2023 Dodge Challenger Review

Name: 2023 Dodge Challenger Review
Brand: Dodge

Price Range: $20,243 - $108,500

2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Coupe Exterior Shown

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak Coupe Exterior

+578

The 2023 Challenger concedes points to rivals when it comes to interior refinement and sporty driving dynamics. But drivers who value comfort and utility will likely prefer the Dodge.

See all features & specs

Price & Payment

93 cars

$40,554 avg. price

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger model years

Dodge Challenger for Sale

Dodge Challenger types

2023 Dodge Challenger Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

2023 Dodge Challenger Review

byAlex Nishimoto^{Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.}

Pros

Classic American muscle car persona with available V8 power
Roomy enough for four adults and their luggage
Many trim levels and options allow for customization
Pretty comfortable ride compared to its muscle car rivals

Cons

Large and heavy with cumbersome handling
Rear visibility is somewhat compromised
Unlike main rivals, it's not available as a convertible

What's new

2023 is the final year of the Challenger in its current form
Dodge is commemorating its iconic muscle car with special editions
Part of the third Challenger generation introduced for 2008

Overview

Dodge revived the Challenger coupe way back in 2008, and though the retro-styled muscle car tribute has seen many upgrades over the years, it rides on one of the oldest vehicle platforms still sold as a "new" car. The current Challenger, along with its Charger sedan sibling, is due to be phased out by 2024, possibly replaced by the new all-electric performance car Dodge has teased. Whatever the brand has in store for the iconic nameplate, this generation is finally coming to an end, and the 2023 Dodge Challenger begins the process of winding things down.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

2023 Dodge Challenger for sale near you

3 of 93 listings

R/T Coupe
MSRP: $27,795
19 mi away
R/T Scat Pack Coupe
MSRP: $63,870
9 mi away
SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak Coupe
MSRP: $96,037
9 mi away

See all 93 listings

Though the 2023 Dodge Challenger is known for producing obscene amounts of horsepower from the most aggressive versions, the lineup starts with a still powerful but less conspicuous 303-horsepower V6 in the base SXT and GT. From there, things only get spicier as every other model gets a V8 engine. Near the top of the range is the 717-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat and its even more potent variants, the Hellcat Redeye, SRT Super Stock and new SRT Demon 170.

The SRT Demon 170 is part of a series of "Last Call" special editions released throughout the model year. Most of them just have cosmetic differences but the Demon 170 is truly special. It's effectively an updated version of the original Demon sold for 2018. This new 170 produces 880 horsepower on 91 octane pump gas. The numbers climb to 900 hp and 810 lb-ft of torque on E10 (pump fuel containing a 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol blend) before maxing out at 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque with 85% ethanol race fuel. And what does this get you? Oh, just 0-60 mph in a Dodge-claimed 1.66 seconds and an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 8.9 seconds at 151.1 mph.

It seems like a pretty great way to go out on top. While we're sad to see the Challenger go, we know it's time to move on. Read our Expert Rating below for our test team's full report on the final year of the Challenger.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2023 Challenger concedes points to rivals when it comes to interior refinement and sporty driving dynamics. But drivers who value comfort and utility will likely prefer the Dodge.

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Challenger drive? The Challenger is always a hoot to drive. With the 6.4-liter V8, power is readily available in any gear at almost any speed. We tested the R/T Scat Pack Widebody with the manual transmission. Zero to 60 mph took just 4.9 seconds at the Edmunds test track. It's properly quick but slower than other modern muscle cars by a few tenths. Braking is strong. Our test Challenger stopped from 60 mph in 105 feet, a short distance for such a big vehicle.

The Dodge's beefy size makes in-town maneuvering a bit tough, but it's a champ out on the open road. The Challenger is pretty capable on curvy roads too. Well, as long as you don't try driving it like a nimble sports car. Its mass and weight become readily apparent if you try to drive quickly through tight turns.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Challenger? Our test vehicle, with the Widebody package, had a stiffer adaptive suspension than even the standard R/T Scat Pack, but it didn't ruin the ride. Highway ride quality is very good, and seat comfort is near the top of the class. A relatively quiet cabin helps make this a nice place to be for long rides.

Dual-zone climate control is standard on the R/T and it maintains the desired cabin temp well. The climate is controlled via the touchscreen or knobs and buttons directly behind the shifter. Our test car had the optional heated and ventilated front seats. The seat heating works well, but the ventilation could be more effective.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The Challenger is a king among the muscle coupes in passenger and cargo space. It's far more practical than its crosstown competition and has the roomiest cabin in the segment. The rear seat isn't quite fit for all sizes, but it's far bigger than competitors' back seats and offers three seats versus two.

Outward visibility is generally poor, but that's typical for the segment. The blind spots over both shoulders are significant, and the windshield pillars obstruct forward sightlines more than average. A large-display rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring help considerably, but the camera quality is low.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? This is one of the best plug-and-play systems out there. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto accompany the Challenger's already user-friendly Uconnect system. It's very easy to use with multiple solutions for the same commands. But the interface looks a bit dated compared to those in the rest of the class.

The voice controls use an easy-to-learn structure and accept basic commands for the audio, navigation and hands-free calling. Connecting your smartphone makes things even more familiar. The Driver Convenience package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. They worked well during our test without false alerts.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? Big American coupes aren't exactly perfect examples of utility, but the Challenger leads the class easily in this category. The trunk opening is large, and its capacity blows the class away with a midsize-sedan-like 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seatbacks fold in a 60/40 split for extra utility.

There's decent small-item storage throughout the cabin, but the cupholders are right behind the gearshift, which is somewhat problematic with a manual transmission. The door pockets are small, with small bottle holders up front. In coupes this size, space is at a premium, but the Challenger uses what it has relatively well.

Fuel Economy

5.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 6.4-liter V8 is 17 mpg combined. That's one of the lowest ratings in the segment, even before you add the Widebody package. The wide tires add rolling resistance as well, making real-world fuel economy even lower. In our testing, we struggled to even meet the EPA's city estimate of 14 mpg.

Value

7/10

Is the Challenger a good value? The Challenger offers decent equipment for the money. The 6.4-liter engine is appropriately priced against other V8 upgrades in the class. The Widebody package adds big bucks to the price tag, but the resulting wheel, tire and suspension upgrades — not to mention the enhanced visual swagger — make it worth it.

The Challenger's interior build quality is solid, but the quality of the materials becomes less appealing the higher you go up the trim ladder. By the time you're into Hellcat territory, it'll be obvious that you're paying for a big motor, not an exquisite interior design.

Wildcard

9/10

The Challenger, especially with the Widebody package, is an American muscle car with a heaping helping of personality. It'll put a massive smile on your face every time you drive it. It's also surprising how well the car's styling has aged considering that the car has been around for more than a decade without a full redesign.

Which Challenger does Edmunds recommend?

Our recommendation is the R/T Scat Pack for its just-right V8 power and range of available extras. If we had a little extra money to spend, we'd definitely add the Widebody package for both its menacing looks and better handling.

Compare 2023 Dodge Challenger trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2023 Dodge Challenger models

Dodge sells the 2023 Challenger in five main trim levels: SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat. But within those trims you have numerous choices to make. For example, all-wheel drive is available on the SXT and GT trims, while the R/T Scat Pack and the SRT Hellcats are available in a wide-body configuration. There are also four Last Call special editions, culminating in the Demon 170. Keep reading for our curated breakdown of the Challenger's specs and features.

SXT
The base SXT trim equips the Challenger with:

3.6-liter V6 engine (303 horsepower, 268 lb-ft of torque)
Eight-speed automatic transmission
18-inch wheels (19-inch on AWD models)
Keyless entry with push-button start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Cloth upholstery
Power-adjustable driver's seat
60/40-split folding rear seats
Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system

GT
Adds a sportier look and feel thanks to:

20-inch wheels
Foglights
Functional hood scoop
Performance steering
Performance suspension
Performance brakes
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
Remote engine start (with automatic transmission)
Cloth performance seats
Rear parking sensors

R/T
Similarly equipped as the GT but more powerful thanks to:

5.7-liter V8 engine (372 hp, 400 lb-ft with the eight-speed automatic transmission or 375 hp, 410 lb-ft with the six-speed manual)
Standard six-speed manual transmission or optional eight-speed automatic
Active performance exhaust system

R/T Scat Pack
Bumps the Challenger's performance to the next level with:

6.4-liter V8 engine (485 hp, 475 lb-ft)
Upgraded engine cooling system
Line Lock tire-warming system for drag racing
Launch control system
Brembo performance brake system
High-performance suspension
Configurable drive modes
Scat Pack-specific exterior styling details
Heated steering wheel and heated front seats
8.4-inch touchscreen
Premium six-speaker audio system

SRT Hellcat
The SRT Hellcat is just as aggressive as it sounds, adding:

Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine (717 hp, 656 lb-ft of torque)
Eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission (limited availability)
Dual-snorkel hood with performance engine cooling system
Larger six-piston Brembo brakes with red calipers
Competition suspension with adaptive damping
Wider performance tires
SRT-specific styling cues
SRT Hellcat exterior and interior badges
Flat-bottom steering wheel

The SRT Hellcat Redeye pushes the Challenger further into the world of ludicrous power with:

Upgraded 6.2-liter V8 engine (797 hp, 707 lb-ft)
Eight-speed automatic transmission only
Upgraded SRT Power Chiller engine cooling
Exterior and interior SRT Hellcat Redeye badges

The SRT Super Stock takes the street-legal drag racer theme even further with:

Further upgraded 6.2-liter V8 engine (807 hp, 707 lb-ft)
18-inch wheels
Nitto street-legal drag racing tires
Brakes from the R/T Scat Pack
Wide-body styling
Exterior and interior SRT Super Stock badges

A Widebody package is available for the R/T Scat Pack and Hellcat models. It adds:

Wider wheels and tires
Fender flares
Widebody-specific suspension (with adaptive damping on R/T Scat Pack)
Larger six-piston Brembo brakes (R/T Scat Pack)

The Jailbreak package can be specified for the SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye. It allows for expanded customization options for paint colors, interior trim, wheels and more. The Redeye version also includes a slight bump in power to 807 hp.

After choosing the Challenger that meets your budget requirements and performance expectations, you can customize the car through an array of options and packages. Besides many performance, exterior appearance and interior trim packages, the highlights include:

Technology Group (adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning)
Driver Convenience Group (blind-spot warning among other features)
Cold Weather Group (heated seats and steering wheel)
Plus package (more convenience, performance and tech features for the lower trim levels)
Leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Integrated navigation system
Six-speaker Alpine and 18-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound systems

Dodge is also offering four Last Call special-edition models for the 2023 Challenger. They are:

Shakedown
Only 1,000 examples will be built in R/T Scat Pack and R/T Scat Pack Widebody trims. Features include:

Shaker hood scoop
Available in gray or black (Widebody only)
Special graphics and badging
Brembo brakes with red calipers
Leather and synthetic suede upholstery with red stitching

Swinger
Limited to 1,000 units and based off the R/T Scat Pack Widebody, it includes:

Available in green or white
Gold wheels and exterior trim
Swinger badging
Brembo brakes with black calipers
Leather and synthetic suede upholstery with green stitching
Unique interior trim

Black Ghost
Production will be limited to just 300 vehicles and built from the Hellcat Redeye Widebody. It adds:

Black exterior with gator skin roof graphics
White fender stripes
Silver wheels
Brembo brakes with black calipers
807 hp
Leather and suede upholstery
Unique interior trim

SRT Demon 170
Limited to about 3,300 vehicles, the Demon 170 serves as the ultimate drag-racing Challenger. It's similar in concept to the to the SRT Super Stock but has:

Modified supercharged V8 (880 hp, or up to 1,025 hp on ethanol race fuel)
Staggered drag radial tires
Widened rear fenders only
Special TransBrake feature for optimal drag-racing times
Demon-specific options include a rear-seat delete, carbon-fiber wheels and a parachute mounting system (yes, really)

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$151/mo

$187/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#25 out of 28 among Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Challenger from 2008-2022.}

$534/yr

vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.83x/yr

vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

16.4%

vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Dodge Challenger Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.8

38 reviews

5(84%)

4(13%)

3(3%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Write a vehicle review See all 38 reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great car!

TV, 07/30/2022

2022 Dodge Challenger SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I was hesitant to buy the Challenger given mixed reviews on some web sites. However, this is an excellent vehicle with plenty of room and a nice ride. The look of the car is timeless!

Hold on tight

BrendaS, 04/25/2022

2022 Dodge Challenger R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M)

Amazing V8 Hemi power! Fire her up, hear the throaty stock exhaust, adjust your seat and wheel...put her in D....told on! The power pushes you into your seat like a cradled baby. The steering is tight, reacts like nothing I've ever driven. You cannot help but open her up on a straight road. I haven't even used Sport mide yet...not sure I will need to. This car hugs the road, is …

Rock solid excitement

Scatman 392, 09/28/2022

2022 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M)

After a few years of driving a Raptor I decided to get back into a muscle car and gave the Challenger a look. I was glad I did because the Widebody Scat Pack exceeded my expectations in build quality, performance and rear seat room. The Shaker hood package took me back to the Cobra Jet days. The interior design is modern yet simple and the U connect system is as good as any I've seen. …

Car dream that came true!

Chuck Fernandez , 05/30/2022

2022 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M)

You won’t find a more enjoyable muscle car for the money! This 2022 Dodge challenger “Scatpack” widebody is a work of automotive art!! 485 hp 475 lb ft of torque paired with a 6 speed manual transmission. There’s a reason why they call it the “Drivers Car” It’s a big bad hunk of Detroit Muscle, weighs 4300 lbs. fit and finish in the interior is superbly done. Every minute in this car …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Dodge Challenger, so we've included reviews for other years of the Challenger since its last redesign.

See all 38 reviews of the Dodge Challenger

Write a vehicle review

2023 Dodge Challenger videos

U-DRAG RACE: Kia EV6 GT vs. Dodge Challenger Black Ghost | Quarter Mile, Handling & More!

Welcome to Edmunds’ U-Drags, our series of down-and-back drag races that test handling, quarter mile and rolling starts! In this video, we’ve got a rather unconventional head-to-head, as the high-performance electric SUV Kia EV6 GT takes on the all-American brute Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. Will the Kia’s instantaneous electric torque be enough to outrun the Challenger’s…

2023 Challenger Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

SXT

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$31,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$151/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Challenger models:

Forward Collision Warning: Helps prevent collisions by sounding an alert when sensors detect an imminent impact.
Blind-Spot Monitoring: Illuminates a light on either of the Challenger's side mirrors when a vehicle enters the car's blind spot.
Rear Cross Path Detection: Sounds a warning if a vehicle is approaching the Challenger from the side while you're reversing.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Acceptable
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Acceptable

People who viewed this also viewed

Chevrolet Camaro
5.0 average Rating out of 8 reviews.
Starting at $30,900

See Chevrolet Camaro Inventory

Chrysler 300
5.0 average Rating out of 9 reviews.
Starting at $34,295

See Chrysler 300 Inventory

Audi R8
4.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews.
Starting at $158,600

See Audi R8 Inventory

2023 Dodge Challenger Review

Price & Payment

2023 Dodge Challenger Video Shorts

2023 Dodge Challenger Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Challenger does Edmunds recommend?

2023 Dodge Challenger models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Dodge Challenger Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great car!

Hold on tight

Rock solid excitement

Car dream that came true!

2023 Dodge Challenger videos

U-DRAG RACE: Kia EV6 GT vs. Dodge Challenger Black Ghost | Quarter Mile, Handling & More!

2023 Challenger Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2023 Dodge Challenger info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Dodge

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}