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- Highs Classic muscle-car styling, choice of two powerful Hemi V-8s, comfortable retro interior.
- Lows Unenthusiastic handling, disappointing base V-6 engine, poor quality interior materials.
- Verdict The Challenger is a rowdy, retro-themed muscle car that excels in a straight line but is bested by rivals in the twisties.
Overview
The Dodge Challenger recalls the muscle-car heyday of the 1970s with its retro styling, raucous soundtrack, and indifferent handling. The lineup has everything from a V-6 with optional all-wheel drive to a stonking 485-hp Hemi V-8. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the V-8; an excellent eight-speed automatic is optional. While the hefty Challenger is at home on the drag strip and the street, it trails its arch rivals—the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang—at the track and on twisty roads. Still, this potent pony car has plenty of panache to please its fans.
What's New for 2017?
For 2017, the Challenger lineup adds the heritage-inspired T/A and T/A 392 models. Along with unique exterior and interior elements, they have wider wheels and stickier tires, and the 392 version has more powerful Brembo brakes. Every Challenger has an updated Uconnect infotainment system; the optional 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation adds multitouch gestures. Among the other additions are standard houndstooth cloth seats on some models and revised paint choices.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SXT: $28,090
- R/T: $34,090
- GT: $34,490
- T/A: $38,490
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Challenger’s base 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 won’t satisfy thrill seekers, but it’s the only one available with class-exclusive all-wheel drive. This modest mill mates exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission, but in the heavy Challenger it lacks the acceleration and excitement of the Mustang’s turbo inline-four or the Camaro’s snarling V-6. The Dodge’s Hemi V-8 engines are another story. The 375-hp 5.7-liter we tested had plenty of juice to powerslide on demand, and its guttural growl was gratifying. Those seeking to maximize the Challenger’s potential will want the 6.4-liter V-8, which produces 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. The obligatory six-speed manual is standard with the bigger engines; an exceptional eight-speed automatic is optional. The burly Dodge is a muscle car in the truest sense: it’s better on the street and the drag strip than on two-lane blacktop or road courses. The GT model we tested had a compliant ride that’s comfortable but a bit disjointed, and its body rolled uncomfortably. Our T/A 392 included stiffer Bilstein dampers and a three-mode stability-control system for sportier driving dynamics.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Challenger has a retro muscle-car interior, with a simple design inspired by its 1970s-era predecessors. Compared with its closest rivals, the Dodge is far roomier inside. Unfortunately, its rubberized materials resemble old vinyl rather than premium plastic, and its rear visibility is lousy. The Challenger’s broad front seats are comfortable for cruising, but even the optional seats, which have added bolstering, don’t hug occupants like those in the Camaro or Mustang. The Challenger's standard power-adjustable driver’s seat is nice, but memory settings and a power passenger seat aren’t available. The big-bodied Challenger’s large trunk held more carry-ons than similar cars we tested. Its limited interior storage isn’t uncommon in this class, but it has a decent amount of cubby space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Challenger has a version of Dodge’s amicable Uconnect infotainment system. The feature-filled unit is available with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and eardrum-melting sound systems. The base Uconnect system includes a 5.0-inch touchscreen, a single USB port, and a six-speaker stereo. An available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen includes another USB port and SiriusXM satellite radio. Audiophiles can upgrade to their choice of two optional Alpine audio systems or the 18-speaker Harman Kardon setup.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Dodge Challenger’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
