2011 Dodge Challenger

The 2011 Dodge Challenger is a reliable muscle machine with the best EPA figures among its key competitors. It gets different engine options in all of its three trims with specs getting better as moving up to higher-end models.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger is available in 3 trims with the base SE trim powered by a V6 and the other two with a V8 engine. The other two being R/T and SRT8 392 are performance variants and will be reviewed separately. The base model is priced at $24,895 and offers a decent list of standard features like 18-inch alloy wheels, Remote ignition, Automatic climate control, 8-way power driver’s seat, Cruise control, and much more. While the SRT8 priced at $42,780 gets added on to the standard base features like xenon headlamps, 20-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, and upgraded brakes and suspensions. 

Although the top trim is ridiculously priced higher than the base trim, it offers the largest V8 engine in the lineup; thus better performance figures and that many premium features that buyers would love to have in their vehicle.

We Recommend

All the trims of the Dodge Challenger on offer are quite impressive and offer an attractive add-on along with a better engine as we go up to the higher end. The base SE trim with the new V6 engine earns our recommendation due to its value for the money features list.

The base model of the 2011 Dodge Challenger coupe gets a 3.6L V6 engine that churns out 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of net torque. The R/T and SRT8 trim feature a V8 motor with different capacities. The engine under the hood of R/T is a 5.7L V8 while the SRT8 gets a larger, 6.4L V8 engine. The 5.7L V8 churns out 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of net torque and the 6.4L V8 engine offered in SRT8 gives out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft net torque. The coupe comes standard with a rear-wheel-drive system and a 5-speed automatic system. 

In terms of driving experience, the base engine is quite powerful but not the first choice of any performance enthusiast. The base model is all about offering a street-style muscle coupe at a price many can afford. People who prioritize a muscle machine with impressive performance specs love the SRT8 which is strong and quick along with its robust exhaust sound which pretty much suits the Challenger.

Looking at the numbers, the Challenger SE sits at the bottom of the list as its other competitors offer better figures. The 370Z offers the best performance specs producing 332hp among the lot with Camaro following up closely. Although priced much higher, the 370Z gets a larger engine and tops the 0-60mph taking 5.6 seconds and the quarter-mile section in 13.6 seconds with grace. Even the 2011 Mustang clocks similar timings. All the key competitors of Dodge Challenger get a 6-speed gearbox while it gets a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

With the V6 engine, the 2011 Dodge Challenger returns an EPA of 18 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The 5.7L V8 engine offers better performance but takes a toll on EPA figures and returns 16 mpg in the city and 25 on highways, while the SRT8 returns 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Even though the automatic transmission models get FuelSaver cylinder deactivation technology the fuel economy isn’t that great as the V8 models are thirsty, as expected from a muscle car.

The 2011 Ford Mustang and Chevrolet offer the best MPG in the segment of 22 MPG, which is better than what the Dodge Challenger has to offer. Apart from the Mustang, all the other key competitors offer similar tank capacity to the Dodge. However, with a range of 551 highway miles, it is the Camaro that leads the segment, while the Mustang and Nissan 370Z assume lower positions. 

The 2011 Dodge Challenger offers seating for 5 passengers which is its USP in the segment. The cabin sports a vintage look, is well crafted with premium materials, and gets supportive front seats that are suitable for long rides. In front, the cabin feels spacious which is wider than its other competitors but the space in the rear feels a bit compromised. The ambient noise levels inside the cabin are pretty decent as it’s pretty well sealed but still some road and wind noise finds its way inside the cabin. You also get a 60/40 seat folding back with the 2011 Challenger and the cargo space offered is the largest among other rivals in the segment. 

Along with the available leather interior, the 2011 Challenger also gets LED lighting, cup holders, a hand-stitched leather-trimmed shift knob, and standard climate control. Opting for the Rallye package gets you leather upholstery and heated front seats. Most of the premium creature comforts are reserved for the R/T and SRT8 trims. The bolstering in the SRT8 is pretty impressive and better as compared to other trims. The cargo space offered is pretty decent with 16.2 cubic feet of storage capacity. 

Challenger is also the one that offers a maximum passenger capacity of 5 passengers. The front row is the most spacious with plenty of head and shoulder room. As for the rear seats, the Dodge is the one with maximum space and offers considerably better space at the back. The Nissan that can seat two passengers only also lags in cargo capacity having a trunk volume of just 6.9 cubic feet. Some of the standout interior features are:

• Cloth upholstery
• Bucket seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Steering wheel controls
• Heated front seats(optional)
• Leather upholstery (optional)

How intuitive is the 2011 Dodge Challenger’s infotainment unit?

The audio interface of the 2011 Challenger isn’t very user-friendly and takes time to get used to it, although the material quality is pretty decent. Along with this the Navigation system also feels a bit complex. The vehicle comes with standard features like a 6-speaker sound system, CD Player in the base trim, and a handsome list of available features that are also on offer like Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and iPod interface. Some of the standout infotainment features include:

• AM/FM Stereo
• MP3 Player
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 13-speaker surround sound system(optional)
• Satellite Radio(optional)
• iPod interface(optional)

The 2011 Dodge Challenger boasts a plain and sophisticated design. The vehicle gets huge 18-inch alloy wheels and a crisp shoulder-line crease runs on the side of the vehicle that adds a touch of interest to an uncluttered side. The horizontal grille in the front along with the rear fascia gives it an aggressive retro look. 

Exclusive to the SRT8 it gets add-on like carbon-fiber-look trim and xenon headlamps. The vehicle doesn’t get MOPAR accessory even as an option though buyers can opt for it through their dealership.

In the segment, the 2011 Challenger is the heaviest and has a curb weight of 3,834 lbs and the Nissan 370Z is the lightest weighing 3232 lbs. The Dodge on the other hand is the tallest. In terms of external dimensions, the Nissan 370Z is the smallest of the lot and the Dodge overpowers all of its competitors. It also carries an old-school design that is liked by many with adequate ground clearance of 5.2 inches. The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro also look on par with competitors and have muscularity to their design. That said, some standout exterior features are:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless entry
• Automatic headlamps(optional)
• Fog Lamps(optional)
• Rear spoiler(optional)

The 2011 Dodge Challenger is offered with a decent package of standard safety features. As standard, it gets Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, and a side curtain bag. 

About the safety tests, the 2011 Challenger hasn’t been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA. The structurally related Dodge Charger has been crash-tested by IIHS and earned top scores in the test in almost all categories which pretty much assures us about the safety offered by the Challenger. That said, some of the standout safety features include:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Anti-lock brakes
• Front side airbags
• Curtain side airbags
• Hill Start Assist(optional)

The performance specs of the 2011 Dodge Challenger might not be at par with its other competitors but stands strong in the lineup. Its aggressive looks and bold road presence surely turn a lot of eyeballs on the roads. It is an affordable muscle car that offers plenty of features in the base trim. For someone looking for a muscle car at an affordable price, the Challenger is a good choice for them.