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Table of Contents
Overview
Whereas rival muscle automobiles have pivoted not too long ago towards sharp dealing with, the 2023 Dodge Challenger retains issues retro with a package deal that’s designed extra for old-school pony-car jollies and straight-line pace. A V-6 engine is customary in these non-SRT Challengers however the actual enjoyable comes with the elective naturally aspirated Hemi V-8 engines, that are provided in quite a lot of displacements and outputs spanning a 375-hp, 5.7-liter to a 485-hp, 6.4-liter. If you would like much more energy, Dodge will probably be pleased to oblige with the big-stomper Challenger SRT Hellcat, which we evaluation individually. The common Challenger isn’t as intense because the outrageous Hellcat, however for some its V-8 burble and comparatively snug experience will probably be sufficient to set off nostalgic emotions for the classic Dodge pony automobiles with which it shares a reputation. Fanatic drivers will discover fashionable variations of the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang extra succesful on twisty roads and racetracks, however the Challenger’s old-school allure is simple.
What’s New for 2023?
This 12 months marks the top of an period for the Challenger coupe as Dodge prepares a next-generation mannequin, doubtless with an electrical powertrain. The 2023 Challenger wears particular commemorative plaques beneath the hood to point the ultimate mannequin 12 months of the present era, and Dodge will supply common colours from the automobile’s previous, together with Plum Loopy, B5 Blue, and Elegant Inexperienced. All R/T fashions acquire a brand new “345” badge on the entrance fender to pay tribute to the Hemi V-8 engine that resides beneath the automobile’s lengthy, vented hood.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We would choose the R/T Scat Pack mannequin for its 485-hp 6.4-liter V-8. Consider it or not, we would go for the eight-speed computerized over the usual handbook transmission as a result of it is far more responsive than the slushy-feeling stick shift. We would additionally add the adaptive dampers for adjustable experience high quality, and the Dynamics package deal for its large 20-inch wheels, six-piston Brembo entrance brakes, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Plus package deal improves the inside with ambient lighting, faux-suede seat inserts, and far nicer supplies on the dashboard and doorways. It requires the Driver Comfort Group, too, which brings blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, energy mirrors, and high-intensity-discharge headlights.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
The Challenger’s base 305-hp V-6 will not fulfill thrill seekers. The modest engine mates solely to the eight-speed computerized, however within the heavy Challenger, it lacks the acceleration and pleasure of rivals. The Dodge’s Hemi V-8 engines are one other story. The 375-hp 5.7-liter we tested had loads of juice to powerslide on demand, and its guttural growl was gratifying. These seeking to maximize the Challenger’s potential will need the 6.4-liter V-8, which produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. We additionally drove the T/A 392 with the automatic and admired the exhaust’s cannon-blast startup sound and baritone roar when prodded. Whereas we’re suckers for a handbook transmission, the automated is extremely aware of throttle inputs, with fast power-on downshifts. The Challenger hustles by corners like a raging bull seeing crimson, snorting aggressively and swaying threateningly. The burly Dodge is a muscle automobile within the truest sense: It is higher on the road and the drag strip than on two-lanes and highway programs. Because the lineup’s redesign in 2015, the fashions we have pushed have provided a compliant experience that is snug however a bit unrefined. In contrast with the sharper and stickier dealing with of the Camaro and Mustang, nevertheless, the Challenger is just too smooth in tight turns and its steering is just too numb. The slow-to-react helm is nicely suited to leisurely drives and simply managed power-induced tail slides.
Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPG
The rear-drive, V-6-powered Challenger is estimated to earn 19 mpg metropolis and 30 freeway. Including all-wheel drive into the combination lowers these scores by 1 and three mpg, respectively. Challengers with the 5.7-liter V-8 are anticipated to earn as much as 16 mpg metropolis and 25 freeway. Variations with the 6.4-liter V-8 are rated as much as 15 mpg metropolis and 24 freeway. We have examined the all-wheel-drive V-6 Challenger and one with the 485-hp V-8 and computerized transmission on our 75-mph real-world route, which is a part of our extensive testing regimen. Surprisingly, they each earned 26 mpg on the freeway. For extra details about the Challenger’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s website.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
The Challenger has a traditional muscle-car inside, with a easy design impressed by its Seventies-era predecessors and comfy lodging. In contrast with its pony-car rivals, the Dodge is way roomier inside, and adults can truly use the again seat. Sadly, its rubberized supplies resemble previous vinyl somewhat than premium plastic, and rear visibility is awful. The Challenger’s broad entrance seats are snug for cruising, however even the elective seats, which have added bolstering, do not hug their occupants the best way these within the Camaro or Mustang do. Dodge’s pony automobile has an additional seven cubic toes of cargo area in its trunk versus the Camaro. This enables the Challenger to swallow two extra baggage of baggage than the Camaro. Fold the again seats down and that benefit grows to 6. The Challenger has a giant center-console bin and a helpful spot for a smartphone. Nonetheless, not one of the automobiles we examined on this class was notably adept at storing small objects.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Each Challenger has a model of Dodge’s easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system. The feature-filled unit consists of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as customary tools. Trying to get the Led out? Hearken to Jimmy Web page’s spine-tingling guitar riffs with certainly one of two elective Alpine audio methods or the crème-de-la-crème 900-watt, 18-speaker Harman/Kardon setup.
Security and Driver-Help Options
This old-school coupe is on the market with some driver-assistance technology, however patrons wanting extra superior tech might want to look elsewhere. For extra details about the Challenger’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Obtainable blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Obtainable adaptive cruise management
- Obtainable computerized high-beams
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
The Challenger has common restricted and powertrain warranties. Not like BMW and Chevrolet, Dodge does not present any complimentary scheduled upkeep.
- Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
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