2023 Dodge Challenger Coupe

　　

2023 Dodge Challenger Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　Dodge revived the Challenger coupe way back in 2008, and though the retro-styled muscle car tribute has seen many upgrades over the years, it rides on one of the oldest vehicle platforms still sold as a "new" car. The current Challenger, along with its Charger sedan sibling, is due to be phased out by 2024, possibly replaced by the new all-electric performance car Dodge has teased. Whatever the brand has in store for the iconic nameplate, this generation is finally coming to an end, and the 2023 Dodge Challenger begins the process of winding things down.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$160/mo  for Challenger SXT

　　Challenger SXT

　　SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $31,100 MSRPSXT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,100 MSRPGT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,400 MSRPGT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,400 MSRPR/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M) - $39,940 MSRPR/T Scat Pack 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M) - $46,400 MSRPR/T Scat Pack Widebody 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M) - $52,395 MSRPSRT Hellcat Jailbreak 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $70,590 MSRPSRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $76,590 MSRPSRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak 2dr Coupe w/Prod. End 04/23 (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $78,640 MSRPSRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak 2dr Coupe w/Prod. End 04/23 (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $84,640 MSRPSRT Super Stock 2dr Coupe w/Prod. End 04/23 (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $86,645 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Though the 2023 Dodge Challenger is known for producing obscene amounts of horsepower from the most aggressive versions, the lineup starts with a still powerful but less conspicuous 303-horsepower V6 in the base SXT and GT. From there, things only get spicier as every other model gets a V8 engine. Near the top of the range is the 717-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat and its even more potent variants, the Hellcat Redeye, SRT Super Stock and new SRT Demon 170.

　　The SRT Demon 170 is part of a series of "Last Call" special editions released throughout the model year. Most of them just have cosmetic differences but the Demon 170 is truly special. It's effectively an updated version of the original Demon sold for 2018. This new 170 produces 880 horsepower on 91 octane pump gas. The numbers climb to 900 hp and 810 lb-ft of torque on E10 (pump fuel containing a 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol blend) before maxing out at 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque with 85% ethanol race fuel. And what does this get you? Oh, just 0-60 mph in a Dodge-claimed 1.66 seconds and an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 8.9 seconds at 151.1 mph.

　　It seems like a pretty great way to go out on top. While we're sad to see the Challenger go, we know it's time to move on. Read our Expert Rating below for our test team's full report on the final year of the Challenger.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Challenger drive? The Challenger is always a hoot to drive. With the 6.4-liter V8, power is readily available in any gear at almost any speed. We tested the R/T Scat Pack Widebody with the manual transmission. Zero to 60 mph took just 4.9 seconds at the zzdcar test track. It's properly quick but slower than other modern muscle cars by a few tenths. Braking is strong. Our test Challenger stopped from 60 mph in 105 feet, a short distance for such a big vehicle.

　　The Dodge's beefy size makes in-town maneuvering a bit tough, but it's a champ out on the open road. The Challenger is pretty capable on curvy roads too. Well, as long as you don't try driving it like a nimble sports car. Its mass and weight become readily apparent if you try to drive quickly through tight turns.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Challenger? Our test vehicle, with the Widebody package, had a stiffer adaptive suspension than even the standard R/T Scat Pack, but it didn't ruin the ride. Highway ride quality is very good, and seat comfort is near the top of the class. A relatively quiet cabin helps make this a nice place to be for long rides.

　　Dual-zone climate control is standard on the R/T and it maintains the desired cabin temp well. The climate is controlled via the touchscreen or knobs and buttons directly behind the shifter. Our test car had the optional heated and ventilated front seats. The seat heating works well, but the ventilation could be more effective.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below