When I first got behind the wheel of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona lineup, I was in sunny Arizona – ideal conditions for testing a high-performance vehicle. With clear roads and warm temps, I could push the first-ever Dodge EV to its limits with confidence. But for many drivers – like those of us in Michigan – winter doesn’t offer that luxury. So, when I took delivery of my Charger Daytona R/T at home in early February, Mother Nature had a different kind of test in store: a relentless series of winter storms.
Normally, I’d be bummed about icy roads ruining a test drive, but with the all-wheel-drive Charger Daytona, this was the perfect opportunity to see just how well Dodge’s new EV handles the worst of winter.
Ice, Snow and AWD Confidence
A few days before the 2024 Charger Daytona R/T Plus in Triple Nickel arrived, Michigan threw a weather curveball – temps hit the low 40s, followed by eight hours of torrential rain and flooding. Then, the deep freeze set in. By the time the Charger rolled up, my driveway and much of my property had transformed into an ice rink. I could have strapped on skates and glided across the yard.
A rear-wheel-drive Charger would’ve been in trouble here, but the AWD Daytona made easy work of it. Backing into my garage – something my Ram 1500 needs 4WD for in these conditions – was effortless. That was just the beginning.
Conquering the Ice Hill
My next challenge: an icy incline on my property where runoff freezes into a thick, slick sheet every winter. Typically, I need my Ram 1500’s 4WD Low to get up this hill. This time, I approached in the Charger Daytona R/T – no Snow Mode, just Auto. With all four wheels stopped on the ice, I eased into the throttle. The car slid back slightly, then dug in and climbed the hill without breaking a sweat. That was all the proof I needed – it was time to hit the road.
Winter Road Warrior
In Milford, Michigan, unpaved roads become a nightmare in winter. Flooding followed by freezing turns rutted dirt paths into solid sheets of ice, where even road salt is no match for the elements. These roads are so brutal that I typically use them to test off-road trucks.
I took the Charger Daytona R/T out in Wet/Snow Mode, navigating these treacherous backroads at a cautious pace to avoid bottoming out or damaging a wheel. Despite the conditions, the Charger proved its winter chops, climbing icy hills where most cars struggle. Even in areas where trucks and SUVs are the usual go-to, the Charger Daytona R/T held its own, proving that Dodge’s dual-motor AWD system can handle serious winter punishment.
A Snowstorm Stress Test
Later that night, I took the Daytona R/T to Rustic Leaf Brewing in Waterford. By the time I left, a fresh snowstorm had dumped a few inches on the roads. Plows wouldn’t be out until morning, meaning my drive home was the perfect test for winter handling.
On four-lane roads, I experimented with evasive steering and braking in deep snow, simulating emergency maneuvers. The Charger was composed, predictable and easy to control. Acceleration was never an issue, with the AWD system seamlessly distributing power to maintain grip. Occasionally, the car would wiggle in deeper snow, but it remained confident and controlled – a level of winter performance I’ve rarely seen outside of AWD-focused brands.
Having tested previous AWD Chargers and Challengers in similar conditions, I can confidently say the new Daytona R/T is the best of the bunch when it comes to slick-road performance.
EV vs. Freezing Temps
One major concern for EV skeptics is range loss in cold weather. During my time with the Charger Daytona R/T, temperatures never climbed above freezing – most days hovered between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite that, range impact was minimal.
After charging to 100% using the included Level 2 charger, I drove 108 miles and still had 56% battery remaining. That translates to an estimated real-world range of around 245 miles – just 23 miles shy of the EPA’s 268-mile rating, even with freezing temperatures and constant use of the heater, heated seats and heated steering wheel.
Charging was just as convenient. Running the battery down to 56% took three days of commuting, and it only took six hours to recharge to 100% on my home charger. Best of all, I never had to stand in the cold to refuel – just plug it in at night and wake up to a full battery.
The Best AWD Charger Yet
After more than a decade of testing new vehicles, I can say without hesitation: the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is the best all-season Dodge I’ve ever driven. It takes the AWD confidence of previous Chargers to another level, proving that an EV can thrive in harsh winter conditions.
But the real kicker? When the snow melts, this all-weather warrior unleashes 496 horsepower, blasting through the quarter-mile in the mid-12s. The new Charger isn’t just a capable winter car – it’s a year-round thrill ride that no longer forces Dodge fans to choose between performance and practicality.
For those of us who battle ice and snow every winter, the Daytona R/T isn’t just an EV – it’s a game-changer.
0 Comments