2016 Dodge Challenger

As usual, there are a total of four engine options to choose from, starting with the tame V6 in the base model to the newly introduced supercharged V8 in the range-topping Hellcat model. Unfortunately, Dodge hasn’t updated the chassis even after all these years, and while the Challenger can keep up and even beat its competitors in a straight line, it’s left behind in the twisties. As usual, the Challenger continues to wage war with other pony cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, both of which received a complete generational update recently. The similarly priced Nissan 370Z is also a worthy rival for the Challenger.

Dodge has provided a sea of trims and configurations with the 2016 Challenger to choose from. However, the R/T and SRT badged trims will be reviewed separately. For today, we will be looking at the base two trims of the coupe, namely SXT and SXT Plus. It falls in a price range that extends from $26,995 for its base variant and goes up to $29,995 for its top-rack variant. Dodge has offered various comfort, entertainment, and safety features in both the trims for a decent experience. 

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Since we are only looking at the base two trims, which do not include all R/T and SRT badged options available in the lineup, we will advise you to pick the top-end SXT Plus trim as it offers more of everything when compared with the base trim. Although there is a difference of $3,000 between the two, the added number of features make the high-end trim a worthy option.

The 2016 Dodge Challenger is available with a total of 4 engine options, including three V8s paired to two transmission options. The base models get a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine producing 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque and are only available with 8-speed automatic transmission. For more performance, the V8 range starts with the 5.7L V8 producing 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Next in line is the 6.4L V8 engine belting out 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. However, the recently launched range-topping Hellcat model gets a fire-breathing supercharged 6.2L V8 engine producing an impressive 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. 

The base 3.6L V6 engine feels lethargic compared to more modern turbocharged units, taking over 6 seconds to reach 60 MPH and 14.5 seconds to cross the quarter-mile. The models equipped with the V8 engine offer a lot more performance and let out the signature growl associated with muscle cars. However, the base trims put up a strong competition when compared with the base trims of the rivals in the segment.

With its standard 3.6L V6 engine, the Challenger falls behind all of its rivals in terms of outright acceleration, taking more than 6 seconds to reach 60 MPH. The Nissan 370Z leads the pack, followed by the newly launched Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. When comparing the power output, Dodge manages to offer a better figure than the Camaro in the competition.

With a naturally aspirated V6 engine, the economy figures for the Challenger are average for its class, returning just 19 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highways. Combined with the 18.5-gallon fuel tank, the highway range is impressive at 555 miles. As expected with the more powerful V8 engines, economy figures are limited. The 5.7L unit in the R/T models returns 18 miles combined, while the more powerful SRT392 and Hellcat models are limited to just 17 and 16 MPG combined, respectively.

Compared to modern turbocharged engines found in both the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, the Challenger is limited in terms of city range. However, the Nissan 370Z is the least efficient of the bunch with a combined rating of just 21 MPG. When comparing the overall range of the coupes in comparison, the Chevrolet Camaro offers the most at 570 highway miles.

Like most muscle cars, the 2016 Dodge Challenger gets a retro-themed interior with plenty of design elements inspired by the 1970s era muscle cars. The center console is focused towards the driver with a centrally placed infotainment and a T-shaped gear lever that gels well with the overall design theme. Depending on the trim levels, Dodge offers plenty of design elements inside the cabin The Challenger also has an advantage in terms of interior space, thanks to the large footprint which makes it easily fit three adults in the second row. However, the Challenger lacks overall quality, and the cabin feels cheap in most areas with hard plastics used extensively.

When it comes to the comfort and convenience features inside, even the base model is well equipped with features like dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more. Being a performance car, even the higher trim levels don’t get much in the way of luxury. Trunk space is also impressive at 16.5 cubic feet, which is considerably larger than its immediate rivals. The 60/40 split rear seats can be folded to increase space even further.

Thanks to its large footprint and long wheelbase, the Challenger can easily seat 5 adults in comfort and offer plenty of cargo space. In comparison, both the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro can seat only 4 passengers with limited interior space, while the Nissan 370Z is limited to just 2 passengers. When comparing the cargo space, Dodge offers the most, followed by Ford, Chevy, and Nissan. Some standout interior features include:

• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Keyless entry
• Dual-zone climate control with rear vents
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats
• Leather upholstery

How intuitive is the 2016 Dodge Challenger’s infotainment unit?

For 2016, all models of the Challenger continue to get the capable Uconnect infotainment system. With an intuitive and slick interface, the system is easy to use. Although the small 5-inch display on the base models does limit the experience. Fortunately, the “Plus” and higher trims get a bigger 8.4-inch infotainment system which gets all the modern features like smartphone integration, voice commands, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and emergency communications. Dodge also offers navigation with the 8.4-inch system as an optional extra. An 18-speaker Harman Kardon system is also available as an option on the higher trims. Some standout features include:

• 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Satellite radio
• Bluetooth
• Smartphone app integration
• Voice control
• Navigation
• 18-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system

Although the Challenger received several facelifts over the years after its re-introduction in 2008, it still manages to look menacing and retains the signature muscle-car silhouette. With the unique halo LED running lights at the front and rectangular LED taillights at the rear, the Challenger retains the usual light profile. The blocky design is complemented by flared wheel arches and a straight shoulder line that rises to accommodate the rear wheels. There are 11 color options to choose from, including the new Plum Crazy paint. As always, Dodge offers plenty of exterior options for the Challenger, including several side and hood stripe options and a total of 10 unique wheel designs. Suffice to say, not two Challengers will look the same after going through the options list.

The 2016 Dodge Challenger still holds the crown as the biggest pony car on the market, measuring almost 200 inches in length and a wheelbase of 116.2 inches. Both the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang are a lot more compact in comparison, while the Nissan 370Z is the smallest with just 100 inches of wheelbase. When comparing the curb weight, Dodge is the heaviest option in the segment. Some notable exterior features include:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• LED “halo” running lights with bi-xenon automatic headlights
• Decklid spoiler
• Side and hood stripe packages
• Dual exit exhaust outlets
• Optional Hood intake scoop

Almost a decade since its launch, the Challenger continues to use the same LX platform with some minor updates to accommodate the 8-speed automatic transmission. Safety is impressive as the Challenger received a full 5-star safety rating in the NHTSA safety tests and a “Good” rating in most of the IIHS tests except the small overlap front test, where it managed only a “Marginal” rating. Apart from the standard safety features, optional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning are available as optional extras. Some notable standard safety features include:

• Active head restraints
• Enhanced accident response system
• Hill-start assist
• Rain brake support
• Ready alert braking
• Sentry key system

With the recently launched Hellcat model, the Challenger has become the most powerful pony car in the market. Unfortunately, because of the dated chassis and suspension setup, the Challenger falls behind in terms of handling compared to more modern rivals like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The spacious interior is also let down by low-grade plastics in most areas. However, the Challenger still manages to redeem itself with plenty of customizable options, a capable infotainment system, and a practical interior that can comfortably seat 5 adults. Overall, if you’re in the market for a practical and comfortable pony car that can put some supercars to shame on the drag strip, the 2016 Dodge Challenger is still an excellent contender in the segment.