2019 Dodge Challenger Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　

What's new

The SRT 392 and limited-edition SRT Demon leave the lineupA new 797-hp SRT Hellcat Redeye model debutsOther Hellcat models get a new dual snorkel hood and a 10-hp increaseThe R/T Scat Pack Challenger is now available in Widebody formNew Brass Monkey and Stars and Stripes appearance packagesAll-wheel drive is now available on the base SXT trimPart of the third Challenger generation introduced for 2008

　　There aren't a lot of vehicles we consider to be muscle cars. The 2019 Dodge Challenger, with its outlandish horsepower and classic styling, certainly qualifies. Muscle cars are also known for their lack of practicality, but the Challenger bucks that trend by making fewer sacrifices in everyday usability thanks to its large trunk and relatively spacious rear seats. Compared to the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang, the Challenger is downright sensible.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Dodge Challenger SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$159/mo  for Challenger SXT

　　Challenger SXT

　　SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $27,845 MSRPSXT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $30,895 MSRPGT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $30,395 MSRPGT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $33,445 MSRPR/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M) - $34,295 MSRPR/T Scat Pack 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M) - $38,995 MSRPSRT Hellcat 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) - $58,995 MSRPSRT Hellcat Redeye 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $69,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　This year, Dodge has retired the range-topping 840-horsepower Demon. To compensate, there's the new 797-hp SRT Hellcat Redeye. It's basically the Demon but with a slightly detuned V8 and less drag-race-specific hardware. There are also some changes in the supporting trims. All-wheel drive is now available on the base SXT, the Widebody treatment is offered on the R/T Scat Pack, and a new dual-snorkel hood increases Hellcat output by 10 hp. Some trims also come with fewer standard features and corresponding price drops.

　　Even without these latest changes, the Challenger would have remained one of our favorite vehicles in any class. It doesn't have the corner-carving chops of the Camaro or the Mustang, and we're quite fine with that. Not many cars have this kind of sinister style or performance that won't break the bank or overtly compromise your daily drive.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

　　Performance is king among muscle cars and, unfortunately, it usually comes at the expense of practicality. But the 2019 Dodge Challenger defies convention. Its trunk and rear seats are far larger than the Ford Mustang's or Chevrolet Camaro's. You also get stylish and looks and mega amounts of power.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Widebody (6.4L V8 | 6-speed manual | RWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	8.0
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

7.5

　　The Challenger may not be as fast or as responsive as the Mustang or Camaro, but it's always a hoot to drive. The Dodge's sheer size makes in-town maneuvering a bit tough (the widebody fenders don't help), but meaty tires and upgraded suspension help with handling and body roll.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　With the 6.4-liter V8, power is readily available in any gear at almost any speed. Zero to 60 mph took just 4.9 seconds at the zzdcar test track, which is properly quick but slower than other modern muscle cars by a few tenths. If you want more speed, there's always the 707-hp Hellcat.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　The brake pedal travel is a little long and a bit light at the top. But when you press into the stroke, the pedal feels confident and well-suited for everyday driving. During zzdcar testing, the Challenger came to a stop from 60 mph in 105 feet — a very short distance for such a big vehicle.

　　

Steering

6.5

　　The Challenger's steering feels hefty and reassuring while driving straight down the road, but it's a bit heavy for maneuvering around town. The wide tires from the widebody configuration worsen its bulkiness. Turn-in response happens quickly at speed, though there isn't much feedback communicated from the tires or road surface.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　Based on its sheer size (our Scat Pack widebody tester weighed in at 4,298 pounds), this is no sprightly sports car. But handling characteristics are surprisingly forgiving, and the grip limits are relatively high thanks to wide tires and the adaptive suspension that helps keep body roll in check.

　　

Drivability

7.5

　　Power delivery from the hulking 485-hp V8 is very smooth. Predictable clutch engagement and an easy-effort pedal mean smooth starts and gear changes with the six-speed manual. Responsive steering helps with highway maneuverability. But in the city, there is no avoiding this car's immense proportions.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　Even when fitted with the Widebody package and stiffer adaptive suspension, the Challenger's highway ride quality is very good. Seat comfort is still near the top of the class. A relatively quiet cabin helps make it a nice place to be for extended periods.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The seat cushions are relatively flat and firm but comfortable enough for long road trips or commutes. Bolstering keeps you in place well enough around corners. The door and center armrests are nicely padded. The rear seats are genuinely adult-size and relatively comfortable, which is rare for the class.

　　

Ride comfort

7.5

　　The Challenger delivers a comfortable ride over small road imperfections but can feel pretty unsettled over larger cracks and potholes. The adaptive suspension helps increase handling limits but is still pretty stiff in its softest setting for everyday driving. The large 20-inch wheels and stiff tire sidewalls don't do it any favors either.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.5

　　The Challenger is normally one of the quietest cars in the class. But with the optional 6.4-liter V8 and extra-wide tires, there's a bit more road noise. The rumble from under the hood is also always there, but it turns into a deep, pleasant growl under full acceleration. There were no squeaks or rattles evident in our test car.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　Dual-zone climate control is standard on the R/T and maintains the desired cabin temp well. Climate is controlled via the touchscreen or the knobs and buttons directly behind the shifter, making it somewhat hard to access. The seats heat well, but the ventilation could be more effective — and those controls are accessed exclusively in the touchscreen menus.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　The Challenger is king when it comes to passenger and cargo space. It's a far more livable daily driver than its crosstown competition. Wrestling the large, heavy doors open to gain access can be a challenge, however, and visibility suffers a bit like the rest.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　The controls consist of a combination of knobs and buttons that are large and easy to use. Some functions are tucked away in the touchscreen, but this interface is otherwise one of the easiest to use in the industry.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　The doors are large and open fully, allowing the potential for easy entry and exit. That said, the big doors are heavy and their size is a hindrance in tighter parking spaces. The handles are also a bit difficult to get a grip on. Rear-seat access is average for a muscle car.

　　

Driving position

7.0

　　The Challenger is big everywhere, including the dashboard and seats. The driving position can be adjusted to fit most drivers, but it feels a bit cramped when you move your seat toward the dashboard for better forward visibility. The driver's seat has both power and manual adjustments, which is a bit cumbersome.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　This cabin is the roomiest in the segment with lots of legroom and shoulder room up front. Headroom is a bit tight for taller passengers, but that's common for the class. The rear seat doesn't quite fit passengers of all sizes, but it is far bigger than that of competitors and offers three seats versus two. A family car!

　　

Visibility

6.5

　　Outward visibility is generally poor but typical for the segment. There are significant blind spots over both shoulders, and the windshield pillars obstruct forward sightlines more than your average vehicle. A large rearview camera display and a blind-spot monitor help considerably, but the rear camera resolution is very low.

　　

Quality

7.0

　　There were no squeaks or rattles to speak of in our test car, which felt like a well-built car. The interior design is a bit dated, however. The materials quality is decent for the Challenger's lower trim levels but gets harder to accept as you look at the more expensive models such as the R/T Scat Pack and Hellcat.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　While big American coupes aren't exactly perfect examples of utility, the Challenger easily leads the class throughout this category. You can legitimately fit children (or adults) in the back seat, and the trunk is massive compared to those of rivals.

　　

Small-item storage

7.5

　　There's decent small-item storage throughout the cabin, but the cupholders are right behind the gearshift, which is somewhat problematic with a manual transmission. The door pockets are small, with small bottle holders up front. In coupes this size, space is at a premium, but the Challenger uses what it has relatively well.

　　

Cargo space

9.0

　　The trunk opening is large, and its capacity blows the class away with a midsize sedan-like 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Mustang's and Camaro's are a lot smaller. The rear seatbacks fold in a 60/40 split for extra utility.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　The rear seat has three sets of lower LATCH anchors, so with the right seats you can fit the kids three-wide in the back. The anchors are buried a bit, and of course this is a two-door coupe, but this back seat is still far more versatile than those of the Challenger's direct rivals.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto accompanying the Challenger's already easy-to-use Uconnect system, this plug-and-play system is one of the best out there. It's very easy to use with multiple solutions for the same commands. Compared to the class, however, the interface looks a bit dated.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　While the Uconnect system may look similar to older iterations, it's one of the most user-friendly systems in the class. The base six-speaker sound system has adequate sound quality but doesn't bump as hard as we'd like. Navigation instructions are clear, and inputting an address or point of interest is relatively simple.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.0

　　Uconnect is one of the easiest systems on the market to use, and it has aged well. Quick smartphone connection, easy-to-understand controls and simple command structures make for easy, distraction-free driving. And if you don't like the Uconnect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard. The Driver Convenience package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. They worked well during our test without any false alerts.

　　

Voice control

8.5

　　The voice controls use a simple, easy-to-learn structure and take basic commands for the audio, navigation and hands-free calling. Connecting your smartphone makes things even more familiar.

　　

Which Challenger does zzdcar recommend?

　　As far as we're concerned, the 2019 Dodge Challenger wouldn't be the same without a V8. That's why we recommend the R/T, which is the entry-level trim packing eight cylinders. Even better, you won't feel as if you're missing out on much since there's a long list of options. That means you can specify the R/T to meet your particular tastes and budget.

　　

2019 Dodge Challenger models

　　The 2019 Dodge Challenger is a five-seat, two-door coupe that is available in seven major trim levels, most of which are further divided into several subtrims. Major trim levels include the SXT, GT, R/T, R/T 392, SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye. The SXT and the GT Challenger trims are powered by a V6. The others are driven by increasingly more powerful V8s, culminating in the 797-hp Redeye.

　　

Dodge Challenger SXT

First up is the SXT, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine (305 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque) matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver seat and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Tech features include Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports and a six-speaker sound system. The all-wheel-drive SXT upgrades to 19-inch wheels and upgraded brakes.

　　

Dodge Challenger GT

The GT employs the same V6 and expands on the SXT's feature list with 20-inch wheels, the upgraded brakes, foglights, a hood scoop, rear parking sensors, remote ignition, a sport suspension, a performance steering system, more aggressively bolstered front seats, a sport steering wheel with shift buttons, and performance-related in-car apps. The all-wheel-drive GT reverts back to 19-inch wheels and loses the performance steering and sport suspension.

　　

Dodge Challenger R/T

The R/T is the least expensive way into a V8 Challenger, offering a 5.7-liter engine paired to either a six-speed manual transmission (375 hp, 410 lb-ft) or the eight-speed auto (372 hp, 400 lb-ft). In addition to the GT features, you get different 20-inch wheels, a chrome fuel filler door, upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential and an active sport exhaust.

　　

Dodge Challenger R/T 392

The R/T 392 gets an even larger 6.4-liter V8 (485 hp, 475 lb-ft) along with launch control, a line lock for drag strip burnouts, Brembo performance brakes (four-piston front and rear), a higher-performance sport-tuned suspension, configurable driving modes, special styling elements, a black fuel door, a rear spoiler, heated cloth sport seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the newest version of Uconnect, a Wi-Fi hotspot, additional performance-related in-car apps, premium speakers, and HD and satellite radio.

　　There are also variants of the above, such as the Plus, R/T T/A, R/T Scat Pack and R/T Shaker that add a few extra features, special styling or performance enhancements. A new R/T Scat Pack 1320 has drag racers in mind, with numerous mechanical upgrades and weight reductions. The rear seats have been removed but can be added back for only $1.

　　

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

The SRT Hellcat is all about raw speed, evidenced by its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (717 hp, 650 lb-ft). It's also equipped with unique exterior styling, a dual-snorkel hood, a sportier adaptive suspension, six-piston Brembo brakes, quad exhaust tips and interior ambient lighting. The R/T 392 and the Hellcat are eligible for the Widebody package that has fender flares to accommodate wider tires that improve the car's handling and grip.

　　

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

The new SRT Hellcat Redeye takes some inspiration from last year's Demon. The power output has been increased to ludicrous levels (797 hp, 707 lb-ft) and is only offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Most of the features found on the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trims as options. Other add-ons include a sunroof, exterior stripes and graphics, xenon headlights, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control (automatic transmission only), forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, ventilated seats, leather and/or faux suede upholstery, removal of the rear seat, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and an 18-speaker Harman Kardon premium surround-sound system.

　　A sunroof is optional on all Challenger trims, and new Hellcat buyers get a one-day course at an SRT Driving Experience school.

　　

2019 Challenger Highlights

Type: CoupeSRT HellcatR/T Scat PackSRT Hellcat RedeyeCoupe

　　Trim: SXTGTR/TR/T Scat PackSRT HellcatSRT Hellcat RedeyeSXT

　　

Base MSRP	$27,845
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$159/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles