2018 Dodge Challenger R/T Coupe

With a $34,295 valuation, the 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T comes standard with a 5.7 L V8 HEMI VVT engine. This V8 is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. You get a choice in both the engine and transmission, however, it is only offered in rear-wheel-drive.

No Challenger can survive without testing its muscle against a Camaro and Mustang. The Chevrolet Camaro SS and Ford Mustang Fastback GT take up arms against the Dodge Challenger R/T this year. While the competition’s V8 is more powerful, the R/T propel more on comfort and ease of use.

The lesser known cousin of the Hellcat and the Demon, Dodge R/T is available in two trims, the R/T, and R/T Scat Pack. The duo gets a signature matte finish wrapped over the hood, roof, and the wings. Also, they share a similar air intake system installed with inboard headlights. The bigger engine in the Scatpack package adds an additional 110 horses to the engine vault. Both trims get an option for the MSD VVT engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. Apart from that Dodge offers the R/T in a dozen vivid color options.

 

Trim	R/T	R/T Scat Pack
MSRP	$34,295	$38,995
Key Features	Automatic Projector Headlamps Center High-Mount Stop Lamp "Challenger Grille" Badge "Challenger" Script Grille Badge "HEMI" Fender / Hood Badge Humidity Sensor Illuminated Cup Holders Interior Assist Handles Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob 60 / 40 Split Rear Folding Seat Active Head Restraints Power 4-Way Driver Lumbar Adjust	Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control Automatic Projector Headlamps Center High-Mount Stop Lamp Front Fog Lamps Anti-Lock Brakes Brake Assist Hydraulic Assist Brake Booster Floor Carpet Gloss Black Instrument Cluster Trim Rings Headliner Module Hectic Mesh Interior Bezels

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Though the Dodge Challenger TA is a sweet deal on its own, buying the high performing TA 392 is the better choice. By adding a little more dough you get a taste of 485 horsepower and a multitude of valuable features.

Charting a decidedly different course than the Mustang and Camaro, the Dodge Challenger is a touring coupe with unmatched bravado- The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

Dodge's diverse engine lineup will bombard you with big numbers and never-ending customizations, this also means you can pinpoint just the right trim. Away from the mad power in the SRT and the Demon, the R/T's humble 5.7L V8 engine muster enough ponies for daily commuting. This V8 can be paired to either a 6-speed automatic or 8-speed automatic transmission. The standard power plant generates a 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, while the Scatpack hiding a 6.4L V8 engine punches out 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

Apart from the change in power dynamics, the duo receives a standard Mopar Conical Air Filter and a sports exhaust for the legendary Dodge roar on hard revving.

Models	Dodge Challenger R/T	Chevrolet Camaro 1SS	Ford Mustang Fastback GT	Nissan 370Z
MSRP	$34,295	$41,280	$33,255	$32,043
Engine	5.7 LV8 HEMI	5.7L Premium Unleaded V8	5.0L Premium Unleaded V-8	3.7L Premium Unleaded V-6
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	7-speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	7-speed automatic
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5250	455 hp @ 6000	460 hp @7000	332 @ 7000
Torque	410 lb-ft @ 4300	455 lb-ft @ 4400	420 lb-ft @ 4600	270 @ 5200

Priced at $33,336, the Dodge Challenger R/T falls on the economic side of the muscle car armory. Though it boldly features a V8 engine it lacks the necessary power to compete. Its archenemies, the Camaro and the Mustang both feature over 450 horsepower.

Acceleration

As you fire up the engine and nail down the accelerator the Challenger gains its stunning speed and old school drag racer attitude. Furthermore, when the muscle hits the road and starts to gain speed, it reaches a 60 mph acceleration in 5.1 seconds. Not just that, it makes the quarter mile light in 13.7 seconds. Unlike its competitive relative, the R/T doesn't attract a lot of attention while accelerating.

Models	Dodge Challenger R/T	Chevrolet Camaro SS	Ford Mustang Fastback GT	2018 Nissan 370Z
0-60 MPH	5.1 sec	4 seconds	4.3 sec	5.2 sec
Quarter mile	13.7 sec	12.4 seconds	12.9 sec	13.7 sec
Engine	5.7L	5.7L	5.0L	5.7L
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.8`	9.3	9.8	8.4

Though the Dodge Challenger can propel to the speed of 60 in just 5 seconds there are others who can bet its performance. Both the Camaro and the Mustang dash off in 4 seconds to achieve a similar speed. Even for the quarter mile contest the Chevrolet Camaro's 12.4 second and the Ford Mustang's 12.9 seconds beat the Challenger RT big time.

Ride and Handling

Unlike its aggressive cousins, the R/T comes with a manageable power. It functions well under its sweet spot but turns sour when pressed more. The firm suspension might compromise with comfort a little and the bulky body is prone to body roll on hard turns. The steering is to the point and responsive though and so is the gas pedal. You get the Super Track Pack as a standard feature which drops the ride height by an inch and comes installed with Bilstein shocks, three-mode stability controls, sport-tuned suspension, and high-performance brakes.

The Bilstein shocks play its part and soak up the small shocks but it feels helpless against the broken roads and rough pavement. The handling is decent but the lack of power and its inability to cut corners isn't taking it anywhere.

Braking

Those big muscles on the Challenger carry a lot of weight, hence the R/T is considerably heavier than its adversaries. The high-performance brakes are backing the 12.6-inch front and 13.6 inch rear brakes. Though the lack of data restrains a full deduction of its breaking but taking note for the previous years performance it will hold up just fine. Also, the all-season performance tires keep the road traction in check.

Model	Dodge Challenger R/T	Chevrolet Camaro 1SS	Ford Mustang Fastback GT	2018 Nissan 370Z
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	N/A	13	13.8
Brake Rear (in.)	13.6	N/A	13.9	14
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4190	3956	3705	3386
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	93	N/A	N/A

The Dodge Challenger is the heaviest car in the lot which makes it prone to body rolls and limits its hard turning prowess. The Camaro weighs at 3,956 pounds and the Mustang weigh much less, 3,705 pounds to be exact. The braking distance was unavailable for this muscle car trio, so a proper analysis for its braking was not possible.

A good employee finds a balance between efficiency and effectiveness, The Challenger R/T is not a good employee. Other cars in the competition are no sage either, fuel economy is the last thing you can expect from this class. It might not save a lot in the city with its 15 mpg mileage but on the highway, the car sings a different story entirely. The 23 MPG of city mileage stands on par with other muscle cars in the market.

Model	Dodge Challenger R/T	Chevrolet Camaro 1SS	Ford Mustang Fastback GT	2018 Nissan 370Z
MPG (city)	15	16	15	18
MPG (highway)	23	25	24	21
MPG (combined)	18	19	18	26

The pony cars have evolved from its fuel-sipping habits. Both the Mustang and the Challenger feature the same ergonomic numbers while the Camaro delivers a tad more. The three remains parallel for the majority of the time and doesn't share a sense of competition here.

The Challenger is a king among coupes with its class-leading passenger and cargo space. It's a far more livable daily driver than its coupe/muscle-car competition. Wrestling the large doors open to gain access can be a challenge, however- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Challenger's badass image has always overshadowed its efforts of making things comfortable. Thought that's a past narrative, today's Challenger is quite impressive for a muscle car. The sport-tuned suspension contains the small bumps with ease, however, shocks from large bumps are clearly felt inside the cabin. Otherwise, the seats are roomy and offer a generous level of comfort. Getting in and out of the big doors is easy and access to the rear seats is better than its rivals. While cruising on the highway there is little to no road noise penetrating inside the cabin, making it a quieter ride.

The north of the cabin gets a well-padded armrest and supportive seats with 39.2 inches of headroom space and 42 inches of legroom. The rear cabin gets easy access with 37.1 inches of headroom space and 33 inches legroom space. You get an option for standard cloth and leather seats.

Model	Dodge Challenger R/T	Chevrolet Camaro 1SS	Ford Mustang Fastback GT	2018 Nissan 370Z
Passenger capacity	5	4	4	2
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/58.5/42	38.4/55/43.9	37.6/56.3/44.5	38.2/54.4/42.9
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/53.9/33.1	N/A	34.8/52.8/30.6	N/A

The front cabin on the trio features a similar sense for comfort, the major difference lies in the rear seats. Furthermore, the Mustang's rear seating is inches shorter than that of the Challenger R/T.

Infotainment

The Challenger features a 7-inch infotainment screen installed with Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system. All buttons and nobs are big and easy to use, however, some features are limited to the infotainment screen. Otherwise, an options 8.4-inch infotainment screen comes optional for the Challenger R/T. Other standard features list

Interior Features

• Power Windows with Front One-Touch-Down Feature
• Rear Window Defroster
• Speed Sensitive Power Locks
• 160-MPH Primary Speedometer
• 7.0-Inch Reconfigurable Cluster
• Bright Pedals
• Dark Brushed II Interior Accents
• Floor Carpet
• Gloss Black Instrument Cluster Trim Rings
• Headliner Module
• Instrument Panel
• Humidity Sensor
• Illuminated Cup Holders
• Interior Assist Handles

Cargo Capacity

Other than the titanic hood in the front, the Challenger R/T also features a large cargo bay. The inspiring 16.2 cubic feet of cargo has a large opening and can swallow all your luggage without breaking a sweat. And not just that, you can further expand the cargo with a 60/40 split configuration to harbor much bigger objects. Inside the cabin, you enjoy a lot of cabin utility on the center console.

Model	Dodge Challenger R/T	Chevrolet Camaro 1SS	Ford Mustang Fastback GT	2018 Nissan 370Z
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	16.2	7.3	4.4	N/A

No other muscle car in this price range dares to compete with Challenger. You get the gigantic 16.2 cubic feet which have raised the bar for the competition. The Chevrolet Camaro's 7.3 cubic feet of trunk volume is nowhere near to the Challenger. The Mustang drops down even more with a 4.4 cubic feet trunk.

This is a cool-looking car, one that successfully fights the urge to be overly old-fashioned and remains sleek and modern with a timeless appeal and the masculine swagger of an MMA champion. And if that swagger isn't enough you can also get some of the bright colors with the fun names from back in the day- KBB

Dimensions and Weight

In the world of curvaceous car designs, the Challenger has stood the test of time pretty well. The long stretching hood, fat tires, and the matte finish all over the car restore the retro zest to the market. In so many years, of production, the Challenger R/T has stood the test of time well. Its more slender than its predecessors without losing muscle. Now you can personalize your Challenger with vivid paint jobs like the Go mango orange or wrap it yellow.

The fat body, swelled fenders, and long hood with the signature hood scoop, the Challenger is one big muscle. Its 197.9 inches long, 75.7 inches wide, and 57.5 inches tall.

Model	Dodge Challenger R/T	Chevrolet Camaro 1SS	Ford Mustang Fastback GT	2018 Nissan 370Z
Curb weight (lbs.)	4,190	3,956	3705	3386
Length(in)	197.9	188.3	188.3	167.5
Width(in)	75.7	74.7	75.4	72.6
Height(in)	57.5	52.90	54.4	51.8
Ground clearance (in)	5.2	N/A	5.3	4.8
Wheelbase (in)	116.2	110.7	107.1	100.4
Track width (in) F/R	63.4/63.8	63/62.9	62.3/64.9	60.6/61.6

The Challenger is the biggest pony in the lot, followed by the Chevrolet and Mustang at 188 inches of length. This also gives a longer wheelbase too. Other than that there is not much difference between the three.

Exterior Features

• Front and Rear Solar Control Glass
• Solar Control Glass
• R/T Bodyside Graphic
• R/T Spoiler Decal
• Automatic Projector Headlamps
• Center High-Mount Stop Lamp
• Front Fog Lamps
• Front Reading / Map Lamps
• Glove Box Lamp
• Illuminated Door Pull Handles
• Illuminated Entry
• LED Split Tail Lamps
• Projector Headlamps
• Rear Courtesy Lamps

The 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T has not yet been crash tested on the US soil. However, Dodge receives some active safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane assist, collision prevention and more. Its the same safety suit rendered by the Dodge Demon and Hellcat.

Safety Features

• All Speed Traction Control
• Daytime Running Lamps
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Start Assist
• ParkSense Rear Park-Assist System
• Security Alarm
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
• Compass Gauge
• Dual Note Electric Horns
• Front Passenger Seat Belt Alert
• Outside Temperature Display
• Keyless Go
• Remote Proximity Keyless Entry

 

 

Chevrolet Camaro SS

The Chevrolet Camaro SS boasts its incredible power and handling prowess, two things the Challenger R/T runs in scarcity. Even a fully equipped Challenger falls behind. The Camaro's interrupted vision and miniature boot limit its potential, also there is not much comfort inside the cabin. The Challenger's quite generous with the comfort part with no road noise on highway cruising, making it more of a gran touring monster than a bad street drag racer.

So, the buyers looking for comfort shall go for the Challenger TA and others demanding power might prefer the Camaro SS.

Ford Mustang Fastback GT

The Ford Mustang was revised in good faith. The refreshed model is lighter and more nimble for a muscle car. A comparison with the Dodge Challenger R/T first marks the difference in power. Honestly, the Challenger sells the muscle car vibe with the R/T more than the power and engine. The Mustang, on the other hand, has evolved from the body rolling big wheels to a civilized coupe.

Since both are similarly priced, the choice of car will largely depend on your preference of brand. If you need a practical daily driver by keeping the street attitude alive then the Challenger R/T is built for you and if raw power is what you want than the Mustang will serve you well.

Honestly, the challenger is a Gran touring coupe in the muscle car shell. It's more built to serve practicality then roaring or sprinting its way on the boulevard. The engine lacks the raw power like it's Demonish cousins but it gives it an edge to become an ideal daily driver.

The sports exhaust conveys the legendary V8 language, for what it's worth it delivers the muscle car persona without compromising comfort. While the big bands work towards the future, the Dodge Challenger demolish the innovation and run with the retro design, the other trims can pull off even more.