Unexpected comparison: Dodge Charger R/T turned out to be heavier than the Mazda CX-90
Sports sedans are usually lighter, faster, and more focused on driving than family SUVs. But the results of the latest tests by Car and Driver show that the new Dodge Charger R/T weighs more than the three-row Mazda CX-90 and even falls short in one key performance metric.
Before Charger fans start commenting furiously, it’s worth adding important context. The six-cylinder Dodge with an internal combustion engine accelerates much faster from a standstill and reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) much sooner than the Mazda. However, when it comes to top speed, the family crossover unexpectedly pulls ahead.
Weight and Specifications
Car and Driver recorded the curb weight of the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T at 4,921 pounds (2,232 kg). This is 25 pounds (11 kg) more than the tested Mazda CX-90, which weighed 4,896 pounds (2,221 kg). The result is surprising given that the Mazda can carry up to eight passengers, while the Charger is a performance-oriented sedan for only four or five.
Official manufacturer data differ slightly. Mazda lists the weight of the CX-90 with 280 hp (284 PS) at 4,846 pounds (2,198 kg), while Dodge claims 4,741 pounds (2,151 kg) for the Charger R/T. Factory specs and independently measured test weight often vary due to trim, options, fluids, and testing procedures, but the Car and Driver figures are directly comparable since they were collected by the same team.
Performance: 280 horsepower versus 420
The tested CX-90 used the entry-level turbocharged inline-six Mazda engine with 280 hp (284 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, which is a good result for an entry-level three-row SUV in this segment.
Meanwhile, the Charger is equipped with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine producing 420 hp (426 PS). It covers the same distance in just 4.7 seconds, making it the undisputed winner in any real-world acceleration contest. However, the Dodge is electronically limited to 125 mph (201 km/h). The publication found that the Mazda can continue accelerating to 127 mph (204 km/h), giving it a narrow victory in the top speed debate.
Victory only on paper
Of course, the advantage of 2 mph (3 km/h) is academic in the US. Almost no owner will ever find themselves in a situation where the CX-90 can catch up to the Charger R/T and leave it behind. But it gives Mazda owners a talking point when someone starts joking about the numerous CX-90 recalls.
Interestingly, this test shows how perceptions of weight and performance are changing in modern automotive engineering. Electrification and hybrid technologies make even family crossovers heavier, but at the same time allow them to compete with traditional muscle cars in certain aspects. For the Dodge Charger R/T, this could become an additional challenge in positioning, as buyers expect from it not only dramatic acceleration but also lightness and sporty agility traditionally associated with this class of vehicles.