The 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack R/T is heavier than a Mazda CX-90, and the four-door muscle car has a slightly lower top speed too. The 420-hp Charger we tested tipped our scales at 4921 pounds, which is 25 pounds heavier than Mazda’s three-row, eight-passenger SUV.
While the six-cylinder sedan is a lot quicker to 60 mph, its top speed is limited to 125 mph, whereas the CX-90 we tested tops out at 127 mph.
Testing the Limits
We’ve been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions.
Every publication keeps an editorial bible, and ours is known as the C/D Stylebook, which has rules, such as the distinction between “fast” and “quick”.
Comparing the Charger R/T and CX-90
The three-row CX-90 we tested uses the lowest-output version of its turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six, making just 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.
It’s good for a 6.9-second run to 60 mph, which is quicker than competitors like the Honda Pilot and nonhybrid Kia Telluride, but well behind the Charger R/T’s 4.7-second blast to 60 mph.
However, due to the 420-hp Charger R/T’s 125-mph speed governor, the CX-90 begins to reel in the Dodge 21.4 seconds after launch.
The CX-90 takes 29.7 seconds to reach 120 mph, but it will keep accelerating past the Dodge and up to 127 mph.
Perhaps the more surprising detail is that the 4921-pound Charger Sixpack tipped the scales 25 pounds heavier than Mazda’s mid-size SUV.
Design and Weight
Dodge’s STLA architecture, which was purposely designed to accommodate gas and electric powertrains, delivers a wide and aggressive muscular look, but that also makes it 576 pounds heavier than the last Charger R/T Scat Pack we tested.
Related: Ex-IndyCar driver’s BMW M3 sells at auction
The standard all-wheel drive on new Chargers also contributes to its heftiness, as well as its wider tires and wheels.
If you’re wondering how heavy the all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack sedan we tested was, well, its 5938-pound curb weight is 16 pounds heavier than our long-term Ram 1500 Laramie pickup.
In practice, this means that CX-90 owners may have a slight advantage when it comes to top speed, which could be an interesting conversation starter at car enthusiast gatherings.
For those interested in learning more about the Dodge Charger, there are plenty of resources available online.
The weight difference between the Charger R/T and CX-90 can be attributed to the design and architecture of the two vehicles. The Charger R/T’s STLA architecture is designed to accommodate both gas and electric powertrains, resulting in a heavier vehicle. Additionally, the standard all-wheel drive on new Chargers contributes to its weight, as well as its wider tires and wheels.
The C/D Stylebook plays a key role in maintaining consistency and accuracy in the publication’s content. It outlines specific rules and guidelines for writers to follow, ensuring that the language and terminology used are precise and consistent. This attention to detail is essential in providing readers with accurate and reliable information.
The comparison between the Charger R/T and CX-90 highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when evaluating a vehicle’s performance. While the Charger R/T excels in terms of acceleration, the CX-90 has a higher top speed. This discrepancy can be attributed to the 125-mph speed governor on the Charger R/T, which limits its top speed.
The all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack sedan is another example of Dodge’s efforts to produce high-performance vehicles. With a curb weight of 5938 pounds, it is significantly heavier than the Charger R/T. However, its electric powertrain provides a unique set of benefits and characteristics that set it apart from its gas-powered counterparts.
The fact that the CX-90 can accelerate past the Charger R/T and reach a higher top speed is a sign to its capabilities. This is particularly notable given the CX-90’s larger size and passenger capacity. The CX-90’s ability to seat up to eight passengers, compared to the Charger R/T’s four-door design, makes it a more practical choice for those who need to transport larger groups.
Overall, the comparison between the Charger R/T and CX-90 demonstrates the complexities of evaluating vehicle performance. By considering multiple factors, including acceleration, top speed, and design, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle.
