“I was so happy with my TRX that a close friend bought one because of me raving about it so much.”
Dodge Challenger: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Dodge Challenger is a five-seat muscle coupe known for retro styling, a roomy cabin, and a wide performance range. Its lineup stretches from everyday V6 models, including AWD versions in later years, to powerful V8 and drag-focused specials.
The modern Challenger stayed true to the old-school muscle-car formula throughout its 2008-2023 run: bold styling, a big coupe body, and an emphasis on straight-line power. Unlike many performance coupes, it also made room for five seats and useful luggage space. Updates improved the engines, handling, cabin, and technology, but the basic character remained familiar from beginning to end.
Strengths
- Its large cabin and useful trunk make it easier to live with than many performance coupes.
- The lineup covers an unusually wide range, from relaxed V6 daily drivers to supercharged and drag-focused factory specials.
- Later V6 models with all-wheel drive are better suited to four-season use than the traditional rear-wheel-drive versions.
- The retro shape gives the Challenger a clear identity that remained consistent throughout its long modern production run.
- The major 2015 update gave later cars a more modern cabin and touchscreen system without changing their old-school character.
Who it's for
The Challenger suits someone who wants a used performance coupe with plenty of visual character but does not want to give up everyday space. V6 and later AWD versions make the most sense for regular commuting, while the many V8 models fit buyers who care more about sound, acceleration, and traditional muscle-car character.
Dodge Challenger lineup
Pick the SXT for the Challenger’s roomy coupe shape and everyday V6 manners without paying for a V8. The GT is the sportier V6 alternative and, beginning in 2017, became the key all-wheel-drive Challenger, though rear-wheel-drive GT models followed. Step up to the R/T for the traditional 5.7-liter V8 experience, or to the R/T Scat Pack for the stronger 6.4-liter V8 introduced under that name in 2015; Widebody versions add a broader stance and more grip. The supercharged SRT Hellcat family sits above them, with Redeye models adding more power and Jailbreak versions emphasizing factory personalization in the final years. Super Stock and Demon models are the specialized choices for buyers focused on drag-strip performance rather than normal daily use.
Dodge Challenger generations
From 2009 to 2023, the Challenger spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2008.
3rd Generation (2008–2023)
This is the retro-styled Challenger coupe that grew from a limited SRT8 launch model into a broad range of V6, V8, Hellcat, and drag-focused versions. Major updates in 2011 and 2015 changed the engines, road manners, cabin, technology, and automatic transmission without starting a new generation.
409 In Stock
2023Trim changes
Final production year. Last Call plaques, returning heritage colors, wider Jailbreak use, and seven farewell editions mark the end of the coupe.
2022Trim changes
The 807-hp SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak joins the range. Higher-performance trims also gain a standard upgraded security alarm.
2021Trim changes
The 807-hp SRT Super Stock joins as a drag-focused flagship. Other updates are limited to wider Widebody use and small equipment changes.
2020Trim changes
The 807-hp SRT Super Stock and 50th Anniversary editions join the lineup, followed by Commemorative Edition models. Wheels, badges, and some cabin trim are also updated.
2019Trim changes
The 797-hp SRT Hellcat Redeye and R/T Scat Pack Widebody join the range. The regular Hellcat gains more power and a new dual-snorkel hood.
2018Trim changes
The limited-production SRT Demon and the wider-bodied SRT Hellcat Widebody join the lineup.
2017Trim changes
The all-wheel-drive GT joins the range, while the heritage-themed T/A and T/A 392 return. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto arrive on models with the 8.4-inch touchscreen.
2016Trim changes
Mostly a carryover year after the 2015 refresh. Cars with the 8.4-inch touchscreen receive updated software and a few convenience features.
2015Mid-cycle update
A major refresh brings a new 1971-inspired cabin, revised exterior details, updated displays, and an eight-speed automatic across the engine range. The Scat Pack and 707-hp SRT Hellcat also join.
2014Trim changes
The R/T Shaker brings back the Shaker hood, while 100th Anniversary and limited Mopar ’14 editions expand the range.
2013Trim changes
Rallye Redline and SRT8 Core trims join the lineup. The SRT8 392 also gains launch control and a three-mode adjustable suspension.
2012Trim changes
The base model continues under the SXT name instead of SE. The SRT8 392 gains a two-mode adjustable suspension and a heated steering wheel.
2011Mid-cycle update
A major mechanical and equipment update adds a 305-hp V6 and a 470-hp 6.4-liter V8. Steering, brakes, suspension, seats, gauges, and standard cabin equipment are also reworked.
2010
The SE, R/T, and SRT8 lineup carries over with only small equipment updates.
2009Trim changes
The V6 SE and V8 R/T join the launch-year SRT8, creating the first full Challenger lineup. HEMI-powered models also gain a six-speed manual transmission.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Dodge Challenger.
2023 Dodge Challenger2022 Dodge Challenger2021 Dodge Challenger2020 Dodge Challenger2019 Dodge Challenger2018 Dodge Challenger2017 Dodge Challenger2016 Dodge Challenger2015 Dodge Challenger2014 Dodge Challenger2013 Dodge Challenger2012 Dodge Challenger2011 Dodge Challenger2010 Dodge Challenger2009 Dodge Challenger
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Challenger a coupe, and how many people does it seat?
Yes. The Dodge Challenger is a two-door coupe with seating for five. Its relatively roomy cabin, usable rear seat and large trunk make it more practical than its muscle-car shape may suggest.
Does the Dodge Challenger come as a hybrid?
No. This Challenger generation is gas-powered only. Its engines range from everyday V6s to several V8s, including supercharged engines in the Hellcat and drag-focused models.
Does the Dodge Challenger have AWD?
Yes, but only on certain V6 cars. AWD joined the lineup on the GT for 2017 and also appears on some later SXT models. The V8 Challengers use rear-wheel drive.
Is the Dodge Challenger practical enough for daily driving?
Yes, especially in V6 form. The Challenger seats five and has a 16.2-cubic-foot trunk in the latest lineup. Its larger cabin and trunk are useful, though it remains a long, two-door coupe.
Are all modern Dodge Challengers from the same generation?
Yes. The modern Dodge Challenger ran as one long third generation from 2008 through 2023. The 2015 model received the key update, bringing a redesigned cabin, revised exterior details, newer screens and an eight-speed automatic.
Is the Dodge Challenger discontinued?
Yes. The 2023 model was the final year of this Challenger coupe. Dodge marked the farewell with Last Call plaques, returning heritage colors and several special editions, including the Demon 170.
Dodge Challenger Reviews
What owners are saying about the Dodge Challenger.
4.5
Dodge Challenger
(2,611 reviews)
“Very powerful rear wheel drive is not for the inexperienced. Consider the automatic transmission if commuting. Atrocious gas mileage. High ""cool"" factor, especially with a manual transmission. Consider the Charger if you will regularly have passengers in the back. Not for snowy days with rear wheel drive.”
“This car has style and performance from the 60's and 70's. Few cars made today can make that claim. It is a timepiece from the best of automobile history.”
“Great amount of power and performance for the money, drives great and is comfortable for long trips.”
“I think it is an excellent, well-crafted vehicle. The only thing about it I don't like is the navigation. I had a 2013 Dart that had Garmin navigation and the navigation in this Challenger is absolutely unusable. I've tried using it 5-10 times and each time it tried to take me an awful route.”
“it's a beautiful car that's fun to drive. it's quite the head turner. great exterior and interior. it seems solidly built. there are a lot of mods that can be done to the car. you instantly become a member of a family fellow mopar owners.”
Sources
- dodge.com — 2023 / Challenger / Exterior
- dodge.com — 2023 / Challenger / Performance
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- dodge.com — 2020 / Challenger / Srt
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 01 / 30 / Dodge Challenger Gt Four Season Muscle Car
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 08 / 16 / Modern Old School 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona And Challenger Ta
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- dodge.com — Pdf / Brochure
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do