Dodge hasn’t made an economy car since the Dart’s brief tenure. However, the cheapest car in the automaker’s lineup is still a noteworthy name, the Challenger. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT is the most affordable vehicle in the lineup and ticks many boxes for fans. However, the 2023 model has one significant issue, and it won’t follow the big Dodge coupe into 2024.  

What is Dodge’s least expensive car?

Dodge’s least expensive car is the 2023 Dodge Challenge SXT. The 2023 model starts at around $32,140, around $1,140 more than the previous model year. 

The SXT trim packs a 303-horsepower 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the base model Dodge Challenger SXT includes dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker audio system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as keyless operation. However, the entry-level Dodge car also includes a seven-inch touchscreen, smaller than the higher trims’ segment-leading 8.4-inch unit.    

What is the problem with the 2023 Dodge Challenger?

Many critics argue that the Challenger SXT’s girth is its most significant issue. Even the entry-level Challenger SXT tips the scales at 3,841 lbs. However, the 2023 Dodge Challenger’s arguably most substantial problem is that it’s the last of its kind. That’s right; Dodge will discontinue the big, heavy brute and its four-door sibling, the Charger, after 2023.

For some, the discontinuation is years overdue. For others, watching one of the last muscle cars roll off the line is sad. Either way, the next generation of Mopar products will be alternative energy and electrified platforms, so the days of V6 and V8-powered Dodge cars are over. 

Is the Dodge Challenger changing for 2023?

For the 2023 model year, the Dodge Challenger gets a hilariously expensive option for fans to commission a convertible top through the dealer network. Moreover, Dodge is sending off the model with a limited edition “Last Call” model series. 

Dodge will base four out of seven of the Last Call models on the Challenger. The Shakedown, Swinger, and Black Ghost will be V8-powered Challengers with the 6.4L Apache V8 and supercharged 6.2L Hellcat engines. However, Car and Driver says the final Last Call model will be a swan-song model with the potential to upstage the SRT Demon.  

Why is Dodge discontinuing their cars?

Dodge is discontinuing its cars due to the industry’s push for hybridization and electrification. Stellantis and Dodge will phase out gas-powered vehicles for alternative energy models. Not even the popular Mopar muscle cars could survive the changing times. 

However, Dodge has made it clear that the next generation of muscle cars will be electric. For instance, the automaker unveiled a fully-electric Charger Daytona SRT EV, a two-door EV coupe. The SRT EV even has a “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” system that creates an idling and revving soundtrack for the many fans who will miss the thunderous song of a V8. 

What is Dodge replacing Challenger with?

Dodge will replace the Challenger with electrified muscle cars, not unlike the Daytona SRT EV concept. However, 2023 will be the last gas-powered model for the namesake. 

Do you think Dodge took too long to ax its Challenger and Charger models? Tell us in the comments below!