Dodge Challenger

A major refresh in 2015 completely changed the Dodge Challenger, introducing a new transmission, updated interior design and exterior styling, modern tech features, and the headline-grabbing Hellcat model.

The base SXT and better-equipped GT trim levels both come with 305-horsepower V6 engines, with optional all-wheel drive. That makes the Challenger the only AWD American muscle car you can buy. If you want V8 power, the R/T trim gets a 375-hp V8, while the R/T Scat Pack and R/T 392 models get a bigger V8 with 485 horsepower. These four core models also have a lot of variants that change the car’s appearance, handling, and braking to make it more or less aggressive, including a Shaker hood and a Widebody package.

The SRT models sit at the top, boasting the most power and performance in any given model year. The SRT Hellcat introduced a massively powerful supercharged V8 to the Challenger lineup, which was also featured in the Demon and Super Stock models. 

An extensive options list lets buyers customize the car from the factory, so you can find V6 models with luxury touches or a bare-bones V8 that isn’t weighed down with leather seats and a fancy stereo. It also means you’ll need to search carefully to make sure you’re getting a Challenger with all the right features for you.

The Challenger name was revived in 2008, and before the 2015 refresh, the model hewed close to its historic roots with some clunky early transmissions  and only a handful of modern amenities. It features the exterior styling cues of its iconic '70s predecessor, such as a long hood and raked rear window. 

Underneath, however, the Challenger is based on a shortened version of the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger platform. Thanks to its generous dimensions and folding split rear seat, the Challenger has ample passenger space and impressive luggage capacity.

The Challenger launched with slightly smaller engines that were upgraded in 2011, improving on the V6 in particular. Trim level names have changed as well. 

The base V6 model was sold as the SE from 2009 to 2011. For 2012 the base trim name was updated to SXT to match other Dodge vehicles. Above that, the R/T offers a midrange V8, while the SRT8 comes with more than 6 liters of V8 under its hood.

Early base models couldn’t be upgraded with many optional features, so you’d have to opt for a V8 to access more of the modern niceties. That largely changed in 2011, when the base models received more standard equipment and more options.