Now in its sixteenth year of production, the third-gen Dodge Challenger remains a strong seller thanks to its classic muscle car styling and powerful engines. In fact, the Challenger outsold both the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro last year. Dodge sold 55,060 Challengers in 2022, versus 47,566 Mustangs and 24,652 Camaros. Given the Challenger has only received one minor facelift since 2008, that's a remarkable achievement.
So, why does the Challenger remain so dominant? Well, maybe because it's the penultimate muscle car. Aggressive styling? You bet. A myriad of V8s to choose from? Of course. Fantastic straight-line performance? Definitely, especially if you opt for an SRT model. However, all good things must come to an end - 2023 will be the last year of the third-gen Challenger before it's replaced by an EV. Undoubtedly Dodge wants the Challenger to go out with a bang, hence the automaker has made several changes to keep enthusiasts happy.
2023 Dodge Challenger
- Classic muscle car styling
- Rapid acceleration
- V8 powertrains with immense power
- Make: Array
- Model: Challenger
- Engine/Motor: 3.6-liter V6/5.7-liter V8/6.2-liter V8/6.4-liter V8
- Horsepower: 305-807 hp
- Torque: 268-707 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD/AWD
- Transmission: 6-speed manual/8-speed automatic
- MSRP: From $30,940
- SRT models have superb straight-line performance
- Reasonable pricing
- Surprisingly spacious trunk
- Dated driving experience
- Horrific fuel economy
The Manual Transmission Returns For The Final Year Of The Challenger
For its final model year, Dodge has given Challenger Hellcat buyers the option of a manual transmission. The manufacturer offered a 6-speed manual on the Hellcat until late 2021, when it was subtly discontinued. However, the manual is now back alongside an 8-speed automatic. This means the 717 hp Hellcat is the second most powerful manual car currently on sale, bettered only by the Koenigsegg CC850. The 2023 Challenger has four engine options. The entry-level 3.6-liter V6 produces 372 hp and comes with the SXT and GT. It's good for 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has a 130 mph top speed. Interestingly, if you want AWD you have to get the V6 Challenger - all the V8s are RWD only.
Next up is a 5.7-liter V8 available on the R/T. It produces 375 hp which results in a 4.8 second 0-60 mph time and 155 mph top speed. Meanwhile, the R/T Scat Pack uses a 392 Hemi V8. A significant upgrade over the 5.7-liter, the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 produces 485 hp. The R/T Scat Pack can launch from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and maxes out at 174 mph.
The kings of the Challenger lineup are the SRT models - all of which have supercharged 6.2-liter V8s. In Hellcat guise, the 6.2L produces 717 hp and sprints to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. However, Dodge tuned the SRT Jailbreak for an extra 90 hp - meaning it has a total output of 807 hp and a 3.4 second 0-60 mph time. The Jailbreak can complete a quarter mile in just 10.3 seconds and is also the fastest Dodge currently on sale with a 203 mph top speed.
The Challenger Is An Old School Muscle Car With Modern Technology
As outlined above, the Challenger has fundamentally remained the same since 2008. Sure, a 2015 facelift saw minor updates to the front and rear fascia plus the addition of a new infotainment system, however mechanically little has changed in the last 15 years. The phrase "if it ain't broke don't fix it" certainly applies here, as the Challenger has remained popular regardless of its aging design. Plus the constant release of new, more powerful engines has helped maintain hype.
When it comes to looking its age, the Challenger's interior is probably its biggest giveaway. In terms of design/layout nothing major has changed since 2015, although Dodge has made a few minor tweaks in recent years. For example, Dodge in 2017 Dodge upgraded the Challenger's 7" infotainment system to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, a digital instrument cluster now comes on higher trim levels.
Unfortunately, the Challenger comes standard with cloth seats and plenty of cheap plastic trim with overall interior quality not being too high. That is unless you opt for an SRT model, which gets you lots of carbon and the chance to spec Laguna leather ($3,890) and/or a powered sunroof ($1,295). Furthermore, SRT owners get a larger 8.4" touchscreen as standard and can equip a 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio system for an additional $1,995.
The Challenger's interior is roomy, with 33.1" of second-row legroom and 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space. In terms of driver assistance features, unsurprisingly the Challenger doesn't come with much. However, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning both come standard on higher trim levels.
The Dodge Challenger Can Fit Every Budget
When it comes to pricing, Dodge has accounted for every type of muscle car buyer. The base Challenger, the SXT, starts at just $30,940 (or $33,545 if you want AWD). However, it comes with cloth seats and 18" alloys. Plus its V6 isn't very powerful. The $33,940 GT gets a few minor upgrades over the SXT, the most noticeable being 20" alloys.
If you want a V8, the R/T comes in at $39,780. However, if you are after a significant amount of power the 485 hp Scat Pack is a solid option. It starts at $46,940 (or $53,235 in widebody spec). After that, you move into SRT territory. The 717 hp Hellcat starts at $70,835 meanwhile the 797 hp Redeye will set you back $79,440 before options. Both are also available in widebody guise for an extra $6,700 and $6,305 respectively. Finally, the $86,835 SRT Jailbreak and $88,745 SRT Super Stock sit at the top of the Challenger lineup. With 807 hp and 707 lb-ft of toque, few other cars can beat the duo in a quarter mile drag race.