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The Dodge Challenger is heading to the Mopar graveyard after 2023, barring some electrified reboot in the future. However, the Dodge muscle car has much to offer before the automaker puts it out to pasture, like the tenured Hellcat. Check out why a 2023 Dodge Challenger might be a good option for performance car fans this year. 

Is the 2023 Dodge Challenger a good car? 

The 2023 Dodge Challenger offers many redeeming features, including these four qualities:

  • Tire-shredding horsepower for V8 variants
  • Biggest back seat in the segment
  • Large trunk
  • Last model before the automaker discontinues it
An orange 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat shows off its muscle car proportions and fascia in the desert.
2023 Dodge Challenger | Stellantis

In addition to the Challenger’s retro styling, the Mopar model packs powerhouse V8 engines culminating in its supercharged 6.2L Hellcat mill. Moreover, the new Mopar muscle car is big; it has a generous back seat and a large trunk. Furthermore, the final Challenger’s swan song status makes it a model to consider. 

Which engines did Dodge put in the Challenger for 2023?

Dodge offers four engines for the 2023 Challenger:

  • 3.6L Pentastar V6
  • 5.7L Hemi V8
  • 6.4L Apache V8
  • Supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8

The entry-level 3.6L Pentastar V6 in the SXT and GT trims produces 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, per TrueCar. Still, while the V6-powered models offer comparative affordability and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), the V8 trims channel the Challenger’s Mopar muscle car roots. 

The 5.7L Hemi V8 in the R/T trim produces 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the 6.4L Apache V8 in the R/T Scat Pack trim produces a monstrous 485 horsepower, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated car in the muscle car segment for 2023. Finally, the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat motor in the highest trims offers rubber-vaporizing horsepower figures as high as 807. 

How much room is in the back seat of a Challenger?

The 2023 Dodge Challenger has a much larger back seat than a comparable Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro. Specifically, the Challenger will seat five occupants. As a result, the Challenger’s rear seat space makes it the most accommodating coupe in the segment. 

An orange 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat shows off its muscle car proportions and rear-end styling in the desert.
2023 Dodge Challenger | Stellantis

Does a Dodge Challenger have a big trunk?

The 2023 Dodge Challenger’s 16.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity make it one of the biggest trunks in the segment. Despite having two doors compared to the Charger’s four, the Challenger’s spaciousness makes it a solid daily driver

The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro have much smaller trunks than the Mopar brute. For instance, the Ford Mustang Coupe’s 13.5 cubic feet is quite a bit tighter than the Dodge model. 

Will there be a 2024 Dodge Challenger?

Unfortunately, there will not be a 2024 Dodge Challenger. Instead, the 2023 model year will be the last LA-platform coupe to wear the namesake. Still, the automaker might bring the model back in a hybridized or electrified option, like it’s doing with the Charger Daytona SRT EV. 


Moreover, the outgoing Challenger and Charger aren’t disappearing without pomp and circumstance; the marque is selling multiple “Last Call” models to celebrate the two historic cars. Three of the Last Call models are Chargers, and four are Challengers. 

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