2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

Overview

Few new cars could be sent back to the late '60s or early '70s and not look like they're from the future, but the 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is one that could. Sure, the coupe's assortment of available driver assists and crisp touchscreen infotainment system would be out of place, but its thundering V-8, gas-sucking fuel economy, and retro appearance would fit right in. Of course, its outrageous horsepower ratings (717 on the regular Hellcat, 797 on the Redeye), and the 807-hp Super Stock's claimed 10.5-second quarter-mile time, would be as shocking as when Marty McFly shreds the electric guitar at the end of Back to the Future. Even in 2022, the Challenger's supercharged Hellcat engine is impressive, and its available widebody treatment makes it look more badass and helps it handle better. Still, it can't keep up with the Chevy Camaro ZL1 or Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 on a road-racing circuit. No worries, though. For folks looking to get nostalgic or dominate the drag strip, the Challenger SRT Hellcat is the machine to get.

What's New for 2022?

Dodge doesn't make any major changes to the Hellcat-powered Challengers for the 2022 model year. While the company did drop the previously standard six-speed manual transmission (it's still available on non-Hellcat Challengers), we're told it's only temporary until there's a revised powertrain calibration and then the manual will return. Otherwise, the only thing that's different from the Challenger Hellcat's predecessor is that every model now comes standard with a deluxe security alarm. Groovy.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Widebody version looks cooler with its flared fenders and handles better, thanks largely to wider wheels and tires, so that's the one we'd choose. Despite the fact that the SRT Hellcat is all about excess, we wouldn't opt for the Redeye model that increases power to nearly 800 horses. In fact, during our testing, the Redeye wasn't quicker than the standard Hellcat because its tires simply couldn't put the extra grunt to the ground.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The mad scientists at Dodge's SRT laboratory pulled a Samuel L. Jackson and went all Old Testament with the almighty Hellcat engine. The standard setup makes "only" 717 horsepower, and the version in the Redeye pumps out 797 horses. The 807-hp Super Stock model features dedicated equipment for drag racing. Paired with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the last Challenger SRT Redeye Widebody we tested roared to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 125 mph. We've driven several Hellcats and—as expected—never got tired of tapping into the endless power supply. However, launching the unruly beast straight and true is an exercise in extreme car control. Every model had an insidious growl at startup that builds to a hellish howl under heavy throttle. The Hellcat's distinct supercharger whine will send shivers down your spine from either fear or excitement—most likely both. These high-performance Challengers might not be the ultimate tools for a track-attack event, but they're quick as hell in a straight line and handle well enough to hustle down twisty back roads—provided your heavy right foot knows when to let up.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2022 Challenger SRT Hellcat doesn't power-slam gas like a competitive drinker—at least, not more than its competition. Its rated at 13 mpg in the city and up to 22 mpg on the highway. The Camaro ZL1 and Shelby GT500 top out at 14/21 mpg city/highway and 12/18 mpg city/highway, respectively. The last Hellcat Challenger we ran on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, wasn't far off its 22-mpg EPA estimate. For more information about the Challenger's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Challenger interior was redesigned for the 2015 model year with a driver-centric layout, straightforward switchgear, and better materials. The SRT twins have standard leather finery, unique badging and gauge colors, and heated and ventilated front seats. Despite its roomy cabin, the plastics still look cheap, and visibility to the rear is poor. The Dodge held six carry-ons in its trunk and an impressive 15 total with the rear seat stowed. None of the cars we tested were particularly adept at storing small items, but the Challenger at least has a big center-console bin, and there's a useful slot to stick a smartphone.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Both models boast a Uconnect infotainment system that is simple to use and filled with features. These include navigation, a bumpin' stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard 8.4-inch touchscreen is usefully large and features icons that can be easily selected with a finger. There are volume and tuning knobs for quick audio-system adjustments. While the navigation responds quickly to inputs with a large onscreen keyboard, the map graphics look dated and cartoony.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The big-bodied coupe is available with a host of driver-assistance technologies. Both models have standard rear parking sensors, but most other safety equipment costs extra and not all of it is available on the Redeye. For more information about the Challenger's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available forward-collision warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Challenger's coverage aligns with domestic rivals. However, the Camaro comes with at least a little bit of complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs