V8 so close at hand price wise, maybe you’ll want to take that extra step and get yourself a little more “phwoar”.

Warranty:
3 years/60,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 3 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 5 years/100,000 km roadside assistance

Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala
Chrysler 300
Ford Taurus
Hyundai Genesis
Kia Cadenza
Nissan Maxima
Toyota Avalon

Pricing: 2016 Dodge Charger SXT Rallye AWD
Base Price: $39,595
Optional Equipment: Sport bucket seats – $295, Rallye Appearance Group (gloss black fascia, R/T front end, Rallye badge, spoiler, paddle shift, sport mode II, 235/55/19 Performance Tires) – $495, AWD Premium Group (brake assist, ventilated front seats, rear-seat armrest, illuminated rear cup holders, auto-dimming mirror, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, GPS, power front seats, heated rear seats, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, radio/driver seat/mirror memory settings, automatic highbeam, FWD collision with active braking, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, UConnect 8.4-inch, 10-spaker Beats by Dre audio, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel) – $5,295, Power Sunroof – $1,395, Black roof – $1,395
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $995
Price as Tested: $49,565

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