The Gas Charger Is Having a Better Year
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV just isn’t winning hearts this year. Its Hurricane-powered sibling is outselling it by nearly 15 to 1, which tells you everything you need to know about where muscle car fans are putting their money.
That’s not surprising. The Daytona is a new take on the Charger name, and with its electric powertrain and higher price, it makes sense that shoppers are unsure. If you’re considering leasing one, get ready for another surprise.
If you really love the electric Charger, you may want to think twice about leasing it. The current deals aren’t very appealing, especially compared to what Dodge offers for the gas-powered version.
Dodge
Leasing the Daytona Costs Almost Twice as Much
According to CarsDirect, the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack starts at $60,690, but that’s just the beginning. Dodge’s own payment calculator spits out a lease of $1,312 a month for 36 months, with $6,269 due at signing. Do the math, and you’re looking at about $1,486 a month before taxes and fees even show up.
Meanwhile, the two-door 2026 Charger Scat Pack with the Hurricane engine is priced at $55,690. Lease one, and you’re looking at $573 a month for 36 months, with $5,769 due at signing. That works out to about $733 a month.
So, a 9% difference in MSRP somehow turns into a 103% jump in lease costs. In other words, you could almost have two gas-powered Chargers in your driveway for the price of one Daytona EV.
To make matters worse, CarsDirect points out that the electric model doesn’t get any real lease cash incentives. Meanwhile, rival EVs are practically throwing discounts at buyers to sweeten the deal.
Dodge
Poor Residual Value Is the Bigger Problem
But the Daytona’s sticker shock isn’t even the worst part. According to a dealer leasing bulletin from September that CarsDirect cited, the EV is expected to hold just 40% of its value after three years. The money factor? That works out to a sky-high 12.5% interest rate. The gas-powered Charger, by comparison, keeps 67% of its value and has a much friendlier 5.4% lease rate.
These numbers aren’t just for show. Lease payments live and die by depreciation and financing costs, so if a car is expected to lose more value, your wallet feels it every month.
The Daytona used to have some halfway decent lease deals, like the entry-level R/T at about $688 a month. But that trim is gone for 2026, and with federal EV tax credits also off the table, Stellantis doesn’t have much reason to make leasing any sweeter.
Dodge
About the author
Jacob Oliva is a senior editor at Autoblog with more than a decade of experience covering industry news, price analysis, aftermarket modifications and new-vehicle reviews. He is also managing editor of Autocar Philippines.
