Magnum Force

The liftgate hinges well into the roof for easy access to the rear.

Magnum designer Tim Anness says that the inspiration for the Dodge Magnum was a little red wagon for adults. No, not the famous Hemi-powered wheel-standing red pickup from the ’60s, (a wheel-standing, rearengine, Hemi-powered Magnum — wouldn’t that be cool), but the kind you pulled behind you as a kid.

The sport wagon shares chassis, suspension and powertrain with the 300 though the shocks and spring rates are tuned for the Magnum’s extra 96 lb. — beyond that the Magnum is not only unique in its deeplyhinged rear liftgate that allows for easier access to the rear storage compartments built into the load floor, but shares only door inner and outer panels with the 300C.

The Magnum has its own unique interior though it does share the bottom half of the IP structure and with the 300C.

Magnum IP sports Viper-inspired gauges.

The IP houses a Viper-themed instrument cluster, bright white deep-set bezels with black and red graphics. This all-purpose vehicle offers 71.6 cu.ft. of cargo space with the 60-40 split rear seats folded down.

The Magnum comes in three flavors, a base SE with the 2.7L V-6 starting at $22,495, an SXT at $25,995 adding the 250 hp 3.5L V-6 and four-wheel discs and the Hemi-powered RT starting at $29,995. Options are the same as the 300 line-up.