2019 Dodge Challenger

Trim	SXT	GT
MSRP RWD	$27,295	$29,995
MSRP AWD	$30,295	$32,995
Key Features	18-Inch Satin Carbon Aluminum Wheels	20-Inch x 8-Inch Granite Crystal Aluminum Wheels
	Hydraulic Assist Brake Booster	Super Track Pak
	Rear Stabilizer Bar	Performance Brakes
	Premium Cloth Sport Seats	Power 6-Way Driver Seat
	Projector Headlamps	Automatic Projector Headlamps

We Recommend

The GT is the best available trim for the Challenger as it has better braking, leather wrapped performance steering, Super track pack and bigger wheels. It costs just $2700 more than the base trim but also offers better equipment and features

Engine and Transmission

The high-powered V6 with 3.6L engine displacement makes 305 horses and 268 pound-feet torque to the rear tires. The massive output defines the character as a purebred muscle car, waiting to burst off the line at the dab of the throttle. The cacophony of cracks and tumbles which resonates through the exhaust as the revs crescendo send shudders down the spine and the tire-shredding acceleration pushes you back into your seat.

However, the V6 under the hood still feels tame once you get a taste of the V8 in the R/T or the Hellcat, which makes the Challenger a real muscle car, and then the SXT would feel like a boulevard cruiser and not a drag strip demon, pun intended.

The 8-speed automatic transmission you find in this pony is smooth and functional like the ones you find in Ram pickups and Chrysler minivans, but nowhere near what you'd want in a muscle machine. You'll have to be patient for the torque to kick in at 4800 rpm unlike the Mustang or the Camaro where the torque comes in much earlier.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 2 Series 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
MSRP	$27,295	$25,845	$35,300	$25,500	$26,455
Engine	3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine	2.3L, Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine	2.0L Inline-4	2.0L Inline-4 Turbo engine	2.0-liter Boxer-4
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-speed manual	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Horsepower	305 hp @ 6350 rpm	310 hp @ 5500 rpm	248 hp @ 5200 rpm	275hp @ 5600	205 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque	268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm	350 ft-lbs. @ 3000 rpm	258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm	295lb.ft. @ 3000-4500	156 lbs.-ft. @ 6,400 rpm

The 2.3L EcoBoost inline-4 engine in the Ford Mustang relies in a turbocharger to make 310 horsepower, similar to the Camaro which comes with a tiny 2.0L engine. These forced inductions may give good numbers for power and economy, but unlike the naturally aspirated Challenger, they suffer the consequent turbo lag.

Acceleration

The Challenger is a ridiculously fast car, but for a muscle car it's rather docile, taking about 6.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, it turns heads, but rather slowly. The summer tires give great grip as you pull away from intersections or stoplights, and help with its acceleration as well.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 2 Series 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
0-60 MPH	6.3 sec	5.0	5.3 sec	5.4 sec	6.2 sec*
Quarter mile	14.8 sec	13.0 sec	12.7	14 second	15 sec*
Engine	3.6 Liters	2.3L	2.0 Liters	2.0 Liters	2.0 Liters
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)		7.1			7.4

The Mustang is the quickest pony in the stable and gets you to 60 miles an hour in 5 seconds flat. Camaro coupe and the 2-series Bimmer follow with 5.4 and 5.3 seconds on the clock, leaving the Challenger playing catch up; clearly brute force is not everything.

Ride and Handling

The weighted steering is delightful when handling the Challenger on the track, but might seem like a chore on daily drives. Feedback from the road is not as appreciable as you would've wanted, but maneuverability through tight spaces isn't a huge challenge, despite the hefty size.

Going around corners my tip over your coffee with the pronounced body roll, which you could solve if you equip the Super Trak Pack and get the sport suspension upgrade. The pedal responsiveness mimics the drive mode, fine-tuned to suit your need. The R/T and SRT have firm suspension, but just shy of a harsh ride, improving the body roll by a mile.

Braking

The brake pedal is grilled medium-rare, to suit everyone's palette, firm enough to work well on the tracks and tender when you're cruising through the city. For maximum flavor, Dodge has given the Challenger meaty 12.6-inch discs on both the front and rear wheels, which stop the hefty muscle car from 70 mph in 176 feet. Seasoning with the summer tires was a good move for Dodge.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 2 Series 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	12.6	12.3	12.6	11.6
Brake Rear (in.)	12.6	12.6	11.4	12.4	11.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3894	3532	3411	3354	2776
60-0 MPH (ft.)	104	106	113	93	120

Tested for 60 mph to 0, despite being lighter the rival coupes need more tarmac than the Challenger. Taking 104 feet to stop, the BMW 2-series is just slightly ahead, with 113 feet on the measure, while the Mustang and Camaro have their reputation at stake, requiring almost 130 feet to stop.

3.6L naturally aspirated engine is not a recipe you'd want to see if you were on a diet - this dish needs a lot of oil. Delivering just 19 miles to the gallon in the city and a decent 30 miles to the gallon, which is quite good considering there's also a V8 on offer.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 2 Series 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
MPG (city)	19	21	24	22	21
MPG (highway)	30	31	35	31	28
MPG (combined)	23	25	28	25	24

The BMW 2-series is the best among the rivals which can run up to 35 miles on a single gallon of fuel, while the Camaro and Mustang are marginally ahead with 31 on the highways and 21 in the city, a bigger jump in mileage would've been appreciated since they have relatively smaller displacement engines.

Seating and Comfort

The main highlight for the Challenger's cabin is the driver-focussed interior. Despite the firm ride, the plush seats and great sound deadening makes the SXT quite habitable for a sports car. The driver's seats are supportive and bolstered well to keep you in place as you corner with those high G-forces. The large size translates to immense passenger and interior capacity, adding to the list of practicality and daily driveability.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 2 Series 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
Passenger capacity	4	4	4	4	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/58.5/42	37.6/56.3/44.5	40.1/54.4/41.5	38.5/TBD/43.9	37.1/54.5/41.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/53.9/33.1	34.8/52.2/30.6	36.5/53.4/33.0	NA	35.0/51.7/29.9

The rear seats are accommodating for up to three adults unlike the Camaro and the Mustang which suffer from cramped rear, suitable for young adolescents at best. Equipping the sunroof makes the rear seats short on headroom. The wide pillars make the visibility rather dodgy, speckled with blind spots, but the rearview camera cuts you some slack while parking.

Infotainment System

Dodge has given the Challenger the best in class UConnect infotainment system, in terms of user-friendliness and convenience. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, smartphone integration is easy and makes the driving experience free from distractions. The 8.4-inch touch panel with navigation and 9-speaker surround system are, however, optional extras.

Cargo Capacity

The Challenger coupe flaunts a trunk size large enough to give the Charger sedan a run for its money. Comparable to a mid-size sedan, the 16.2 cubic feet cargo space blows the competition like Mustang and the Camaro out of the water.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 2 Series 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	16.2	13.5	13.8	9.1	6.7

With a large opening to put luggage through and a low loading and unloading height, the trunk is ergonomically commendable. You can fold down the 60/40 split rear bench to further increase the storage space.

Design and Dimensions

With the stunning dual-snorkel shaker hood scoop, this year it's not just the Mustang Bullitt the muscle to go retro, the 70's inspired styling with a deep set grille, round headlamps, and the sloping roofline. Unlike the upper trims, the SXT doesn't get the widebody treatment, but kept side-by-side with the slender ponies and sleek coupes, the gargantuan proportions of the Challenger is quite apparent. Meanwhile, the Challenger is heavier, wider, longer and taller than the rivals in this segment.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 2 Series 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
Curb weight (lbs.)	3894	3532	3411	3354	2,776
Length(in)	197.9	188.5	174.7	188.3	166.7
Width(in)	75.7	75.4	69.8	74.7	69.9
Height(in)	57.5	54.3	55.8	53.1	50.6
Ground clearance (in)	5.2	NA	5.5	TBD	4.9
Wheelbase (in)	116.2	107.1	105.9	110.7	101.2
Track width (in) F/R	63.4/63.8	62.3/64.9	59.9/61.3	62.5/63.7	59.8/60.6

The base model Challenger does not get a really long list of features like the Ford gives the EcoBoost, however the features are adequately functional and get the job done. The features are:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control...
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3...
• ParkView Back-Up Camera

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control...
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3...
• ParkView Back-Up Camera

Dodge Challenger SXT vs Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Mustang with a 2.3L turbocharged engine would be laughed at in the 70s, but if you knew it could do a 60 in 5 seconds flat, you'd be grasping for your seatbelts. The 310 hp EcoBoost engine makes more power than the naturally aspirated V6 that the Challenger. That said, there is no other arena in which the Mustang beats the Challenger, be it practicality, tech or comfort. If you're still drooling after the Mustang, save up and get the Mustang GT with the 5.0L Coyote V8 instead.

Dodge Challenger SXT vs BMW 230i

The odd-one-out is the BMW from Germany, competing against the American Muscle on its own, the base model 2-series comes with a 2.0L engine producing merely 248 hp compared to the 300+ from the Challenger. However, the tiny powerplant is enough to take the 230i from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds - a full second faster than the Dodge. For the 10 grand extra, you get better interior, better tech, more safety features and a better handling coupe that performs well on the drag strip.

Dodge Challenger SXT vs Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevy coupe is a small muscle pony which comes with a 2.0L engine, despite that, it keeps up with the giants like the Mustang and the Challenger on the drag strip. It has nimble handling and the size benefits maneuverability through tight spots. The hefty Challenger on the other hand, puts its naturally aspirated V6 to work, propelling it to 60 in 6.3 seconds. In terms of practicality and seating capacity, the Challenger is far ahead, with rear seats that are actually usable and a trunk which can carry real luggage. In essence, the Challenger is a better pony for your garage.

The Dodge Challenger SXT with its V6 engine produces mammoth torque which takes the performance of this muscle to a whole nother level. Meanwhile, the passenger as well as cargo capacity is a notch above the rest. With the best infotainment you'd find in a modern muscle, an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen and the UConnect interface, the only one to match the Challenger is the BMW 230i. If its a capable muscle car you're looking for, but need the practicality along with that, the Challenger SXT and the GT are the perfect muscle on a budget.