Julio Rivas
11/2/2023
Bought a hellcat charger. Easiest experience ever!! Will never shop elsewhere
Reviewing The Dodge Charger Vs. Challenger
The battle of Dodge Charger vs. Challenger rages on for one final year. Which last-call 2023 model will you take home? Will it be the muscle-bound coupe icon, the Challenger? Will it be the last four-door American muscle car on the market, the Charger? Beyond just being a two-door vs. four-door muscle car comparison, the Charger vs. Challenger showdown involves many details that may surprise you.
For example, did you know that the shared V-6 engine makes different power outputs? Comparing Dodge Challenger vs. Charger models requires an in-depth look at their legendary benefits.
To get that insight into Dodge Charger vs. Challenger specs, pricing, and more, read on and discover the details with our guide. Once you know the right final-call Dodge muscle car for your lifestyle, visit us at DARCARS CDJR Silver Spring and take it on a test drive.
Dodge Charger vs. Challenger Price and Trim Levels
Despite what many muscle car fans assume, the Charger has a lower starting price than the Challenger. As we've seen, and you likely know, the starting point is not always where muscle car enthusiasts land. Whether you want the maniacal tire-slaying Hellcat trim or the efficient, AWD-capable GT trim, both sides of the Dodge Charger vs. Challenger comparison will satisfy you.
Starting with the Challenger, your choices can include:
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT RWD: Starting price of $31,965 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT AWD: Starting price of $34,965 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger GT RWD: Starting price of $35,265 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger GT AWD: Starting price of $38,265 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T: Starting price of $40,805 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack: Starting price of $48,265 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody: Starting price of $54,260 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak: Starting price of $72,290 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak: Starting price of $78,690 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak: Starting price of $80,895 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak: Starting price of $87,295 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock: Starting price of $89,300 MSRP1
On the Charger sedan's side of the Dodge Charger vs. Challenger comparison, you can find:
- 2023 Dodge Charger SXT RWD: Starting price of $34,230 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Charger SXT AWD: Starting price of $37,830 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Charger GT RWD: Starting price of $36,930 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Charger GT AWD: Starting price of $39,930 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Charger R/T: Starting price of $43,970 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack: Starting price of $50,330 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody: Starting price of $56,325 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak: Starting price of $82,650 MSRP1
- 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak: Starting price of $91,250 MSRP1
Differences between the Dodge Charger vs. Dodge Challenger include Widebody-only Hellcat models for the Charger and a consistently-higher price when compared to the Challenger; our Dodge Charger incentives can even the playing field, though.
Dodge Charger vs. Dodge Challenger Specs: Power, Performance, and Efficiency
Dodge Charger vs. Challenger specs do vary slightly when you compare the same trim. Here's a deeper look:
- Challenger SXT: 3.6-liter V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic; 303 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque; RWD models get an EPA-estimated 19/30 MPG (City/Highway)2
- Charger SXT: 3.6-liter V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic; 292 horsepower (RWD) or 300 horsepower (AWD) and 260 pound-feet (RWD) or 264 pound-feet (AWD) of torque; RWD models get an EPA-estimated 19/30 MPG (City/Highway)3
- Challenger GT: Identical specs to Challenger SXT2
- Charger GT: Identical engine, transmission, and MPGs to Charger SXT;3 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque (both RWD and AWD)
- Challenger R/T: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and six-speed manual; 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque; EPA-estimated 15/23 MPG (City/Highway)4
- Charger R/T: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic; 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque; EPA-estimated 16/25 MPG (City/Highway)5
- Challenger R/T Scat Pack: 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine and six-speed manual; 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque; EPA-estimated 14/23 MPG (City/Highway)6
- Charger Scat Pack: 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic; 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque; EPA-estimated 15/24 MPG (City/Highway)7
A significant 2023 Dodge Challenger vs. 2023 Dodge Charger difference is that the Dodge Challenger offers a standard six-speed manual transmission in its naturally-aspirated V-8 trims, while the Charger only offers an eight-speed automatic. However, the Charger is the more efficient model in R/T and Scat Pack trims.
How about acceleration? According to MotorTrend, they achieve the following 0-60 mph times:
- Charger SXT and GT: 6.0 seconds8
- Charger R/T: 5.0 seconds8
- Charger Scat Pack: 4.2 seconds8
- Challenger SXT and GT: 6.0 seconds9
- Challenger R/T: 5.0 seconds9
- Challenger R/T Scat Pack: 4.2 seconds9
How is this possible when the Charger SXT has less power than the Challenger SXT? The curvy Charger has a lower coefficient of drag than the square-jawed Challenger,10 making it slip through fast-moving air more efficiently.
Dodge Charger Hellcat vs. Challenger Hellcat Specs
There's only a slight power difference between Dodge Charger vs. Challenger Hellcat models; Charger Hellcat and Challenger Hellcat trims both use a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 with 717 horsepower, but the Challenger Hellcat makes 656 pound-feet of torque, while the Charger Hellcat makes 650 pound-feet. However, a 6.2-liter high-output supercharged HEMI V-8 with 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque comes standard in both the Challenger Hellcat Redeye and Charger Hellcat Redeye.
MotorTrend reviews show that both the Charger and Challenger Hellcat can manage 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.8, 9
| 2023 Dodge Charger SXT | 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT | |
| Starting MSRP: | $34,2301 | $31,9651 |
| Engine: | 3.6-liter V-6 | 3.6-liter V-6 |
| Drivetrain: | RWD or AWD | RWD or AWD |
| Horsepower: | 292 (RWD) or 300 (AWD) | 303 |
| Torque: | 260 pound-feet (RWD) or 264 pound-feet (AWD) | 268 pound-feet |
| 0-60 MPH: | 6.0 seconds8 | 6.0 seconds9 |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway): | 19/302 | 19/303 |
| # of Seats: | Five | Five |
| Passenger Volume: | 105 cubic feet | 94 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk): | 16.5 cubic feet | 16.2 cubic feet |
| Rear Legroom: | 40.1 inches | 33.1 inches |
Dodge Charger vs. Challenger Interior: Space, Features, and Safety
When you view all Dodge inventory at our dealership, it'll be obvious which model is more spacious: the four-door Charger.
The Challenger offers the following interior specs:
- Seats: Five
- Front legroom: 42 inches
- Rear legroom: 33.1 inches
- Passenger Volume: 94 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume: 16.2 cubic feet
Inside the Charger, the following spacious specs await:
- Seats: Five
- Front legroom: 41.8 inches
- Rear legroom: 40.1 inches
- Passenger Volume: 105 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume: 16.5 cubic feet
Despite the assumptions that their body styles create, Dodge Charger vs. Challenger cargo room is nearly identical.
However, as any driver knows, a powerful and roomy ride needs great features and safety-enhancing driver assistance to be the full package.
In the Charger, you can find available features like heated and ventilated front seats with Laguna leather upholstery, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a Uconnect 4C NAV system with an 8.4-inch touch-screen, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon® sound system, a 4GE LTE WiFi hotspot, dual-zone auto climate control, and more. The Challenger coupe's available features are essentially the same, save for minor differences like an 18-speaker Harman Kardon® sound system.
Dodge Charger vs. Challenger safety is a similar story.
Both models offer available assists like Adaptive Cruise Control and blind-spot monitoring, but differences like an available Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning in the Challenger vs. an available Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking in the Charger should be noted. As a more family-oriented vehicle, the Charger does offer a slight edge over the Challenger for safety.
Dodge Charger vs. Challenger: Find Either Thrill Ride With Us
We hope this Dodge Charger vs. Challenger comparison has helped you in your search for a final-year Dodge muscle car. To get in on the last call of HEMI fury, make DARCARS CDJR of Silver Spring your trusted Dodge dealer in Silver Spring, MD, today and swing by for a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Dodge Charger and Challenger?
The main difference between the Dodge Charger and Challenger is that the Charger is a four-door sedan with a higher starting price, while the Challenger is a two-door coupe with a lower starting price. These iconic muscle cars have near-identical engine lineups, performance specs, interior comfort and safety features, and a shared spirit of high-octane thrills.
Charger or Challenger: which is better?
If you're comparing the Dodge Charger vs. Challenger, determining the better model is easy: Simply consider whether a four-door or two-door muscle car suits your style the best. Aside from a few minor differences (including style, marginal base-trim power variances, and a slight difference in available features), the Charger and Challenger stand for the same thing: pure power and spacious comfort.
When will the Dodge Charger be discontinued?
The Dodge Charger will sadly be discontinued before December 31st, 2023. Its two-door brother, the Challenger, will also be discontinued before this date. While a heartbreaking moment, we won't have to mourn it for long; an all-electric Dodge Charger will be introduced sometime after the gas-powered version's discontinuation to keep the spirit of muscle cars burning bright.