2018 Dodge Challenger review
Dodge Challenger highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- A solid blend of performance and practicality
- Wide range of trim level choices and engine options
- Retro design that never goes out of style
Cons
- Large size and weight reduce agility
- Cool styling somewhat compromises rear visibility
- Can't get a convertible version
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 22 highway, 16 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2018 Dodge Challenger ups its performance pedigree with new Demon trim
The big and bold Dodge Challenger gets even bigger and bolder in 2018. A new 707-horsepower Hellcat Widebody option gives Dodge's performance coupe a meatier stance, while the appropriately named limited-production Demon trim possesses a truly demonic 840 maximum horsepower. There's also a new larger standard touchscreen, and all trims now include Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration. Entry-level versions of the Dodge Challenger feature a 305-horsepower V6 on SXT and GT trims, with the GT being the sole all-wheel-drive Challenger. The V8-powered R/T trim provides 375 hp, while the Challenger SRT 392 delivers 485 hp. Additional Challenger trims include the Plus, T/A, R/T Scat Pack, and R/T Shaker. Most models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual is available.
The Dodge Challenger isn't as light or agile as its Camaro and Mustang rivals, but it's surprisingly composed on twisty roads while offering a roomier interior that can seat four adults comfortably. Plus, it has a large trunk with genuine cargo capacity. Fuel efficiency ranges from an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined in V6 models to 16 mpg combined in the drag-strip-oriented Demon. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
All Dodge Challenger years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Dodge Challenger generation from 2011 to 2023
What is new for the 2018 Dodge Challenger?
- The Challenger is available in a new trim called the SRT Demon.
- Challenger trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s), Memory Seat(s), Adjustable Suspension, Remote Start, and Supercharged Engine as standard equipment this year.
- Lane Departure Warning and Leatherette Seats features are now available as options on select trims.
- The 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
- The R/T trim now comes with Rear View Camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The R/T Scat Pack trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
- The R/T Shaker trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The SRT 392 trim now comes with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
- The T/A trim now comes with Manual Transmission, Satellite Radio Ready, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The SXT trim now comes with Rear View Camera, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.
- The GT trim now comes with Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The T/A 392 trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.
2018 Dodge Challenger trims
SXT:
- 305-hp, 268-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- View our Dodge Challenger SXT inventory
SXT Plus:
- Includes all features available on the SXT
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Rear Spoiler
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Dodge Challenger SXT Plus inventory
GT:
- Includes all features available on the SXT Plus
- Leather Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- Parking Sensors
- 4WD/AWD
- View our Dodge Challenger GT inventory
R/T:
- Includes all features available on the GT
- 375-hp, 410-lb-ft of torque 5.7L
- Manual Transmission
- View our Dodge Challenger R/T inventory
RT39:
- Includes all features available on the R/T
- No significant upgrades found on the RT39
R/T Plus:
- Includes all features available on the RT39
- 116.2 inch wheelbase
- View our Dodge Challenger R/T Plus inventory
R/T Shaker:
- Includes all features available on the R/T Plus
- No significant upgrades found on the R/T Shaker
- View our Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker inventory
R/T Plus Shaker:
- Includes all features available on the R/T Shaker
- No significant upgrades found on the R/T Plus Shaker
R/T Scat Pack:
- Includes all features available on the R/T Plus Shaker
- 485-hp, 475-lb-ft of torque 6.4L
- View our Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack inventory
T/A:
- Includes all features available on the R/T Scat Pack
- Memory Seats
T/A PLUS:
- Includes all features available on the T/A
- No significant upgrades found on the T/A PLUS
- View our Dodge Challenger T/A PLUS inventory
T/A 392:
- Includes all features available on the T/A PLUS
- No significant upgrades found on the T/A 392
392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker:
- Includes all features available on the T/A 392
- No significant upgrades found on the 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker
- View our Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker inventory
SRT 392:
- Includes all features available on the 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker
- Sunroofs
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Navigation System
- View our Dodge Challenger SRT 392 inventory
SRT Demon:
- Includes all features available on the SRT 392
- 808-hp, 717-lb-ft of torque 6.2L
- Adjustable Suspension
- Remote Start
- Supercharged Engine
SRT Hellcat:
- Includes all features available on the SRT Demon
- No significant upgrades found on the SRT Hellcat
Dodge Challenger photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Dodge Challenger
What We Like
Utility: Practicality may not be a top priority for coupe buyers, but if it is, the Dodge Challenger excels in this area. Its roomy cabin can fit four adults comfortably, and its 16-cubic-foot trunk dwarfs the competition. The Challenger also has great cabin storage, with a spacious glovebox, deep center console, and wide cupholders.
Technology: The Dodge Challenger's Uconnect® interface is among the most effective in the industry. The clear layout and intuitive controls make it easy to input navigation destinations or adjust audio and climate settings. And with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, drivers can pair their smartphone to gain quick access to music playlists, contact information, and popular locations.
Comfort: The Dodge Challenger delivers both comfort and performance, but compared to other American performance coupes, it leans into the comfort zone. This quality is reflected in a roomy cabin with wide, plush seats, large doors that make it easy to get and out, and easy-to-reach primary controls. The Challenger also provides a comfortable, refined ride.
What Needs Improvement
Visibility: The Challenger's classic style comes at a price with regard to outward visibility. Its high doors, thick roof pillars, and small rear window require you to be mindful of other cars when changing lanes and to watch carefully for poles, curbs, and people when parking. A standard rearview camera starting with 2018 models helps when you're backing up.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
3.9 out of 5
23 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 10 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 5 |
| 2 Stars | 2 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
RepairPal gave the Dodge Challenger an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Dodge Challenger 25th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Dodge ChallengerDodge Challenger features and specs
R/T 2WD 2D Coupe
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cloth Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Spoiler
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
2WD
Engine size
5.7L
Horsepower
375
Torque (ft-lbs)
410
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
116.2"
Overall length
197.9"
Width
75.7"
Height
57.5"
Leg room
F 42"/R 33.1"
Head room
F 39.3"/R 37.1"
Front tires
P245/45YR20
Rear tires
P245/45YR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
100/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Dodge Challenger FAQ
The 2018 Dodge Challenger is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- R/T : 15 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SXT : 19 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- R/T Shaker : 15 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker : 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- R/T Plus : 15 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- R/T Plus Shaker : 15 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SRT 392 : 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- R/T Scat Pack : 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- T/A 392 : 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SXT Plus : 19 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- GT : 18 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- T/A : 15 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- T/A PLUS : 15 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SRT Demon : 13 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
The Dodge Challenger received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Dodge Challenger as 24 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2018 Dodge Challenger has received an average 3.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Dodge Challenger, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Dodge Challenger Reviews.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger has a maximum towing capacity of 1000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Dodge Challenger:
- SRT Demon
- Sunroof(s)
- Memory Seat(s)
- Remote Start
- Supercharged Engine
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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