2021 Dodge Challenger Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
The Dodge Challenger is Mopar's old-school alternative to the more recently updated and more focused Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. It was first introduced for the 2008 model year, with a refresh in 2015 including the debut of the supercharged Challenger Hellcat. Performance models emphasize straight-line performance with drag-strip specials like the Demon and Super Stock , unlike track-focused muscle cars from Ford and Chevy .
What's New
- Challenger SRT Super Stock
- 20-inch wheels now standard on GT AWD, optional on SXT AWD
- New black chrome exterior touches on Hellcat Redeye and Super Stock
- Memory functionality now available for driver's seat, steering column, side mirrors, and radio presets
What We Think
If you're after a spacious, old-school muscle coupe and prioritize a snarling exhaust note and endless burnout potential over ultimate performance, try the Challenger. Dodge's big two-door is larger and heavier than its Detroit-based competition, a handling disadvantage that can't quite be overcome with huge, grippy tires and a giant V-8.
The Challenger is more of a grand tourer than a focused sports car, and there's nothing wrong with that. Its ethos is further emphasized by the Challenger's quiet, comfortable cabin and smooth ride quality.
That said, the Challenger's V-8 offerings provide a guttural growl, low-end torque, and near-endless smiles for the lucky enthusiast behind the wheel. We also appreciate the availability of AWD on V-6 models and regardless of trim, the interior features high-quality materials and FCA's intuitive UConnect infotainment interface. And hey, Dodge will sell you a 717-hp supercharged monster with three pedals and a stick between the seats!
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Challenger has loads of powertrain options. Six- and eight-cylinder, naturally aspirated and forced induction, RWD and AWD, manual and automatic; Dodge provides almost every configuration drivers could want.
Trim: SXT, GT
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
Horsepower/Torque: 303 hp/268 lb-ft
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Drive Type: RWD or AWD
MPG (city/highway): 18-19/27-30 mpg
Trim: R/T
Engine: 5.7-liter V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 375 hp/410 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
Drive Type: RWD
MPG (city/highway): 15-16/23-25 mpg
Trim: R/T Scat Pack, R/T Scat Pack Widebody
Engine: 6.4-liter V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 485 hp/475 lb-ft
Transmission: Six speed manual or eight-speed automatic
Drive Type: RWD
MPG (city/highway): 14-15/23-24 mpg
Trim: SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Widebody
Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 717 hp/656 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
Drive Type: RWD
MPG (city/highway): 13/21-22 mpg
Trim: SRT Hellcat Redeye, SRT Hellcat Widebody, SRT Super Stock
Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 797 hp (807 hp on SRT Super Stock)/707 lb-ft
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Drive Type: RWD
MPG (city/highway): 13/21-22 mpg
Safety
The Challenger has not been the strongest performer in IIHS safety testing. It receives a marginal score in the small overlap front: driver's side test and Acceptable ratings for roof strength as well as head restraints and seats. The optional front crash prevention system is rated as Basic. In NHTSA safety evaluations, the Challenger earns a five-star overall safety rating with four-star scores in frontal crash and rollover.
A Technology package available on all trims adds rain-sensing wipers, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. If you opt for the Driver Convenience package, your Challenger will be outfitted with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Challenger technically seats five, but those relegated to the back seat will have to fold the front chairs forward and wedge themselves back there. Front legroom measures 42.0 inches, but rear seat passengers have to make do with 33.1 inches. Even with that little rear legroom, the Challenger offers more space in the back than any of its competitors and is the only car in the segment with five seats. There's plenty of room in the trunk, too; cargo capacity is rated at 16.2 cubic feet compared to 13.5 and 9.1 cubes in Mustang and Camaro.
Technology
Every Challenger features a touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, but you'll get a bigger screen on higher trims. The lower half of the Challenger lineup (SXT, GT, and R/T trims) includes a 7.0-inch display, while R/T Scat Pack examples and SRT models feature an 8.4-inch display. Those with the larger screen also include satellite radio capability.
Six-speaker audio is standard on entry level models and a six-speaker Alpine premium system is standard on R/T Scat Pack and above. There are also two optional systems: a nine-speaker Alpine offering and an 18-speaker Harman Kardon setup.
Key Competitors:
- Ford Mustang
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Subaru BRZ
- Toyota 86
