The 5.7L HEMI V8 in the Dodge Charger R/T already sounds good from the factory, but the stock exhaust muffles a lot of the character that engine is capable of. A quality cat-back or axle-back system lets the HEMI breathe, sharpens throttle response, and unlocks the deep American muscle tone that made the Charger famous. The right setup gives you a confident bark on startup and a clean cruise without the constant drone that ruins long highway trips.
We focused on systems that actually fit the LD platform Charger R/T (2011 and up, both 5.7 sedan applications), looking hard at tube diameter, weld quality, included hardware, and real owner feedback on sound at idle, wide open throttle, and steady cruise. Below are seven exhaust systems that genuinely exist for this car, ranked best first, so you can pick the tone and build that matches how you drive.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System for Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L Best Overall Cat-back, T-304 stainless, dual 4-inch tips, aggressive sound level |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-Back Exhaust for Charger R/T 5.7 HEMI Best Classic Muscle Sound Cat-back, mandrel-bent stainless, Super 44 series tone, dual rear exit |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust for Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L Best Balanced Daily Driver Cat-back, stainless steel, straight-through muffler, polished dual tips |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Corsa Performance Xtreme Axle-Back Exhaust for Charger R/T 5.7 HEMI Best Drone-Free Sound Axle-back, T-304 stainless, RSC technology, dual 4-inch black tips |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Kooks Cat-Back Exhaust System for Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L HEMI Best for Modified Builds Cat-back, 3-inch stainless tubing, race-bred welds, dual tips |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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AWE Tuning Touring Edition Cat-Back Exhaust for Charger R/T 5.7 Best Refined Tuning Cat-back, T-304 stainless, drone-canceling resonator, choice of tips |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Roush Performance Cat-Back Exhaust for Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L Best Bold Value Cat-back, stainless tubing, performance muffler, embossed tips |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System for Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L: Best Overall
The Borla S-Type is our top pick for the Charger R/T because it nails the balance every HEMI owner is chasing. The straight-through, multi-core muffler design frees up flow for a noticeably crisper throttle response, while the tuned tone delivers that aggressive American V8 growl on launch without turning every highway mile into a headache. T-304 stainless steel throughout means the welds, tubing, and tips all shrug off road salt and moisture, which matters a lot on a daily driven sedan.
The honest weakness here is volume calibration. The S-Type is intentionally loud, and a small group of owners find it more aggressive than expected, especially with windows down in a parking garage. If you want whisper-quiet cruising, the milder ATAK or Touring lines exist for a reason. But for the buyer who wants the definitive Charger R/T sound paired with bulletproof build quality and Borla’s standout warranty, this is the system to beat.
- Full T-304 stainless steel construction for long term corrosion resistance
- Patented straight-through, multi-core muffler technology for flow and tone
- Aggressive but refined sound with minimal interior drone at cruise
Pros: Iconic, deep HEMI tone that is loud under throttle yet livable daily; Premium T-304 stainless resists rust far better than aluminized systems; Backed by Borla's million-mile warranty for real confidence on the road
Cons: Sits at the higher end of the value range for a cat-back; S-Type can be a touch loud for buyers who want subtle
2. Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-Back Exhaust for Charger R/T 5.7 HEMI: Best Classic Muscle Sound
If your idea of a Charger R/T is pure 1960s muscle attitude, the Flowmaster American Thunder system speaks your language. It uses Flowmaster’s legendary chambered muffler tuning to produce a deep, throaty rumble at idle that builds into a hard-edged roar at wide open throttle. The mandrel-bent tubing keeps flow smooth so the 5.7 HEMI breathes freely, and the kit bolts on at the factory hanger points to keep the install manageable in a home garage.
The trade-off is the classic Flowmaster characteristic that some owners love and others tolerate: drone. At steady highway speeds around the 1,800 to 2,200 RPM range, you may hear a resonant hum inside the cabin, and that is the price of this much character. If you can live with that on long trips, the American Thunder rewards you with among the most authentic muscle tones available for the platform.
- Mandrel-bent tubing for smooth, unrestricted exhaust flow
- Flowmaster's signature deep, aggressive muscle car tone
- Designed as a direct bolt-on with included hardware
Pros: Unmistakable old-school Flowmaster rumble that sounds pure American V8; Mandrel bends preserve flow for better mid-range pull; Straightforward bolt-on fit using factory hanger locations
Cons: Can produce noticeable cabin drone at certain cruise RPM; Tone is polarizing if you prefer a more European, refined note
3. MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust for Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L: Best Balanced Daily Driver
The MagnaFlow Street Series is the sweet spot for the Charger R/T owner who drives the car every day but still wants real presence. Its straight-through, perforated core muffler produces a deep and smooth tone that sounds genuinely powerful on acceleration, then settles into a refined hum at cruise. Compared to chambered systems, the MagnaFlow design keeps in-cabin drone well controlled, which is a big deal if you commute or take road trips regularly.
The honest downside is that this restraint cuts both ways. Owners coming from a louder system, or those who simply want maximum noise, sometimes feel the Street Series is too polite at idle. It is also worth noting the polished tips look fantastic when clean but can spot in wet weather, so they need an occasional wipe down. For a balanced, grown-up muscle sound with top-tier stainless quality, though, it is hard to do better.
- Straight-through perforated core muffler for smooth, deep tone
- Stainless steel construction with polished stainless tips
- Tuned for an aggressive note with controlled interior volume
Pros: Deep, smooth tone that stays civil during long commutes; High-quality stainless build with attractive polished tips; Less drone than chambered designs for daily comfort
Cons: Not as loud or raucous as some buyers expect from a cat-back; Tips finish can show water spotting without regular cleaning
4. Corsa Performance Xtreme Axle-Back Exhaust for Charger R/T 5.7 HEMI: Best Drone-Free Sound
Corsa built its reputation on one promise: loud when you want it, silent when you do not. The Xtreme axle-back for the Charger R/T uses the company’s Reflective Sound Cancellation technology to deliver a genuinely aggressive bark under acceleration while completely killing the resonant drone that plagues many performance systems at highway speed. For drivers who want maximum noise on demand without paying for it on every commute, this is the standout choice.
Being an axle-back, it swaps only the rear section, so it changes the tone and the look more than it changes flow numbers compared to a full cat-back. That makes installation quicker and cleaner, but it also means you are buying this primarily for sound and the gorgeous T-304 stainless tips rather than for big breathing gains. If a drone-free yet ferocious tone tops your list, Corsa earns its place.
- Patented Reflective Sound Cancellation eliminates cabin drone
- Aggressive Xtreme sound level for maximum attitude
- Premium T-304 stainless tubing and mufflers
Pros: Loud and aggressive at throttle with zero drone at cruise; Top-grade T-304 stainless construction and refined finish; Axle-back design makes for a simpler, faster install
Cons: Axle-back changes less than a full cat-back system; Sits among the pricier axle-back options in value terms
5. Kooks Cat-Back Exhaust System for Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L HEMI: Best for Modified Builds
Kooks is a name modified HEMI owners know well, and its cat-back system is built for cars that are going further than a simple bolt-on. The larger 3-inch mandrel-bent stainless tubing supports the airflow demands of long-tube headers, ported intakes, and even forced induction, so this is the system you choose when your Charger R/T is part of a bigger plan. Weld quality and fitment reflect the brand’s motorsport roots, and everything is designed to integrate cleanly with Kooks headers and mid-pipes.
The catch is that this strength becomes a slight weakness on a stock or lightly modified car. The 3-inch diameter can introduce a raspier, more high-strung note when there is not much else feeding it, and the system is priced for committed builders rather than casual upgraders. If your R/T is staying close to factory, a 2.5-inch system suits it better. But for a build with real horsepower goals, Kooks is the smart long-term foundation.
- Larger 3-inch mandrel-bent stainless tubing for high-flow builds
- Race-grade welds and fitment from a proven header brand
- Designed to pair with Kooks long-tube headers and mid-pipes
Pros: Bigger diameter tubing supports power adders and cam builds; Outstanding weld quality and fitment from a motorsport brand; Scales perfectly with a full Kooks header and mid-pipe combo
Cons: Larger diameter can sound raspier on an otherwise stock R/T; Premium pricing aimed at serious performance builders
6. AWE Tuning Touring Edition Cat-Back Exhaust for Charger R/T 5.7: Best Refined Tuning
AWE Tuning approaches exhaust as engineering, and the Touring Edition cat-back shows it. Its 180 Technology resonator is specifically tuned to cancel the frequencies that cause interior drone, so the Charger R/T gains a deeper, more sophisticated voice without the headache of cabin resonance on long drives. Hand-welded T-304 stainless construction gives the system a precise, jewel-like fit, and you can spec chrome silver or diamond black quad tips to match your car.
The honest limitation is intent. The Touring tune is deliberately the more refined of AWE’s options, so anyone after raw, attention-grabbing loudness may find it understated. It also commands a premium price that reflects the engineering and finish. But if you value a clean install, a grown-up tone, and the confidence that drone has been engineered out, the AWE Touring is a genuinely excellent piece of kit.
- 180 Technology resonator engineered to cancel cruising drone
- Hand-welded T-304 stainless for precision fit and finish
- Choice of chrome silver or diamond black quad tips
Pros: Sophisticated, deep tone with engineered drone cancellation; Exceptional weld and finish quality with a premium look; Tip color options let you match your car's styling
Cons: Touring tune is mild for buyers chasing maximum volume; One of the more expensive systems in the segment
7. Roush Performance Cat-Back Exhaust for Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L: Best Bold Value
Roush brings its performance pedigree to the Charger R/T with a cat-back that prioritizes bold, unapologetic muscle sound. The stainless tubing and performance muffler combine to give the 5.7 HEMI a loud, confident tone that announces itself clearly under throttle, and the branded embossed tips give the rear of the car a finished, purposeful look. As a bolt-on, it offers strong character for the money, which is what lands it here for the value-minded buyer who still wants real attitude.
Where it falls short of the top picks is refinement. Without the engineered drone cancellation of the Corsa or AWE systems, the Roush can hum noticeably at cruise, and a handful of owners report needing to tweak a hanger or two for perfect tip alignment. Those are manageable quirks rather than dealbreakers. If you want a loud, good-looking system that delivers serious presence without chasing the premium tier, the Roush is a satisfying pick.
- Stainless steel construction with a strong performance muffler
- Bold, aggressive tone tuned for the HEMI V8
- Bolt-on design with branded embossed exhaust tips
Pros: Loud, confident tone that delivers strong muscle character; Solid stainless build at an attractive overall value; Distinctive branded tips add a finishing visual touch
Cons: More drone than the drone-canceling systems on this list; Fit can require minor hanger adjustment on some cars
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a cat-back exhaust add horsepower to my Charger R/T?
A cat-back exhaust on a Charger R/T will typically add a modest amount of horsepower and torque, usually in the single digits at the wheels, by reducing backpressure and helping the 5.7 HEMI breathe more freely. The bigger, more noticeable benefit is sharper throttle response and a much more aggressive sound. If you want real power gains, the exhaust should be paired with long-tube headers, a high-flow mid-pipe, a cold-air intake, and a tune. On its own, a cat-back is mostly a sound and breathing upgrade rather than a dyno-busting power mod.
What is the difference between an axle-back and a cat-back for the Charger R/T?
An axle-back system replaces only the rear section of the exhaust, from the rear axle back to the tips, which changes the sound and the look while keeping installation quick and affordable. A cat-back replaces everything from the catalytic converters rearward, including the mid-pipe and mufflers, so it offers more potential for flow improvement and a fuller tone change. For maximum sound and breathing on a Charger R/T, a cat-back is the better choice, while an axle-back is ideal if you mainly want a louder, better-looking rear setup with less labor.
Will an aftermarket exhaust cause interior drone on the highway?
Drone is a resonant humming that some performance exhausts produce at steady cruising RPM, usually between 1,800 and 2,200, and it varies a lot by system. Chambered designs like the Flowmaster American Thunder tend to drone more, while systems with engineered drone cancellation, such as the Corsa Xtreme with RSC technology or the AWE Touring with its 180 resonator, are specifically built to eliminate it. If you commute or take long trips in your Charger R/T, prioritize a drone-free design so you enjoy the sound without fatigue on the highway.
Can I install a Charger R/T exhaust myself at home?
Yes, most cat-back and axle-back systems for the Charger R/T are designed as bolt-on upgrades that reuse the factory hanger locations, so a competent DIYer with basic tools, jack stands, and penetrating oil can do the job in a couple of hours. Axle-back systems are the easiest because they involve fewer connections. The main challenges are working with rusted factory clamps on older cars and getting the tips aligned evenly. If you are not comfortable under the car, a muffler shop can install any of these systems quickly.
Is a stainless steel exhaust worth it over an aluminized one?
For a daily driven Charger R/T, T-304 stainless steel is well worth choosing over aluminized steel, especially if you live where roads are salted in winter. Stainless resists rust and corrosion far better, keeps its appearance over years of use, and tends to come with stronger warranties, as seen with Borla’s million-mile coverage. Aluminized systems can be a reasonable choice in dry climates and for shorter ownership, but the long-term durability and resale appeal of a full stainless system usually justify it for most owners.
Our Verdict
For most Dodge Charger R/T owners, the Borla S-Type cat-back is our top pick, combining that definitive aggressive HEMI tone with bulletproof T-304 stainless construction and a warranty that backs it for the long haul. If you want a similar level of quality but with engineered drone cancellation for quieter highway cruising, the Corsa Xtreme axle-back is an excellent runner up. Both deliver the muscle character the 5.7 HEMI deserves, so the choice comes down to whether you prioritize a full cat-back’s flow or a drone-free cruise.
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