The 2023 model year is the final chance to buy a current Dodge Challenger, although the name may live on in a future electric vehicle. However, the Challenger remains one of three red-blooded American options for those who still love the rumble of a beefy combustion engine and the insane horsepower capabilities. The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are the other two.
The Challenger continues to offer a wide range of trims, engine choices, and options, including some of the most eye-catching paint colors in the industry. Unlike its rivals, the 2-door Challenger has a relatively roomy backseat, making it more suitable for those whose kids want to come along for the ride.
Purists will lament the lack of a manual transmission on the most affordable trims, which the Camaro and Mustang offer. Convertible fans are also out of luck (although some Dodge dealers are offering Challenger convertibles through a company called Drop Top Customs). Then again, only the Challenger offers an all-wheel-drive option (AWD), an advantage over the rear-wheel drive (RWD) both on the track and when the snow starts to fall.
Dodge is offering seven unique “Last Call” special edition cars to commemorate the Challenger’s final year, but their numbers will be limited to between 300 and 1,000 units each.
Finally, to help buyers realize and lock in their dream car, Dodge is making the entire 2023 model run available to dealerships all at once, giving customers time to find and lock in their Challenger.
Buyers should also remember that some Challenger trims are subject to the U.S. government’s gas-guzzler tax. It’s $1,000 for the R/T Scat Pack and $2,100 for the SRT Hellcat trims.
2023 Dodge Challenger SXT (starting at $30,545, RWD) ($33,545, AWD)
The SXT is the most affordable Challenger, powered by a 303-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. A dual exhaust helps the engine breathe easier and gives the V6 a bit more rumble befitting a Challenger.
A quick walk around the SXT’s exterior reveals 18-inch alloy wheels, heated power side mirrors, automatic on/off halogen headlights with LED halo surround rings, and a rear spoiler. A polished aluminum “heritage” fuel door is a nice touch, as are the split satin chrome grille and a power bulge hood.
The Challenger doesn’t come with a spare tire, one reason for the car’s huge trunk. In its place, Dodge provides a tire sealant kit with the option to add a compact spare.
Remote Keyless Enter’ n Go allows unlocking the doors without handling the key fob (although you do have to have it somewhere on you). Once inside, a push of a button is all that’s needed to start this modern muscle car.
On the safety and driver-assist front, the Challenger isn’t big on standard features, offering only the required airbags and stability control, hill start assist, a rear backup camera, and Rain Brake Support that helps keep the brakes dry.
You’ll need to check an option box if you want features like automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, and adaptive cruise control.
Climbing inside the SXT cabin reveals handsome black cloth upholstery with dark Houndstooth inserts, a 6-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar, a 60/40-split folding rear seat with armrest and two cup holders, and 1-touch up/down power windows.
The driver enjoys a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls. A configurable digital display sits between a 160-mph speedometer and tachometer, with gauges for engine temperature and fuel within easy view.
Amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control, rear seat air vents, a wide center console with illuminated cup holders, and LED map lights.
The SXT’s standard Uconnect 4 audio includes a 7-inch color touchscreen and a 6-speaker AM/FM radio. The system features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated voice command, and a media hub with an audio input jack and two USB ports.
Opting for AWD brings a standard suspension (as opposed to the rear drive car’s Sport suspension), an active transfer case with a disconnecting front axle (helps save fuel when AWD isn’t needed), 19-inch wheels, and a performance brake upgrade.
Dodge offers a staggering number of options and upgrades, including numerous paint, tape stripes, and hood decals.
The Technology Group adds rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The Driver Convenience Group goes even further, adding a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, HID headlights, rear parking sensors, remote start, fog lights, and power-folding side mirrors.
The Plus Package brings more premium equipment in the form of Nappa leather sport seats, a premium audio upgrade, heated front seats, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, driver’s seat memory (includes steering wheel and mirrors), and the Uconnect 4C with 8.4-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio. Twenty-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, and performance brakes round out the Plus Package highlights.
If you opt not to get the Plus Package, you can still add heated front seats and a heated steering wheel through the Cold Weather Group.
SXT buyers also can upgrade to an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation and add a power sunroof. On the SXT AWD, they can upgrade to a 9-speaker Alpine system with 506 watts of power.
With the $1,595 destination charge, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT costs $32,140. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect a monthly payment of about $578. See 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT models for sale
2023 Dodge Challenger SXT includes:
- Dual-zone climate control – Allows the driver and front passenger to create individual comfort zones.
- Power driver’s seat – The SXT’s 6-way power seat provides movement forward and back, up and down, and tilt, along with adjustable lumbar for better lower back support.
- Available adaptive cruise control – This system maintains a set speed and keeps a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically slowing or speeding up with traffic flow.
2023 Dodge Challenger GT (starting at $33,845, RWD), ($36,845, AWD)
The GT builds off the SXT with more performance upgrades and options.
Moving from the SXT to the GT retains the 3.6-liter V6 engine but adds projector fog lights, a 3.07:1 rear axle, performance brakes and steering, a performance suspension, a remote start, and a performance hood with a functional hood scoop.
The GT gains 20-inch wheels, Houndstooth performance cloth upholstery, ParkSense rear park assist (parking sensors), and a performance steering wheel.
Optional equipment beyond the SXT’s groups include a 900-watt 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ventilated front seats with Alcantara inserts (part of the GT Plus Group), and ambient interior lighting.
The Performance Handling Group (RWD only) adds red Brembo 4-piston brake calipers, a high-performance suspension, sportier steering, a limited-slip differential, and 20-inch Lights-Out wheels.
With the $1,595 destination charge, the 2023 Dodge Challenger GT costs $35,440. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect a monthly payment of about $637. See 2023 Dodge Challenger GT models for sale
2023 Dodge Challenger GT includes:
- Performance upgrades – Befitting its status, the GT gains firmer steering and suspension, plus better brakes.
- Functional hood scoop – Beyond looking just plain bad (and by bad, we mean awesome), the GT’s functional hood scoop increases airflow to the intake system and helps keep the engine cool.
- Available Harman Kardon audio – This upgraded audio system features 18 speakers, including a powered subwoofer, exactly the audio system needed when cruising at high speeds with the windows down.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T (starting at $39,385)
The R/T elevates the Challenger with a 375-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and a proper 6-speed manual transmission. Opt for the 8-speed automatic, and horsepower figures drop slightly to 372. The R/T, and all subsequent trims, are RWD-only cars.
The R/T trim ups the performance quotient, gaining over the GT a 3.90:1 rear axle (3.09:1 with the automatic), a limited-slip differential, an active stainless steel performance exhaust, and 20-inch wheels.
The rest of the R/T standard equipment copies the GT. The same goes for its optional equipment with only a few changes. An illuminated Air Catcher headlight gets added to the Driver Convenience Package, while bright pedals get pulled from the Plus Package.
The Performance Plus Package adds 20-inch low gloss-black aluminum wheels with PZero summer tires, while the Shaker Package adds a shaker hood, black decals, black grille surround, a black rear spoiler, and black instrument cluster trim rings.
Additional trim and packages center on more graphics and exterior treatment to the R/T, as found in the T/A and Hemi Orange packages.
With the $1,595 destination charge, the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T costs $40,980. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect a monthly payment of about $736. See 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T models for sale
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack (starting at $45,845)
The Scat Pack builds off the R/T, adding a 485-hp 392 Hemi V8 paired with a 6-speed manual. An 8-speed automatic is optional.
Further distancing itself from the base R/T, the Scat Pack features Brembo four-piston performance brakes, Launch Assist and Launch Control, SRT configurable drive modes, a heavy-duty alternator, and Severe Duty II engine cooling.
A 180-mph speedometer signals this car means business, as does the upgraded SRT Performance Pages app that gives drivers a way to clock their 0-60 times, track G-forces, and monitor engine performance. There’s even a built-in drag race timer.
The Scat Pack suspension gets upgraded to a high-performance design, and HID headlights feature the Air Catcher system that incorporates an additional air intake built into the driver’s side inboard headlight.
Additional Scat Pack features include a performance hood with functional heat extractors, a split gloss black grille, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats.
The Uconnect 4C infotainment system features an 8.4-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Uconnect safety and security apps.
A 6-speaker Alpine audio system and 276-watt amp come standard, with the option to upgrade to a 9-speaker Alpine system or the 900-watt 18-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound system.
Optional packages include the Dynamics Package that brings 15.4-inch vented and slotted front rotors with six-piston red Brembo brake calipers, 13.8-inch vented and slotted rear rotors with four-piston red Brembo brake calipers, 20-inch low gloss aluminum wheels and performance tires.
If ordering the Plus Package, the R/T Scat Pack adds Alcantara and Nappa leather sport seats, ambient door lighting, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a premium-stitched dash pad.
The 1320 Package (so named for the 1,320 feet in a quarter-mile drag strip) adds an SRT-tuned 3-mode Bilstein adaptive damping suspension, Drag Mode, Torque Reserve, street-legal Nexen drag tires, and TransBrake. This system effectively holds the car in place by simultaneously applying first gear and reverse.
Also in the 1320 Package is an Alcantara performance steering wheel, Angry Bee fender badge, passenger and rear seat delete, the Air Catcher headlight, Line Lock, Launch Assist, extreme–duty 41 spline rear axle half shafts, and 20-inch low gloss wheels.
The Widebody Package adds 3.5 inches of width with Widebody fenders, a more significant adaptive damping suspension, and 20 x 11-inch Devil’s Rim forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 305/35ZR-20 Pirelli tires.
With the $1,595 destination charge, the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack costs $47,440. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect a monthly payment of about $852. See 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack models for sale
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack includes:
- 392 V8 – Referencing cubic inches rather than liters is a throwback to early Mopar muscle glory days. In this case, it’s a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 pumping out 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.
- Launch Assist and Launch Control – Ensures quick off-the-line acceleration by holding engine rpm at optimal levels until the brake pedal is released.
- Available 1320 Package seat delete – No need for passengers or kids when you’re drag racing.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (starting at $66,045)
Anyone who knows anything about American pony and muscle cars knows the Hellcat name. It’s affixed to the rowdiest versions of the Challenger. In this case, one fitted with a 717-hp supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8. A 6-speed manual is standard, with a paddle-shift 8-speed automatic optional.
Hellcat-specific styling cues include a 200-mph speedometer, red brake calipers, a dual-snorkel hood, a performance rear spoiler in satin black, and an SRT flat-bottom steering wheel.
The Hellcat builds off the R/T Scat Pack, absorbing the contents from the Dynamics Package and adding a 3.70:1 axle (2.62:1 with the automatic) with a heavy-duty limited-slip differential, an open-air induction box, and Race Cooldown, a system that continues to reduce intercooler coolant temperature after the engine shuts down.
A Bilstein adaptive damping system bolsters the Hellcat’s Competition Suspension with three modes: Auto, Track, and Sport.
Standard Torque Reserve closes the supercharger’s bypass value once the engine reaches 950 rpm. This action helps eliminate the momentary lag commonly associated with supercharging.
Notable upgrades for the SRT Hellcat include the Alcantara Appearance Package that adds Alcantara and Laguna leather sport seats with 4-way power lumbar support and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.
The Carbon and Suede Package adds a Dinamica suede headliner, a carbon-fiber instrument panel, and console bezels.
Other packages include the Driver Convenience Package (included with the Plus Package), Rear Seat Delete Group, Technology Group, Harmon Kardon audio, and the Widebody Package.
Lucky buyers can now order the Jailbreak package from last year’s SRT Hellcat Redeye on the SRT Hellcat, but it’s mostly a visual upgrade with no additional horsepower.
With the $1,595 destination charge, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat costs $67,640. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect a monthly payment of about $1,215. See 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat models for sale
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat includes:
- Adaptive damping – The Bilstein system works in three modes. Auto for daily driving on a normal road, Sport for improved cornering, and Track to help shift weight over the rear wheels when accelerating.
- Supercharged V8 – Unlike turbocharging, a belt-driven supercharger doesn’t rely on exhaust gas to turn the impeller, so cool air begins moving into the induction system almost immediately.
- Brembo brakes – With massive front and rear 6- and 4-piston calipers, these brakes ensure the SRT Hellcat can slow down as quickly as it speeds up.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody (starting at $83,645, estimated)
The Redeye takes everything good about the Hellcat and turns it up to 11. Lift the hood, and you’ll find a high-output (HO) version of the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi engine, tweaked to an astounding 797 hp.
That much power is too much for the 6-speed manual, so the Hellcat Redeye gets a beefed-up 8-speed automatic transmission, a 2.62:1 rear axle, and SRT Power Chiller, a unique system that redirects A/C refrigerant to cool down the intercooler coolant.
With its emphasis on performance, the Redeye forgoes some of the other Challenger trim options, namely the forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control found in the Technology Package.
Available equipment comes packed into SRT Black Package, Plus Package, Rear Seat Delete, Driver Convenience Group, and Harmon Kardon audio.
With the $1,595 destination charge, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody costs an estimated $85,240. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect a monthly payment of about $1,532. See 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody models for sale
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak (starting at $84,640, estimated)
The Jailbreak builds off the Redeye, offering unique colors, graphics, and interiors. The supercharged 6.2-liter engine gets a 10-hp bump over the Redeye.
With the $1,595 destination charge, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Jailbreak costs an estimated $86,235. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect a monthly payment of about $1,550. See 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak models for sale
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock (starting at $86,645, estimated)
The Super Stock is all about racing on a closed track. A straight one.
It features an 807-hp supercharged 6.2-liter engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a 220-mph speedometer, lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels, and Nitto drag radial tires. The Brembo brakes use aluminum calipers, which help to lessen weight, while the Bilstein adaptive dampers are tuned specifically for drag racing with the SRT Drive Modes set to Drag Mode.
With the $1,595 destination charge, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock costs an estimeted$88,240. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect a monthly payment of about $1,586. See 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock models for sale
I just bought a 2023 Dodge Challenger GT coupe with the 3.6 8-speed transmission torque control manual and sports mode and I don’t have pedal shifters I took it to three dealerships they keep telling me separate things due to the fact that I am feeling the torque shaving the transmission inside I have a wobble I have a humming I have a high idle I only get 13 miles to the gallon a full tank of gas only gets me $170 MI I only have 6,000 miles on this car so far I feel a wobble like I have a belt broke on my tire but I don’t or like I’m on a dirt road and it shakes one dealership told me nothing was wrong with it and it had uneven frame underneath but that came from the dealership and they all do then she told the gentleman it was next to her it was a DD and that’s why their boss Rick had to be involved the entire time she did not tell me what a DD was she also refused to document anything about the vehicle saying that only if they was for insurance purposes which in the beginning I stated was also I have problems with my trunk popping it slips the transmission will stick to 6 RPM for a couple seconds we’ll feel like it’s in a more like a four wheeler as I’ve done my research it says this is whenever it’s a sports mode doesn’t go below to RPMs well I don’t have it in sports mode when this happens I feel like it’s because they’re supposed to have shift paddles and there’s not the second dealership told me that the manual plus and minus is where I shift when it’s in sports mode which again is false there’s no place for me to shift I don’t have a h shifter I only have an option to go left to turn manual and then plus and minus again they told me they didn’t feel a wobble both places told me they did not hear or feel a wobble the first place said he might have heard something but he didn’t feel nothing now if you cannot fill this or hear this you don’t need to be a mechanic due to the fact that it feels like a flat tire sometimes when I started doing my research it says loud idle humming shaking wobble or all signs of the torque shaving into the transmission I don’t know what a DD is but I feel like this has something to do with it and for the simple fact they don’t have shift paddles paddle shifters whatever you want to call them and I keep asking for them considering that I’ve got a 2023 Challenger GT with sports mode and manual to have fun in and you would think that it would come with us paddle shifters and I’ve been saying since I got it about this issue and it’s like they won’t do anything about it okay well if I would have known that I would have got it the same as the mileage $170 to the tank is unacceptable considering it is literally only 6,000 mi in sometimes when I start the car it has a pot like it’s going to backfire I don’t know if all the dealerships are cohenk or if there’s something with my vehicle that I don’t know if I got a lemon but I know that I need somebody to help me figure this out before it’s too late challenges are a lot of money to waste not only that the man told me that maybe you’re driving it too hard well first of all I’m a girl and I don’t drive it too hard but secondly it’s supposed to go from 0 to 60 and 3 seconds and it’s a coup it’s a GT high performance sports car it’s not a Cadillac so aren’t you supposed to be able to drive it a little rough should I be able to punch it and it go somewhere instead of the transmission rubbing up to 6 RPMs and only going to 30 miles an hour my grandfather my grandfather and my father all worked on vehicles my grandpa was up mechanic for NASA I might not all know always know the technical terms but trust me I know when I feel something not right and right now I just feel like they’re trying to get me the trunk wants to pop open sometimes the.