Two legendary names face off
Ford’s Mustang and Dodge’s Charger have two of the automotive industry’s most enduring performance car legacies. As a result, deciding between these two vehicles is a greater challenge for some shoppers. While both cars emerged around the same time, their evolution has led them to occupy separate sub-niches. Today, Ford’s Mustang leans toward contemporary sports car design with better handling attributed to its lighter weight, precise steering, and more. In contrast, the Charger is defined primarily by its retro muscle car style, characterized by traits such as a more substantial stance, a roomier interior, and more comfortable cruising. We’re just scratching the surface of what distinguishes these legendary models in their 2025 production year. Below, you’ll find more information guiding you toward the right choice for your driving needs and preferences, including an essential clarification on the gas-powered 2025 and 2026 Charger rollouts.
How each car delivers on power and efficiency
Shoppers within this segment are typically prioritizing quality performance, and having some added efficiency never hurts. The 2025 Mustang’s entry-level powertrain features a 10-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine with 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. You can also select a 5.0-liter V-8 with 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Ford offers a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission for the 5.0-liter V-8, which produces 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque when equipped with an optional performance exhaust. Regarding mileage for mainstream 2025 Ford Mustang trims, you’ll receive 15-22 mpg in the city and 23-33 mpg on the highway.Â
By comparison, the 2025 Dodge Charger’s gas-powered Sixpack comes with a twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane inline-six engine. This engine’s standard output is 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version produces 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Dodge pairs both the standard and high output variants with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA hasn’t yet released mileage information for the 2025 Charger Sixpack. Still, you can expect noticeably better fuel economy from the 2025 Ford Mustang when selecting engines like its 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost. However, unlike its rival, you’ll get standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a 2025 Charger Sixpack.
Neck-and-neck price-to-power ratioÂ
Base price is one of the most noticeable factors differentiating the 2025 Ford Mustang from the 2025 Dodge Charger, but there’s more to the picture. An entry-level Mustang starts at $31,920. Pricing for the 2025 Charger Sixpack has not yet been confirmed, but the 2026 model year—which is scheduled for release during the second half of this year, overlaps with the 2025 model’s release—starts at $51,990. In essence, the gas-powered 2025 Charger represents a transitional phase, with limited initial production, but the 2026 production phase’s specs essentially mirror this initial wave.
Some might prefer to compromise on performance and save money by selecting an entry-level 2025 Mustang, but for those seeking more power in a Mustang, the GT Fastback variant with 480 horsepower starts at $46,560—beating the price and horsepower of an entry-level Charger. However, a high-output 550-horsepower Charger starts at $56,990, and the Mustang’s trim with the closest price, the $56,580 GT Premium, stays at 480 horsepower.
Body style choices: what each has to offer
Dodge’s latest Charger offers a two-door coupe and a new four-door sedan variant, but no convertible option. Those seeking a convertible can consider the Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible, EcoBoost Premium Convertible, or the GT Premium Convertible. The prices of these convertibles range from $40,120 to $56,580. Still, you won’t find a four-door option with the Mustang. The 2025 Charger Sixpack features a wider, larger, and more muscular body, while the Mustang has a lighter, sportier exterior design more reminiscent of classic pony car styling.
Charger’s roomy ambiance vs. Mustang’s sporty fun
Inside the 2025 Charger, a more traditional muscle car ambiance sets the stage for increased space and comfort, particularly in the rear row. By comparison, the 2025 Mustang’s sportier interior places a greater focus on driver engagement, featuring a compact cockpit that includes an optional manual transmission, a standard 13.2-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. The Charger’s standard infotainment display and digital instrument cluster are a bit smaller at 12.3 inches and 10.3 inches, respectively, but there’s an optional 16-inch digital instrument cluster. While the Charger’s interior leans more toward ruggedness than sportiness, it shares several features in common with its rival, as both vehicles feature bucket seats, flat-bottom steering wheels, and ambient lighting.
Ford
Final thoughtsÂ
A closer comparison of the 2025 Dodge Charger and 2025 Ford Mustang is ever-important, given recent changes to the Charger. The 2025 Charger also featured an electric version, with a base variant that Dodge axed due to poor sales. Dodge will continue making the higher-performance version of its electric Charger for 2026, the EV Charger Daytona. Regarding the mainstream trims we’re focusing on, shoppers should be aware that the rollout of the gas-powered 2025 Charger Sixpack overlaps with the launch of the 2026 Charger Sixpack.Â
Dodge
You can get behind the wheel of a new, base, gas-powered Mustang for far less than an entry-level Charger Sixpack if you’re willing to compromise some horsepower. For those seeking a Mustang with more robust performance, the GT Fastback variant, which boasts 480 horsepower, is roughly a few thousand dollars less expensive than the base 2025 Charger Sixpack, which comes with 420 horsepower. You’ll also be able to get a convertible by choosing a Mustang, but this Ford’s rear row is cramped, and you won’t be able to select a sedan like you can with the Charger. Be sure to test drive each option before committing one way or the other.
About the author
Cody Carlson
Contributing Writer, Autoblog