With so many options, how do you know which to choose from this American muscle-car bonanza?
With thousands of vehicles in our inventory, we’re here to help make car research easier for you. We’ve partnered with car-review experts from Edmunds to weigh in on what matters most when you’re looking to buy a truck or car.
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Vehicles Reviewed
2006-2023 Dodge Charger
2008-2023 Dodge Challenger
After a long run, the gas-powered Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger are being sent out to pasture. But the good news is that there are tons of used Challengers and Chargers out there to choose from. With so many options and so many model years, how do you know which to choose?
This article covers the entire run of the modern Challenger and Charger up until 2023, explaining powertrains, trims, and important changes over the years. Keep reading to learn all about these much-loved American muscle cars.
Dodge Challenger vs. Dodge Charger: Important Differences
“The Challenger’s a coupe and the Charger’s a sedan” may sound oversimplified, but these aren’t complicated cars. In most trim levels, the Charger’s suspension is tuned a bit softer than the Challenger's. The Charger generally offers slightly more standard equipment than the Challenger. When similarly equipped, exterior dimensions, engines, trim levels, features, and options are nearly the same; the second set of doors and backseat space really are the most notable differences.
Charger vs. Challenger dimensions and powertrains
In some model years and in some configurations, the Challenger’s engines made slightly more power. The Charger offered optional AWD for V6-equipped cars in more model years, and briefly with its 5.7-liter V8 engine. Some of the most powerful variants, like the Demon, were only made available for the Challenger.
Comparing a 2023 Charger and Challenger SXT, the sedan is only about 100 pounds heavier and less than an inch longer. The coupe is wider on the outside, but the roofs of both cars are essentially the same height.
The biggest difference in exterior dimensions is the wheelbase, the distance between the car’s front and rear wheels. The Charger’s front and rear wheels are about four inches farther apart than the Challenger’s, which means the passenger compartment can be stretched out. Along with other tweaks, the four-door sedan winds up with seven extra inches of legroom and four extra inches of shoulder room for rear passengers.
Charger vs. Challenger family duty and utility
The Charger’s massive back seat isn’t just good for adults. Dodge leveraged the extra space for family use by putting in three sets of lower LATCH anchors, where almost every other sedan only offers two sets of lower anchors. Combined with the generous overall width of the rear bench seat, parents can realistically fit three child seats in the back of the Charger, although this might not work with particularly wide and bulky seats.
The trunks are quite large for both cars at over 16 cubic feet, and the Challenger’s is only smaller by 0.3 cubic feet, a little more than two gallon-size milk jugs. The rear seats of both cars fold down to give you more room.
The two cars had the most differences from 2011 to 2014, which we cover in more detail later in this article.
The Dodge Charger and Challenger Before 2011
Dodge relaunched the Charger in 2006 as a four-door sedan and followed up in 2008 with the new Challenger. Dodge stuck to the formula that made the original Charger and Challenger winners back in the 1960s: big, comfortable cars with the option of big, muscular engines.
When they were new, Edmunds praised the powerful V8 options, comfortable ride and seats, roomy interiors, and large trunks. We were less impressed with sluggish acceleration and poor fuel economy estimates from the V6 options and the poor visibility due to thick roof pillars and relatively small windows. The plasticky interiors haven’t aged well either, looking distinctly cheap and old-fashioned even by standards of other cars from that era.
2006-2010 Charger and Challenger trim levels and features
SE: The base model, the Charger SE received a 3.5L V6 in 2006, and then switched to a less powerful 2.7L V6 from 2007 to 2010. The Challenger SE came with the 3.5L V6 but was only sold in 2009 and 2010. It included standard amenities like keyless entry, air conditioning, a CD player, and (on the Challenger) a power driver’s seat.
SXT: Added to the Charger lineup for 2009, the Charger SXT got the more powerful 3.5L V6 engine. It also got more standard features, like a power driver’s seat, power-adjustable pedals, and satellite radio.
R/T: Available from 2006 to 2010 for the Charger and for 2009-2010 for the Challenger, the R/T came with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Challenger R/T didn’t add much extra standard equipment, but the Charger R/T added leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, and more. For the Challenger, the optional Track Pack added a six-speed manual and limited-slip rear differential.
SRT8: Available from 2008 to 2010 for the Challenger and 2007 to 2010 for the Charger, the SRT8 added the top-dog 6.1-liter V8 engine. This trim came with performance upgrades like specially tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and a limited-slip differential. Inside, the SRT8 got leather and suede-trimmed sport seats, and the Challenger SRT8 picked up standard features to match the Charger, like heated seats, cruise control, and, eventually, Bluetooth® phone connectivity.
For 2010, the Charger changed some of its trim names, The Charger SE became simply the Charger, and the SXT became the 3.5.
There were plenty of optional upgrades for all trim levels, so on the used market you can expect to find V6 models optioned up with all the niceties of higher trim levels.
There’s obviously not a lot of tech to be had on these early cars. The cutting edge was represented by available navigation, Bluetooth for phone calls (not audio streaming), and iPod connectivity. Otherwise a CD player and satellite radio were offered, with stereo systems ranging from four speakers on base models to a premium 13-speaker option paired with a six-disc changer.
2006-2010 Charger and Challenger engine options
The powertrain options were a bit wacky in these early years, especially considering the multiple V6 configurations. While the early V6 engines were underpowered and not very fuel-efficient, the early V8s offered plenty of power and a roaring soundtrack. Our top pick would be the 5.7-liter V8 after its 2009 update.
2.7-liter V6: The base engine for the Charger only from 2007 to 2010, the 2.7-liter V6 made 190 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, which isn’t much power considering the size and weight of the Charger. It also used a four-speed automatic transmission, which was outdated even by the standards of the time. It returned an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined.
3.5-liter V6: Making a slightly healthier 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, the 3.5-liter V6 still failed to wow our reviewers, as it was still relatively slow without significant fuel economy gains over the V8. It was available on the Charger from 2006 to 2010, paired with a five-speed automatic, and available with optional AWD. It was the standard engine on the Challenger in 2009, paired with a four-speed automatic, and 2010, paired with a five-speed automatic. EPA-estimated fuel economy was 19-21 mpg combined, depending on the vehicle and equipment.
5.7-liter V8: The V8 was available in the Charger R/T from 2006 to 2010, paired with a five-speed automatic, and available with optional AWD. For the first two years, it made 340 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque and returned an EPA-estimated 18 mpg.
In 2009, the 5.7-liter was upgraded to improve power and efficiency: In the Challenger it made 376 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed manual transmission and 372 horsepower and 400 lb-ft with the five-speed automatic. It returned an EPA-estimated 18-19 mpg combined, depending on the vehicle and equipment.6.1-liter V8: Available from 2007 to 2010 on the Charger SRT8 and from 2008 to 2010 on the Challenger SRT8, the 6.1-liter V8 made an impressive 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It was offered with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic in the Challenger and a five-speed automatic in the Charger. Low-mileage examples with this engine have become a bit of a collector's item, making them both rare and pricey. The big V8 returned an EPA-estimated 15 mpg combined with the automatic transmission and 16 mpg combined with the six-speed manual.
2011-2014 Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger
A new-generation Charger and a big refresh for the Challenger happened for the 2011 model year. The engine lineup changed, introducing the set of three core engine options that endured until 2023. Both the Charger and Challenger benefitted from improvements to their brakes, suspension, and steering that made them more fun to drive without sacrificing ride comfort. Earlier models were criticized for their inability to keep up with other American muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro when it came to corners, and while it never became the most nimble choice, the gap definitely narrowed.
When the refreshed Charger and Challenger were new, Edmunds reviewers celebrated the new and improved V6 engine and praised the improvements to the Charger’s cabin. The powerful V8 options, roomy interiors, and comfortable ride remained pros.
On the con side, the improved handling still fell short of other muscle cars, visibility remained poor, and the Challenger’s interior suffered in terms of overall quality and outdated technology. By 2014, the Challenger’s five-speed automatic transmission was showing its age, especially when compared to the newly available eight-speed on some V6 Charger models.
2011-2014 Charger and Challenger trim levels and features
The Charger, with its full-generation update, received more technology options than the Challenger. The updated dashboard housed a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen with voice control on all but the SE and Super Bee trim. The Challenger made do with either a traditional button-based stereo or an older, smaller touchscreen. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning were also optional features on the Charger only.
The Challenger did get optional satellite radio, an iPod/USB interface, and Bluetooth audio connectivity, but it retained a more old-school interior with a relatively drab and plasticky feel. Neither car’s technology seems cutting-edge by today’s standards, but the standard features and available comfort options are still appealing.
Even the base trims included power accessories and keyless entry with a push-button start, while stepping up got you everything from remote start to heated front seats to an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Of course leather upholstery and upgraded stereos were available, and starting in 2012 the Charger even offered ventilated front seats and heated and cooled cupholders.
SE: The new 3.6-liter V6 was the base engine for both the Charger and Challenger going forward. The Challenger only kept the SE trim for 2011, before renaming it the SXT, which is appropriate because it shared more equipment with the Charger SXT. The Charger SE came with a power driver's seat, keyless entry and ignition, an iPod interface, and dual-zone climate control (from 2012 on).
SXT: A more fully featured V6 model and the entry-level trim for the Challenger from 2012 to 2014, the SXT got the SE’s features plus some extras like automatic climate control. In the Charger, remote start and heated front seats were standard but were optional on the Challenger. The Charger SXT also got a larger touchscreen interface with Bluetooth audio streaming, an upgraded automatic transmission, and optional all-wheel drive.
R/T: R/T trims got the 5.7-liter V8 along with upgraded performance equipment including paddle shifters for the automatic transmission (standard on the Challenger, optional on the Charger). The Challenger R/T also got a bit of standard tech, like Bluetooth audio streaming and an iPod interface.
SRT8: The SRT8 came with the big 6.4-liter V8 engine and a lot of equipment that was optional on lower trims, including leather upholstery, an upgraded stereo, navigation, and an auto-dimming mirror. From 2012, the Charger SRT8 got heated and cooled seats and cupholders, plus an adaptive suspension, which was added to the Challenger for 2014.
SRT8 Core and SRT8 Super Bee: A more stripped-down and affordable way to get the big 6.4-liter V8 engine, the Charger SRT8 Super Bee (2012-2014) and Challenger SRT8 Core (2014) offered comfort and convenience features more like the R/T models, but with the bigger engine. The Super Bee also came covered in nifty bee graphics (and shouldn’t be confused with the limited-edition 2023 Charger Super Bee).
As usual, there were endless option packages over the years, so everything from comfort and tech features to performance features could be added to lower-trim cars.
2011-2014 Challenger and Charger new engine options
The 2.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter V6 both vanished for 2011 and beyond. That’s actually great news for anyone who wants a V6 because the new 3.6-liter V6 that joined the lineup was a big improvement. The 6.1-liter also bowed out, replaced by an even more powerful 6.4-liter V8 at the top of the range.
3.6-liter V6: The new base engine for both cars, this new engine produced 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque in the Challenger. In the Charger, it made 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which could be bumped up a bit to 300 hp with the Rallye or Blacktop package. A five-speed automatic transmission came standard, and both AWD and an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission were available for the Charger. The V6 got an EPA-estimated 21-23 mpg combined
, depending on the vehicle and equipment.5.7-liter V8: The middle-child 5.7-liter V8 in R/T trims carried over unchanged, providing the same solid muscle-car performance and choice of transmissions. It remained a favorite in our reviews of the Challenger and Charger for its balance of performance and cost. It was still paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, with AWD available on the Charger and a six-speed manual available for the Challenger. Fuel economy was an EPA-estimated 18-19 mpg combined
, depending on the vehicle and equipment.6.4-liter V8: At the top of the range, the SRT8 models got a new 6.4-liter V8 good for 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic came standard, and a six-speed manual was available for the Challenger. EPA-estimated fuel economy was 16-17 mpg combined
, depending on the vehicle and equipment.
These engines carried through until the end of the run in 2023, but these are the final years for the aging five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 paired with the available eight-speed automatic in the Charger is the best V6 option of this era.
2015-2023 Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger
A concurrent refresh to both the 2015 Charger and 2015 Challenger largely finished modernizing both cars and leveled the playing field between the two in terms of features, technology, powertrains, and interior quality. That year also marked the launch of the headline-grabbing, high-power Hellcat models.
The Challenger’s and Charger’s core strengths continued to be their acceleration performance in a straight line (which was improved further by high-power models like the Hellcat), spacious interiors, comfortable rides and seats, and generous trunks. After the 2015 refresh, the much-improved interiors, easy-to-use touchscreens, and increased access to modern technology became strengths as well.
The cars’ large size and weight continued to dull their handling potential. Driver aids never became standard equipment, and visibility remained an issue (although the available parking sensors and addition of a standard rearview camera in 2018 helped). As other vehicles became more fuel-efficient, Dodge’s V8-heavy lineup began to look thirstier and thirstier by comparison. And the Charger’s rear seat legroom and headroom, never among the best for a large sedan, were being matched even by newer midsize sedan offerings.
2015-2023 Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger trim levels and features
A new, more modern touchscreen interface was introduced. In 2017, it gained optional Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ functionality, which was made standard in 2018 along with a rearview camera. Both cars offered an expanded suite of optional driver aids, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning (with automatic emergency braking for the Charger only), blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.
Any Charger or Challenger from 2018 or newer will offer both a good set of standard comfort features and infotainment features that make the car feel significantly more modern.
The Charger continued to offer a bit more in the way of standard and optional features than the Challenger, but both cars could be loaded up with the same set of comfort features, including heated and ventilated seats, a leather-trimmed interior, navigation, an upgraded stereo, and more. Power accessories and other convenience features continued to be offered standard, making the base models well-equipped cars. This is especially true starting in 2018, when the SE trim was discontinued and the SXT became the entry-level model.
From 2015 to 2023, the Charger and Challenger offered a dizzying array of trims, packages, and special editions, some of which were only available for a single model year. The basic trim structure follows this pattern:
SE/SXT: The base V6-powered trims, these included more standard features than before along with improved technology, like standard touchscreen infotainment. An SXT Plus trim was offered up until 2018 with lots of feature upgrades bundled together.
GT: Starting in 2018, Dodge offered the GT as a sportier V6 option. The GT included upgrades like a functional hood scoop and performance suspension. A GT Plus trim was offered for 2018.
R/T: The V8 entry point, with the 5.7-liter engine and added performance features. Through 2018, there was an R/T Plus model available that bundled optional upgrades together.
R/T Scat Pack: Adds the 6.4-liter V8 without adding a ton of other features. This is a bigger upgrade for the Challenger, which got more aggressive performance hardware added than is found in the Charger.
SRT 392: From 2015 to 2018, the SRT 392 offered the 6.4-liter V8 with pretty much all the fixings. With the growing popularity of the Hellcat, the SRT 392 was discontinued.
SRT Hellcat: With the supercharged V8 plus lots of comfort and convenience features, Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye models max out the needle for standard performance and equipment.
The trim structure gets very confusing in these years, and it was simplified somewhat starting in 2019. From then on, the formula was that you picked your engine and then picked from an extensive list of option packages to customize your car. As a used-car shopper, that means you’ll need to be conscious of your must-have features when searching for a car since so many features were optional extras.
2015-2023 Challenger and Charger engines and powertrain updates
The big news for 2015 was the adoption of the eight-speed automatic transmission for all engines, ending the five-speed’s run. The six-speed manual remained available for most V8 versions of the Challenger, excluding a few limited-run specialty models. AWD was also discontinued for the 5.7-liter V8 Charger, but it remained available for V6 Chargers and, from 2017, V6 Challengers.
3.6-liter V6: The V6 carried over unchanged. In the Challenger it made 305 horsepower (dropping to 303 hp starting in 2020), and in the Charger it made 292-300 horsepower depending on the trim and option packages. The eight-speed automatic transmission was the only transmission option, and AWD remained available for the Charger. Starting in 2017, AWD was also an option for the Challenger. The V6 returned an EPA-estimated 21-23 mpg combined depending on vehicle and equipment.
5.7-liter V8: The 5.7-liter V8 also carried over largely unchanged, except for the switch to the eight-speed automatic as the standard transmission. In the Challenger it made the same 375 hp and 410 lb-ft with the six-speed manual, dropping to 372 hp and 400 lb-ft with the automatic. In the Charger, power remained 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, but AWD was no longer available. Fuel economy was an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined with the automatic and 18 mpg combined with the manual.
6.4-liter V8: The 6.4-liter V8 got a slight power bump, making 475 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque in both the Charger and Challenger. The eight-speed automatic became the standard transmission, with a six-speed manual available for the Challenger. After the introduction of the Hellcat models, some of the upgrades introduced for the super-high-performance cars were made available for other V8 models. These range from the Widebody kit to upgrades to engine cooling, suspension, and brakes. EPA-estimated combined mileage was 18 mpg with the automatic transmission and 17 mpg with the manual.
Supercharged 6.2-liter V8: First appearing in the SRT Hellcat, where it made a pretty astonishing 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the supercharged V8 continued to receive tweaks for other special editions. In the drag-strip-focused SRT Demon 170, it proved capable of producing up to 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque when run on high-ethanol gas (also known as E85, or flex fuel).
Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Dodge Charger Hellcat, and high-performance variants
There have been countless special variants of the Charger and Challenger. A lot of those have primarily been appearance packages, or offered a few small mechanical upgrades. But the headline-grabbing SRT Hellcat launched a whole series of super-high-powered models.
SRT Hellcat: Introduced in 2015, the SRT Hellcat had a 6.2-liter V8 engine with a 2.4-liter supercharger, capable of putting out up to 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat was produced from 2015 to 2023, and in 2018 a Widebody kit—with flared fenders to accommodate wider tires—was introduced for the Challenger, then offered on the Charger starting in 2020.
SRT Demon: Made only for the 2018 model year and only as a Challenger, the limited-edition SRT Demon bolted a 2.7-liter supercharger onto the Hellcat’s 6.2-liter V8, upping the power output to 808 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque. If you can fill up with 100-octane race fuel, the Demon’s power peaks at 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque. The Demon sported a lot of upgrades designed for performance at the drag strip.
SRT Hellcat Redeye: Introduced in 2019, the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye was basically a detuned Demon, using the same engine and supercharger but producing a mere 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. The Redeye also gave up some of the Demon’s drag-strip hardware. The Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye was introduced in 2021, and both versions were produced until 2023.
SRT Super Stock: Dodge brought back some drag-race gear for the 2020 model year with the Challenger-only SRT Super Stock. The Super Stock added a bit more power over the Hellcat Redeye, up to 807 horsepower. It also came with lightweight brakes, a revised suspension, and other upgrades meant to give it an extra edge at the drag strip. The SRT Super Stock was produced until 2023.
SRT Demon 170: As a last hurrah, Dodge introduced the Challenger SRT Demon 170 for 2023. With a 3.0-liter supercharger, the Demon 170 cranked the V8’s output to a maximum of 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque, if you fill it with E85 (sometimes called flex fuel). On 91-octane pump gas, power is reduced to 880 horsepower. This limited-run car is also packed with every piece of drag equipment Dodge could fit.
Dodge Charger and Challenger Edmunds Tested 0-60 MPH Times
Over the years, Edmunds has had the opportunity to test quite a few Chargers and Challengers. Since these are muscle cars, we decided to collect the 0-60 mph times and quarter-mile performance of the cars we tested so you can get a sense how different engines, transmissions, and trims perform. These times may not reflect the current performance capabilities of used examples, which will vary due to condition, maintenance history, tires, and other factors.
All 0-60 mph and quarter-mile performance numbers cited here are the results of Edmunds testing and represent performance measured by our experts at our test track.
Dodge Charger and Challenger V6 0-60 mph times
The updated 3.6-liter V6 paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission provided a real performance boost over the older engine and transmission. Based on our testing, the added weight and mechanical drag of the optional all-wheel-drive system has a surprisingly minimal impact on performance, at least for 2015 or newer models.
2009 Dodge Challenger SE (3.5L V6 | 4-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds
¼ mile: 16.1 seconds @ 88.3 mph
2010 Dodge Challenger SE (3.5L V6 | 5-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
¼ mile: 15.9 seconds @ 88.2 mph
2012 Dodge Charger SXT (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
¼ mile: 15.2 seconds @ 93.7 mph
2015 Dodge Challenger SXT (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
¼ mile: 14.6 seconds @ 95.8 mph
2017 Dodge Challenger GT (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD)
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
¼ mile: 14.7 seconds @ 94.3 mph
Dodge Charger and Challenger V8 0-60 mph times
The Charger and Challenger's V8 engines never lacked for power. According to our testers, the main factor keeping these cars from accelerating faster is they always had more power than grip. We still prefer driving the newer eight-speed automatic to the old five-speed, and while the manual transmission is tons of fun, it can't keep up with cars equipped with the newer automatic.
2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 (6.1L V8 | 5-speed Automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
¼ mile: 13.5 seconds @ 105.5 mph
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (6.1L V8 | 6-speed manual | RWD)
0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
¼ mile: 13.6 seconds @ 104 mph
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T (5.7L V8 | 6-speed manual | RWD)
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
¼ mile: 13.9 seconds @ 103.2 mph
2010 Dodge Charger R/T (5.7L | 5-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
¼ mile: 14 seconds @ 101.3 mph
2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (6.4L | 6-speed manual | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
¼ mile: 12.9 seconds @ 111 mph
2011 Dodge Charger R/T (5.7L V8 | 5-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
¼ mile: 13.7 seconds @ 102.8 mph
2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 (6.4L V8 | 5-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
¼ mile: 12.7 seconds @ 111.3 mph
2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack (6.4L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
¼ mile: 12.6 seconds @ 110 mph
2015 Dodge Challenger R/T (5.7L V8 | 6-speed manual | RWD)
0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
¼ mile: 14 seconds @ 98.1 mph
2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack (6.4L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
¼ mile: 12.6 seconds @ 112.49 mph
2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack (6.4L V8 | 6-speed manual | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
¼ mile: 13.1 seconds @ 108.4 mph
Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 0-60 mph times
The fastest Chargers and Challengers we tested, the SRT Hellcat models are still limited by the grip from their beefy tires. There's a reason versions like the Super Stock offered drag radials from the factory. As much as we enjoy the manual transmission, a car with this much power can be difficult to launch and the automatic's launch control makes a big difference in a drag race.
2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat (supercharged 6.2L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
¼ mile: 11.7 seconds @ 124.9 mph
2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (supercharged 6.2L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
¼ mile: 11.9 seconds @ 123.4 mph
2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (supercharged 6.2L V8 | 6-speed manual | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
¼ mile: 12.5 seconds @ 118.8 mph
2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye (supercharged 6.2L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD)
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
¼ mile: 11.8 seconds @ 124 mph
Conclusion
We think the 2015+ Charger and Challenger are the best versions of both cars. If you want to be sure you’ve got current tech in your vehicle, it’s worth shopping for 2018 Charger and 2018 Challenger or newer models. That’s when the backup camera became standard equipment along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In terms of engines, our reviewers have generally viewed the 5.7-liter V8 as the sweet spot for balancing character, performance, and cost.