2023 Dodge Challenger Reviews-Dodge Challenger pros and cons (consider this a warning)
Overview
While rival muscle cars have pivoted recently toward sharp handling, the 2023 Dodge Challenger keeps things retro with a package that’s designed more for old-school pony-car jollies and straight-line speed. A V-6 engine is standard in these non-SRT Challengers but the real fun comes with the optional naturally aspirated Hemi V-8 engines, which are offered in a variety of displacements and outputs spanning a 375-hp, 5.7-liter to a 485-hp, 6.4-liter. If you want even more power, Dodge will be happy to oblige with the big-stomper Challenger SRT Hellcat, which we review separately. The regular Challenger isn’t as intense as the outrageous Hellcat, but for some its V-8 burble and relatively comfortable ride will be enough to trigger nostalgic feelings for the vintage Dodge pony cars with which it shares a name. Enthusiast drivers will find modern versions of the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang more capable on twisty roads and racetracks, but the Challenger’s old-school charm is undeniable.
Two good reasons why you shouldn’t by a Challenger
Is the Challenger a bad car? No. Not by a long shot. However, having driven so many of these things over the years, there are some significant issues I have with it (which may be a deal breaker for some). Here are two of them:
The Challenger is not a car for city driving. I live in San Diego (where the freeways are packed, and the parking lots are always full). The Challenger is a difficult car to drive here, since I always feel like I want to go fast but I can’t. Parking is always difficult as well because the spots are almost always small. I’d be much more tempted to daily drive a Challenger if I lived way out in the suburbs.
The Challenger isn’t very economical. Sure, parts for it may be cheaper compared to other cars, but you’ll offset that cost savings at the fuel pumps. This is a very large (and heavy) car. It takes a lot of power (fuel) to get it moving, and if you like to drive fast, you’ll spending a lot of money on gas.
All the pros and cons of the Dodge Challenger
I’ve had the opportunity to drive a handful of Dodge Challengers over the years. Even though I’m a Mustang guy through and through, I’m not afraid to admit that I always look forward to getting into one of these things. If you don’t believe me, be sure to check out my 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Review. That thing was a beast.
I’m not ready to replace my Mustang with one however, and this pros and cons list will give you a better idea of why.
Right off the bat, let’s start off with the most important thing first: No, the Challenger will NOT make you look cool. As you can see here, I tried, but it didn’t work.
Pros
Although this is purely objective, I find the Hemi V8 in the Challenger to be the best sounding V8 of any current vehicle sold in the US. The exhaust note is darn near perfect.
Another nice thing about having such a great exhaust note is that you may not feel the need to spend extra money on an aftermarket exhaust for this car. It sounds so good in stock form.
The Dodge Challenger has been in production (largely unchanged) since 2008. Some may see this as a con, but for me, it tells me that they’ve had lots of time to work out all the bugs. The latest models are proving to be very reliable.
The interior of the Dodge Challenger is really good. It feels tight and sporty, and the newest version isn’t as cheap and plasticky as the original.
The Dodge Challenger is an extremely common car here in the US, which means parts are cheap and plentiful. You won’t have a problem getting your Challenger serviced anywhere you go.
The Hemi V8 models are ridiculously fast. It’s quicker than it looks!
Aftermarket parts for the Challenger are plentiful. If you’re the type of person who likes to modify cars to your own taste, the Challenger will be a good choice. I wouldn’t go as far to put it on my best project cars list, but still.
It’s inconspicuous. In a large parking lot full of other cars, the Challenger is common enough that it won’t stand out and draw attention. Flamboyant types may see this as a con, but for introverted people such as myself, it’s a blessing.
It’s safe (relatively speaking). One of the benefits of the Challenger being so large is that its crumple zones do well to protect its occupants in collisions. It’s not the safest car on the market, but when it comes to hitting immovable objects, having more car around you to absorb the impact is always better.
I challenge you to say that this is an ugly car.
Cons
Every time I drive dodge challenger, I always find myself cursing about the doors. They’re huge. Good luck trying to get in and out of this car with any amount of grace in tight parking spots.
It’s a gas guzzler. Even if you opt for the more economical V6 version, it’s still going to drink more fuel than your wallet may be comfortable with. Prepare to spend lots of money if you opt for the V8, as you’ll no doubt be tempted to dip into the throttle whenever possible. It’s just so much fun.
Although the more recent model years of the Challenger are proving to be more reliable than the ones from years past, it doesn’t mean that it’s a high-quality car. Every challenger that I’ve ever driven made weird clunking noises from the chassis and suspension when going over bumps.
There’s no way of saying the delicately, but there’s a “redneck” stigma associated with these cars that will be instantly applied you the moment you pull up in one. If this doesn’t bother you, rock on and enjoy your car.
Along those same lines, if you opt for the V8, you are going to be “that guy” to your neighbors. It isn’t a quiet car, especially on cold start ups. On the other hand, if you hate your neighbors, then by all means, have at it.
Outward visibility is challenging (pun totally intended). The windows of the Dodge Challenger are very short, and I guarantee you’ll be hating life the first time you pull up to a stoplight and you have to duck your head down in order to watch it turn green.
The rear seats are so small that they’re essentially useless. Even with the front seat moved fully forward, they are very difficult to get to. If you like the vibe of the Challenger, but need a bigger car, I’d highly recommend a Chrysler 300 S (read my Chrysler 300 pros and cons list before buying one though).
The interior is very small for a car of this size. I personally don’t mind this, but I would imagine that there would be a lot of potential buyers who might be bothered by it.
It’s really expensive for what you get. As mentioned earlier, the Challenger has been in production since 2008, and everything about it is becoming somewhat dated. There are many newer cars that you can buy for the same amount of money that will give you better tech and safety features.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Challenger has a classic muscle-car interior, with a simple design inspired by its 1970s-era predecessors and comfortable accommodations. Compared with its pony-car rivals, the Dodge is far roomier inside, and adults can actually use the back seat. Unfortunately, its rubberized materials resemble old vinyl rather than premium plastic, and 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 their occupants the way those in the Camaro or Mustang do. Dodge’s pony car has an extra seven cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk versus the Camaro. This allows the Challenger to swallow two more bags of luggage than the Camaro. Fold the back seats down and that advantage grows to six. The Challenger has a big center-console bin and a useful spot for a smartphone. Still, none of the cars we tested in this class was particularly adept at storing small items.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Challenger has average limited and powertrain warranties. Unlike BMW and Chevrolet, Dodge doesn’t provide any complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
PRICE AS TESTED: $53,995 (base price: $46,590)
ENGINE TYPE: pushrod 16-valve V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 391 cu in, 6410 cc Power: 485 hp @ 6100 rpm Torque: 475 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 116.2 in Length: 198.0 in Width: 75.7 in Height: 55.9 in Passenger volume: 94 cu ft Trunk volume: 16 cu ft Curb weight: 4274 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 4.2 sec Zero to 100 mph: 9.3 sec Zero to 130 mph: 16.0 sec Zero to 150 mph: 24.2 sec Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 4.3 sec Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.2 sec Top gear, 50-70 mph: 2.6 sec Standing ¼-mile: 12.5 sec @ 116 mph Top speed (drag limited, mfr’s claim): 176 mph Braking, 70-0 mph: 151 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g
