Inside the 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona: Engine Specs and Real‑World Performance

What powers the 2017 Charger Daytona?

The 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona arrives with a 5.7‑liter HEMI V8 as its baseline engine. That iron‑clad powerplant churns out roughly 370 horsepower and 395 lb‑ft of torque, paired with a six‑speed automatic that shifts quickly enough to keep the revs screaming on the straightaway. Dodge also offered an optional 6.4‑liter “Scat Pack” V8, pushing the output to about 475 hp for those craving extra muscle.

Both engines share Dodge’s modern HEMI architecture: a hemispherical combustion chamber, aluminum heads, and a forged‑steel crank. The 5.7‑L version carries a compression ratio near 10.5:1, while the larger 6.4‑L steps up to roughly 10.8:1, which helps extract a little more bite from the same gasoline.

Key specifications at a glance

• Displacement: 5.7 L (standard) / 6.4 L (optional)
• Horsepower: 370 hp (5.7 L) – 475 hp (6.4 L)
• Torque: 395 lb‑ft (5.7 L) – 470 lb‑ft (6.4 L)
• Compression ratio: 10.5:1 (5.7 L) – 10.8:1 (6.4 L)
• Bore × Stroke: 99.5 mm × 92.8 mm (5.7 L) – 100 mm × 92 mm (6.4 L)
• Fuel system: Multi‑point sequential injection, 78‑mm throttle body
• Transmission: 6‑speed automatic, optional 8‑speed (later model years)
• Performance package: Launch control, performance‑tuned suspension, Brem Brembo front calipers

Acceleration and speed – how fast is the Daytona?

On a typical drag strip, the 5.7‑L Charger Daytona shaves the quarter‑mile in the low‑13‑second range, hitting the 60‑mph mark in about 5.0 seconds. The optional 6.4‑L version drops those times by roughly a second, flirting with the sub‑5‑second 0‑60 club. Top‑speed figures hover around 155 mph, largely due to electronic limiting rather than a lack of power.

Those numbers feel impressive, but they translate into a surprisingly usable driving experience. The launch‑control system smooths the initial burst, while the sport‑tuned suspension keeps the car planted through the launch and into the first few corners. Even though the Daytona leans toward straight‑line performance, it still offers a respectable turning radius for a full‑size sedan.

Everyday usability – fuel economy and comfort

Because it’s a muscle sedan, the Charger Daytona doesn’t win any awards for sipping gasoline. EPA estimates place the 5.7‑L V8 at roughly 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while the larger 6.4‑L dips a bit lower, averaging around 13 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Those figures are typical for a V8 of this displacement, and most owners accept the trade‑off for the raw power.

Inside, the cabin feels roomy enough for a family of five. The seats are well‑bolstered, especially in the “Daytona” trim that adds sport‑style upholstery. Standard tech includes an 8.4‑inch Uconnect touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and an optional premium audio system that sounds decent even at highway speeds.

Handling dynamics – does the Daytona feel balanced?

Beyond raw acceleration, Dodge equipped the Daytona with a performance‑focused chassis. The front end uses a stiffer subframe, while the rear benefits from a rear‑axle leaf‑spring setup that’s been tuned for better weight transfer. Add in larger brakes—often Brembo on the higher‑output models—and a set of optional 20‑inch performance wheels, and the car can carve through bends without feeling overly nose‑heavy.

That said, the Charger’s front‑wheel‑drive (FWD) platform, shared with the standard Charger, can produce understeer when pushing hard. The all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) variant, introduced in later years, mitigates this, but the 2017 Daytona sticks with rear‑wheel drive, demanding a bit more driver input to keep the front end in check.

Maintenance and reliability considerations

Owners generally report that the 5.7‑L HEMI is robust, thanks to its simple push‑rod design and durable internals. Regular oil changes, using the recommended 5W‑20 synthetic, keep the engine humming. The 6.4‑L version, while more powerful, can be a tad finicky with timing‑chain wear if maintenance is neglected, so a strict service schedule is advisable.

Another point to watch is the cooling system. The high‑output V8 generates heat, so ensuring the radiator and coolant lines are clean helps avoid overheating during spirited drives. Most dealerships offer a “Performance Service” package that checks the brakes, suspension bushings, and fluid levels—worth considering for anyone planning regular track days.

Is the 2017 Charger Daytona still a good buy?

If you crave a sedan that can sprint like a sports car while still offering four doors and a practical trunk, the 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona remains an attractive option on the used market. Prices have softened since its debut, and many models still retain factory‑installed performance upgrades, meaning you get a lot of bang for the buck.

Potential buyers should weigh the fuel‑cost penalty against the thrill of a V8 soundtrack and a straight‑line sprint that still turns heads. For daily commuting, the cabin comfort and infotainment suite make the car a viable workhorse, especially if you appreciate the blend of muscle‑car heritage with modern tech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What horsepower does the standard 2017 Charger Daytona produce?

The base 5.7‑liter HEMI V8 delivers around 370 horsepower and 395 lb‑ft of torque.

How fuel‑efficient is the Daytona?

EPA estimates run about 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for the 5.7 L engine; the larger 6.4 L version is a couple of miles per gallon lower.

Can the Daytona be used as a daily driver?

Yes. Despite its performance focus, the car offers a comfortable interior, decent tech features, and a usable ride quality for everyday errands.

Is a manual transmission available for the 2017 Charger Daytona?

No. The 2017 model year only came with an automatic gearbox; a manual option was never offered for this trim.