Dodge Challenger Model Review
The Dodge Challenger is a 2-door rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive coupe. While originally introduced in 1970, the modern Challenger debuted in 2008, with a facelift for the 2015 model year. Recent models cost between $21,686 and $59,990.
Dodge Challenger Pros
- Attractive, retro-inspired styling
- Available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Wide range of engines, including a very potent 807-horsepower supercharged V8
Dodge Challenger Cons
- “Classic” design with minimal styling updates in 13 years
- Larger size and weight somewhat limits handling dynamics
- Second row access is challenging, though second row space is surprisingly good
How Fast is a Dodge Challenger?
The Dodge Challenger is a very fast car. In Hellcat Redeye trim it can go from 0 – 60 mph in 3.5 seconds on the way to a 10.5-second quarter-mile and a top speed of 203 mph – the fastest top speed of any high-volume production car.
How Much Horsepower Does a Dodge Challenger Have?
The Dodge Challenger is available with multiple engine choices offering a wide range of horsepower ratings. Starting with the SXT’s 3.6-liter V6 at 305 hp all the way to the SRT Super Stock’s 807 hp and beyond. Here’s the full rundown:
- SXT, GT: 305 hp
- RT, RT Scat Pack: 375 hp
- RT Scat Pack Widebody: 485 hp
- SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Widebody: 717 hp
- SRT Hellcat Redeye, SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody: 797 hp
- SRT Super Stock: 807 hp
- SRT Demon: 808 hp (pump gas)/840 hp (race gas)
Is a Dodge Challenger a Sports Car or Muscle Car?
The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car with some genuine sports car attributes. The Challenger’s big strength is straight-line acceleration, and that’s where muscle cars excel. But the Challenger can surprise with responsive handling and road-holding ability, especially in all-wheel-drive versions (available on SXT and GT models).
What is the Fastest Dodge Challenger?
The fastest variant of the Dodge Challenger (so far) was the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. It was capable of going from 0 – 60 mph in 2.3 seconds on the way to a 9.65-second quarter-mile. It is officially governed to 168 mph (the highest its tires allow), though the governor is removed with the installation of the “Demon Crate” engine control module, allowing the Demon to hit 203 mph. The SRT Super Stock is not as quick at lower speeds, but it isn’t governed from the factory, so it can also hit a 203-mph top speed – the highest of any production car.
Current Dodge Challenger, 2015–Present:
While the Challenger continued to use the same basic configuration in 2015 and beyond, Dodge made big changes and upgrades to the muscle car’s engine, transmission, technology, and interior, and even added more trim lines. The Challenger rides on the same wheelbase and uses many of the same body panels as it has since 2008, though the styling has been tweaked, upgraded, modernized and improved. Materials and execution on the interior were elevated to a higher level of quality in 2015, and the whole car took on a much sharper, more premium air.
Challenger’s engine selection expanded in 2015, and continued to expand as high-performance models were added. The base engine, found in the SXT and GT, is a 3.6-liter V6 (305 hp/268 lb-ft of torque) with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available with the V6. The RT gets a 5.7-liter V8 (375 hp/410 lb-ft of torque). The RT Scat Pack and RT Scat Pack Widebody come with a 6.4-liter V8 (485 hp/475 lb-ft of torque). The SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Widebody come with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (717 hp/656 lb-ft of torque). The SRT Hellcat Redeye and SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody are packed with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 as well (797 hp/707 lb-ft of torque). The SRT Super Stock gets the same engine, but it’s tuned to deliver 807 hp.
The SXT, GT, SRT Hellcat Redeye, SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, and SRT Super Stock all come with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. The automatic is optional on the RT, RT Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Widebody, each of which comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission. All of the Challenger models are RWD only, except for SXT and GT, which have optional AWD.
Dodge made an even more potent version of the Challenger for a limited run of 3,300 units for the 2018 model year: The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. It could squeeze 840 hp out of its supercharged 6.2-liter V8, and came with a “Demon Crate” of options to transform it from a street car to a drag strip car that could literally lift its front wheels off the ground at launch. Shop for the 2015-current Dodge Challenger
2015–Current Dodge Challenger Trim Levels:
SXT: the base Challenger with a 3.6-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission with RWD or optional AWD, cloth sport seats with 8-way power adjustment in the front row, 17-inch Fine Silver wheels (RWD)/19-inch Satin Carbon wheels (AWD), 6-speaker Uconnect 4 audio system with 7.0-inch touchscreen display (RWD)/8.4-inch display (AWD)
GT: cloth performance seats, six-speaker premium Alpine audio system with the Uconnect 4/8.4-inch touchscreen system, 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels.
R/T: 5.7-liter HEMI V8, RWD only, six-speed manual transmission (eight-speed automatic optional)
R/T Scat Pack/R/T Scat Pack Widebody: 6.4-liter V8 with a six-speed manual transmission (eight-speed automatic optional) and RWD, Scat Pack logo on the cloth performance seats, 20 x 9-inch Forged Low-Gloss Granite wheels, Widebody adds 3.5-inch fender flares to accommodate 20 x 11-inch wide wheels
SRT Hellcat/ SRT Hellcat Widebody: supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 717 hp, a six-speed manual transmission (eight-speed automatic optional), heated and ventilated Laguna leather seats with the Hellcat logo, 20 x 9.5-inch Carbon Black wheels for the Hellcat, 20 x 11-inch Carbon Black wheels for the Widebody.
SRT Hellcat Redeye/ SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody: supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 797 hp, eight-speed automatic only, lightweight Carbon Black wheels (20 x 9.5-inch for Redeye/20 x 11-inch for Redeye Widebody).
SRT Super Stock: SRT-tuned version of the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, 807 hp, uniquely-tuned Bilstein adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, 18 x 11.0-inch Low-Gloss Granite wheels, Nitto street-legal drag radials.
SRT Demon: 808 hp on premium fuel, 840 hp on 100-octane racing fuel, originally offered with $1 optional “Demon Crate” with hardware, software, and tools to transform the Demon from street car to dragster track car, 2018 model year only, 3,300 examples built for U.S. and Canada
Running Changes to the 2015–Present Dodge Challenger:
2015: Substantial exterior and interior refresh, marked cabin materials upgrade, new Torqueflight eight-speed automatic transmission, the debut of SRT Hellcat trim level, personalization options include body stripes and hood stripes, keyless entry and push-button start added
2016: Adds all-new Blacktop Appearance Group with gloss and satin black body accents, 20-inch wheels
2017: Adds T/A and T/A 392 models, active exhaust now standard on all HEMI V8 models, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard with Uconnect 4 with 8.4-inch touchscreen
2018: Adds SRT Demon model, production limited to 3,300 examples, add SRT Widebody to trim levels, Parkview rear backup camera now standard on all models
2019: Adds SRT Hellcat Redeye to the lineup, Widebody option to R/T Scat Pack, SRT Drive Modes and SRT Performance pages standard on R/T Scat Pack, bee logo to front seat embroidery on Scat Pack models
2020: Adds SRT Super Stock trim, Limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition on GT RWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and R/T Scat Pack Widebody, new wheels and finishes, new instrument panel badges, stitched dash, and upper door panels on all leather-equipped models
2021: New instrument panel on SRT Hellcat and Redeye, memory feature for driver’s seat, steering column, side mirrors, and radio presets available
Used Dodge Challenger, 2008–2014:
The Dodge Challenger is a two-door pony car, a coupe that can only be called a muscle car. It was designed to echo the original Dodge Challenger of 1970 – 1974, Dodge’s answer to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Dodge slapped the Challenger name on a Mitsubishi import from 1978 – 1983, but enthusiasts would prefer to forget about that model. The new Challenger is a retro cool muscle car, and has evolved over the years since its rebirth as a fun, often outrageous coupe with broad appeal.
In its first year, the Challenger launched with a high-performance SRT8 model packed with a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine (425 hp/420 lb-ft of torque) hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive. Dodge quickly added more accessible trim levels in the second year of production, with the SE and R/T trim levels joining the SRT8 for 2009. The SE used a 3.5-liter V6 (250 hp/250 lb-ft of torque) with a four-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, while the R/T got a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (376 hp/410 lb-ft of torque) with a five-speed automatic or available six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. SRT8 gets the option of a pistol-grip six-speed manual transmission with Track Pak of options included.
In 2011, a host of changes and upgrades followed, including the upgrade to the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (305 hp/268 lb-ft of torque), the addition of Rallye, R/T Classic, R/T Plus, and SRT8 392 trim levels. The SRT 392 brings a new 392 cubic-inch (6.4-liter) SRT HEMI V8 (470 hp/470 lb-ft of torque). Dodge played around with the trim levels between 2011 and 2015, but the defining factor for the Challenger was always its engine. The higher the trim level, the bigger and more powerful the engine under the hood.
While the Challenger’s exterior was widely praised for its modern interpretation of classic muscle car style, its interior was not admired as broadly. The dash was rather plain and uninspired, lacking the clever design of the exterior. In-dash technology began to creep into the Challenger between 2011 and 2014, following the path of the engines – the higher trim levels received more standard and available tech, in line with the increased engine output. Shop for the 2008-2014 Dodge Challenger
2008–2014 Dodge Challenger Trim Levels:
SE: 3.5-liter V6 with four-speed automatic transmission and RWD, changes to 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in 2011, 17-inch aluminum wheels, keyless entry and Uconnect
SXT: Base Challenger name beginning in 2012
Rallye: added in 2011 with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, 18-inch polished and painted aluminum wheels, 12-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and mirrors
SXT Plus: New name for Rallye beginning in 2012
R/T: 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with five-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch aluminum wheels, chrome fuel filler door, fog lamps, body-color rear spoiler, dual exhaust, leather-trim steering wheel and shift knob, 4-wheel antilock brakes, folding heated exterior mirrors, body-colored rear spoiler
R/T Classic: added in 2011, Includes dual R/T bodyside stripes, Xenon HID headlamps, functional hood scoop, script badge, and 20-inch forged polished aluminum wheels
Rallye Redline: 2013 package to add on top of SXT Plus models, includes 20-inch Black Chrome aluminum wheels, rear body-color spoiler, Red center hood-to-tail stripe, paddle shifters
R/T Plus: added in 2011 with all of the R/T features, plus HID headlights, 20-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels, hood-to-fender stripe
R/T Blacktop: 2013 package to add on top of R/T Plus models, includes 20-inch Black Chrome aluminum wheels, rear body-color spoiler, matte charcoal/red center hood-to-tail stripe, black grille, black fuel-filler door
SRT8: 6.1-liter SRT HEMI V8 with five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, 20-inch SRT polished aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, Electronic Vehicle Information Center with performance display screens, heated leather seats, 180-mph speedo, 6-speaker Media Center touch-screen audio
SRT8 392: Replaces SRT8 in 2011, first 1,100 examples are branded “SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition”, new 392 cubic-inch SRT8 HEMI V8 (470 hp/470 lb-ft of torque).
Running Changes to the 2008 – 2014 Dodge Challenger:
2008: All-new Dodge Challenger launches with SRT8 model with 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, 6,400 examples produced, wearing HEMI Orange, Bright Silver Metallic, or Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl paint.
2009: Adds SE and R/T models to the lineup, SE equipped with 3.6-liter V6 with a four-speed automatic, R/T with 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, SRT8 adds six-speed manual transmission option, special edition SE Rallye and R/T Classic added mid-year
2010: Adds Super Track Pack option with 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires, self-leveling shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, 3.06 rear axle ratio, performance brake linings, and ESC-off stability calibration
2011: Adds SRT8 392 model with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque added, 3.6 Pentastar V6 engine debuts in SE with 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque
2012: Adds new 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio with 900 watts available, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters available on SXT Plus and R/T
2013: Adds Rallye Redline (based on SXT Plus) and R/T Blacktop (based on R/T and R/T Plus), improved Garmin navigation now available
2014: Adds Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition models based on SXT Plus and R/T Plus models, adds R/T Redline based on R/T Plus, new power sunroof available, Uconnect 430 with 6.5-inch touchscreen available
Dodge Challenger versus the Competition
Dodge Challenger versus Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger share platforms and numerous mechanical parts. The current versions of these cars draw on the heritage of Dodge cars from the 1960s and 1970s, with retro-inspired styling and a macho swagger. The Dodge Challenger is a 2-door coupe, a pony car participant in the muscle car wars. The modern Dodge Charger is a 4-door sedan with about 11 more cubic feet of passenger volume. The Charger’s trunk is a little bigger (16.5 cubic feet vs. 16.2 cubic feet), and its second row is much roomier than the Challenger’s.
Dodge Challenger versus Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang was the original pony car, and has been in continuous production since 1964. The Challenger can’t help but be compared to the Mustang, and in some ways outdoes it. The Challenger has a bigger trunk, a roomier second row, and is larger overall than the Mustang. When it comes to performance, the top performance models of the Challenger have more horsepower, torque, top speed, and quickness than the Mustang. The mainstream Challenger and Mustang models are pretty evenly matched when it comes to handling, though higher performance versions of the Mustang, including the GT350 and GT500, definitely have an advantage over the Challenger when circulating a road course. Both vehicles have great street cred and are fun to drive in all trim levels.
Dodge Challenger versus Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro, like the Dodge Challenger, is a pony car that was produced in reaction to the success of the Ford Mustang. The Camaro had a gap in production after a run from 1967 to 2002, but roared back in 2010 after the Mustang regained popularity in the early 2000s. The Camaro has a tiny trunk, a cramped second row, and horrible sightlines, a stark contrast to the Challenger’s roomy trunk, comfortable second row, and reasonable sightlines. The Challenger’s top speed, quickness, horsepower, and torque outdo the Camaro’s top figures in the performance models.
Dodge Challenger versus Hellcat
The Hellcat is a trim level of the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Durango. The current Challenger is available in SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Widebody, SRT Hellcat Redeye, and SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody trims. The current Dodge Charger is available in SRT Hellcat Widebody trim, and the current Dodge Durango is available in SRT Hellcat trim. The Hellcat engine is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 putting out 707 – 797 hp, depending on the application. The trim level is bundled with all sorts of performance enhancements, special wheels, SRT pages on the infotainment system, exterior and interior badging, and other special equipment.
