The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will not be part of the 2026 model year lineup, according to Dodge CEO Matt McAlear. While Dodge hasn’t completely ruled out the trim’s return in the future, the automaker has officially postponed its production for now. The reason? A combination of market shifts and uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariff policies.
“Production of the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is postponed for the 2026 model year as we continue to assess the effects of U.S. tariff policies,” McAlear said in a statement to Motor1. Instead, Dodge will sharpen its focus on high-performance offerings, like the Charger Daytona Scat Pack, and upcoming internal combustion alternatives.
Scat Pack Takes Center Stage
With the R/T trim off the table, the Daytona Scat Pack now becomes the sole all-electric Charger variant available for 2026. And it’s no slouch. Delivering 670 horsepower from its dual-motor setup, the Scat Pack is targeting mid-11-second quarter-mile times. However, the performance comes at the cost of range, 241 miles per the EPA estimate, a step down from the R/T’s 308 miles.
That boost in performance also brings a steeper price tag. The Scat Pack will sit around $60,000 after factoring in the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. In contrast, the now-shelved R/T was expected to be a more accessible entry point to the electric muscle segment, slipping in under $50,000 with the same tax break.
Lagging Sales, Overstuffed Lots
Market data supports Dodge’s decision. Charger sales fell by a staggering 54 percent in 2024. The first-quarter sales of electric Chargers in 2025 totaled just 1,947 units, a mix of both R/T and Scat Pack trims. Meanwhile, Mopar Insiders reported that approximately 3,500 R/T units are still sitting unsold in dealer inventories.
This lukewarm reception has highlighted a broader issue: despite the impressive specs, the brand’s electric offerings haven’t captured the hearts of traditional Dodge enthusiasts, many of whom remain loyal to internal combustion.
The Sixpack Rises
To address this, Dodge is introducing a new four-door variant, the Charger Sixpack, aimed at muscle fans not quite ready to embrace electrification. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the Sixpack will be available in both standard-output (420 hp) and high-output (550 hp) trims. Though exact pricing hasn’t been revealed, it’s expected to slot in around the price point previously held by the R/T.
The new platform, STLA Large, is designed to support both EVs and ICE models, giving Dodge flexibility to pivot as demand dictates.
Looking Ahead
While the Charger Daytona R/T may be gone for now, its future isn’t completely off the table. Dodge is keeping a close eye on market dynamics, government policies, and consumer behavior as it fine-tunes its approach.
With the Scat Pack holding the electric torch and the Six Pack catering to combustion purists, Dodge’s strategy appears focused on streamlining its offerings while covering both sides of the propulsion spectrum.
As more details about the 2026 Charger lineup emerge, muscle car fans and industry watchers alike will be paying close attention. The muscle car isn’t dead, it’s just adapting.
