2018 Dodge Charger Interior: A Stylish and Comfortable Ride

When it comes to muscle cars, the 2018 Dodge Charger is a standout option that has made waves. Known for its aggressive exterior and strong performance, many drivers focus on its power under the hood. However, what is often overlooked is the interior experience. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the cabin of the 2018 Dodge Charger, offering a comprehensive look at what makes it unique. From seating to tech, to comfort and practicality, you'll get a full idea of what it's like to spend time inside this iconic vehicle.

Overall Interior Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice when stepping inside the 2018 Dodge Charger is its bold and muscular interior design. It mirrors the aggressive exterior with a similar flair. Dodge uses a combination of soft-touch materials and hard plastics throughout the cabin. At first glance, it looks well-built and sturdy. However, the closer you get, some cheap materials, particularly on the lower panels, might be a bit of a letdown for someone expecting a luxury feel.

Spacious and Bold Cabin

One of the best aspects of the 2018 Charger is the spaciousness of the cabin. Whether you're in the front or back seat, there is plenty of headroom and legroom. The Charger can comfortably seat five adults, making it a great option if you’re driving around with family or friends.

The bold, driver-centric design focuses on making the driving experience immersive. The dashboard is slightly angled towards the driver, which helps make the controls more intuitive and easy to reach.

On the downside, though, some might find the chunky design of the dash and center console a bit overwhelming. It takes up quite a bit of space, and while this adds to the Charger’s tough persona, it may not appeal to drivers who prefer a sleeker, more minimal design.

Comfort and Seating

Comfort is always a priority, especially for long drives or commutes. The 2018 Charger delivers here with its supportive seats and multiple seating options.

Cloth vs Leather Seats

The base trim of the Charger comes with cloth upholstery. The seats are comfortable but lack the premium feel that some drivers might expect from a performance-oriented sedan like the Charger. If you're opting for a higher trim like the R/T or SRT models, you’ll get the luxury of leather-trimmed seats, which not only elevate the interior aesthetics but also improve comfort.

Heated and Ventilated Seats

One highlight of the interior is the optional heated and ventilated front seats. This is a great feature for those who live in extreme weather conditions. The ventilation is particularly useful in hot climates. However, this feature is available only on higher trims, so if you're purchasing a base model, you’ll miss out on this luxury.

Even the rear seats get some attention with optional heated seats, which is a nice touch if you often have passengers. However, the lack of adjustability in the rear seats is something that’s noticeable, especially if the passengers are looking for the same level of comfort as those in the front.

Technology and Infotainment

In today’s automotive world, technology is a major selling point. Dodge understands this and equips the 2018 Charger with some impressive tech features.

Uconnect Infotainment System

The Uconnect infotainment system is one of the best in the business. It’s easy to use, and the 8.4-inch touchscreen (standard on most models) offers sharp graphics and fast response times. Plus, it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless integration with your smartphone. This is particularly handy for those who rely on navigation or music apps on the go.

That said, some drivers report that while the screen is responsive, the system occasionally experiences lag. Additionally, the voice recognition system isn't as intuitive as some competitors. If you're used to using Siri or Google Assistant, you may find Uconnect a bit frustrating at times.

Audio System Options

Dodge offers several audio system options in the 2018 Charger, ranging from the standard six-speaker system to a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon setup. If you're an audiophile, the Harman Kardon system is the way to go. The sound quality is superb, with deep bass and crisp highs. But, if you're sticking with the standard system, it may feel a little underwhelming, especially considering the Charger’s bold personality.

Cargo Space and Practicality

Practicality isn't always the first thing that comes to mind with muscle cars, but the 2018 Charger manages to strike a balance between performance and everyday usability.

Trunk Space

The 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space is quite impressive for a performance sedan. It offers plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or sports gear. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats further enhance the practicality by allowing you to fit longer items like golf clubs or skis without sacrificing too much rear-seat space.

While the trunk is spacious, the opening is a bit narrow. This can make loading bulkier items somewhat challenging, especially if you’re trying to fit larger suitcases or boxes. It's a minor issue but worth noting if you're planning to use your Charger for more practical purposes.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Safety is a major factor for anyone buying a new car, and Dodge ensures the 2018 Charger comes equipped with plenty of safety features. However, some of the more advanced features are available only on higher trims.

Standard Safety Features

Even the base model comes with standard safety features like rearview cameras, parking sensors, and traction control. These features provide a basic level of assistance, which is especially helpful for drivers who might not be used to handling a larger vehicle like the Charger.

Available Driver Assistance Technologies

For those willing to invest in higher trims, Dodge offers advanced driver assistance systems such as:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control

These features significantly improve the driving experience, especially in city traffic or on long highway drives. However, they are not available on the lower trims, which may be disappointing for buyers seeking more standard safety technology.

Drawbacks to Consider

While the 2018 Dodge Charger interior has plenty of strengths, it's not without its drawbacks. Below are a few points that could be seen as potential drawbacks.

Overuse of Hard Plastics

As mentioned earlier, there’s a bit too much hard plastic throughout the cabin. While it’s not a dealbreaker, it can detract from the overall feel of the car, particularly if you're expecting a more refined interior.

Limited Rear Seat Adjustability

Although the rear seats are spacious, they lack adjustability. For shorter or taller passengers, this could result in less comfort during long trips.

Missing Features in Base Models

Many of the premium features that make the Charger’s interior stand out, like heated and ventilated seats or advanced driver assistance systems, are only available on the higher trims. If you’re purchasing a base model, you might find yourself missing out on some of these conveniences.

Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast, shared his thoughts on the Charger’s interior, saying, "I love the aggressive design, and the spaciousness is great. However, I do feel that Dodge could have done a little more with the materials inside. It’s a great car to drive, but when I’m sitting in traffic, I sometimes wish for a bit more luxury."

Conclusion

In the end, the 2018 Dodge Charger offers a bold, spacious, and tech-filled interior that matches its powerful performance. It's a great option for drivers who want the thrill of a muscle car without sacrificing the practicality of a sedan. While it does have some drawbacks, such as the overuse of hard plastics and missing features on lower trims, it still delivers an engaging and comfortable experience for both drivers and passengers.

If you’re in the market for a sedan with muscle car DNA, the 2018 Charger is worth considering. Its interior is spacious and practical enough for everyday use, but still manages to keep you engaged with its tech features and driver-focused design.

For a car that does so much right, it's hard to find too many faults. The interior of the 2018 Dodge Charger may not be perfect, but for the right driver, it's more than enough to deliver an exhilarating experience both on and off the road.