The 2023 Dodge Challenger is making a determined effort to stay true to its roots without sacrificing power for improved handling. Every 2023 Dodge Challenger has unmatched horsepower and holds nothing back in terms of stylistic points, giving buyers a run down memory lane about what it meant to own a muscle car in the early 2000s.
However, given its unflinching attitude towards high horsepower, the 2023 Dodge Challenger can be atrociously difficult to handle. Buyers should be extra cautious when getting behind the wheel lest they want to give their car an instant facelift.
Trims and Which One to Buy
The SCT Coupe has a relatively fair market price of under $40,000 with a horsepower of around 303 hp. Meanwhile, the fully decked-out SRT Super Stock, starting at just under $116,000, may be the preferred option for enthusiasts who want to hold nothing back in terms of horsepower. The SRT Super Stock clocks in at a whopping 807 hp, which makes short work of most muscle cars out there.
However, if you want to strike the middle ground between power and price, then R/T may be right up your alley with a respectable horsepower of around 372 hp and a price point of $46,000.
Engine and Performance
The 2023 Dodge Challenger is powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V6 that can easily eke out 303 hp. It comes default with the SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD trims. The 372 hp 5.7 L V8 powers all the R/T variants.
For those who want unyielding power, the supercharged SRT Hellcat with its 6.2L Hemi is the way to go because it maxes out at 717 hp. For even crazier power, look at the Redeye Widebody Jailbreak, capable of a whopping 807 hp. All engines are paired with an 8-speed ZF auto.
Although the sheer power of the Dodge Challenger may sound like quite a ‘challenge’ to motorists, the car seems to be easy to handle comfortably by any responsible driver with some driving experience under their belt.
Because of the powerful engine, drivers can access power in any gear regardless of the speed. For example, the R/T Scat Pack Widebody, with its manual transmission, can reach from 0 to 60 mph in just under 5 seconds. Although this is relatively quick, it is a tiny bit slower than most muscle cars.
Even more impressive is the braking force of the Challenger, with a stopping distance of about 100 feet at a speed of 60 mph. This is a remarkable performance for the Challenger, given its sheer size.
The difficulty of handling the Dodge Challenger comes with the territory. It is, after all, a massive car, and in-town maneuvering will remain tough. But the Dodge Challenger does phenomenally well on the open road. It is also fairly capable of handling the curvy roads. Try not to drive it like a small sports car, and you should do just fine.
The Interior of the 2023 Dodge Challenger
The Challenger features your typical interior expected of a muscle car with a simplistic design that doesn’t veer too far off the 1970s era. Compared to other muscle cars, the Dodge feels more spacious, and adult passengers may be able to use the back seat. Proponents may complain that the rubber materials feel like old vinyl instead of premium plastic with poor rear visibility.
The front seats on the Challenger are more comfortable, especially at higher speeds. There is plenty of space in the Challenger, and you can toss in several bags of luggage without worrying about running out of space. You can also fold the back seats down to toss in even more of your items.
The Challenger features a big center console bin with a useful position for a smartphone.
The Difference Between the 2022 and 2023 Dodge Challenger
There are no major differences between the 2022 and 2023 Challenger besides the unique decal and various visual overhauls. For example, all 2023 Challengers come with an aluminum Last Call badge under the hood. Moreover, the Shakedown version of the Challenger features various alterations compared to its standard trims.
Infotainment and Safety Features
The Challenger features the popular Uconnect infotainment system that is relatively easy to use. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard.
In terms of safety, the muscle coupe comes with driver assistance technology, but motorists who want something more advanced may need to look elsewhere. Key safety features of the car include the following:
- Automatic high beams (available)
- Adaptive cruise control (available)
- Blind-spot monitoring (available)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (available)
The Challenger Is in its Final Days
It should be noted that Dodge is finally saying goodbye to the Challenger coupe after having revived it way back in 2008 and has paid tribute to the muscle car. The Challenger is all set to be phased out by 2024 and may be replaced by an all-electric performance car that Dodge has mentioned in passing.
Whatever the future holds for the Challenger brand, it is clear that Dodge is on its way to retiring the much-celebrated coupe with the 2023 Challenger.
Warranty
The Challenger features average warranties for the powertrain. It doesn’t provide any complimentary scheduled maintenance, unlike its rivals BMW and Chevrolet. Buyers will get the following in terms of warranty:
- A limited warranty that covers three years or the first 36,000 miles, whichever comes first
- Powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first
Wrapping Up
With the 2023 Dodge Challenger, it appears that the classic era of the gas-guzzling muscle cars is almost at an end. There aren't any muscle cars out on Canadian roads, so you’re bound to turn heads when you roll in with the Challenger.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger pays tribute to muscle cars without compromising anything in terms of power and style. But it may not be ideal for most motorists, given that handling leaves much to be desired. Come visit Cranbrook Dodge here in Cranbrook, BC and we'll be happy to answer any questions you have!
