Skip to main content

The 2023 Dodge Challenger will be the last of the model barring some electrified or hybridized reboot in the future. However, it’s not leaving without making its loud, raucous, tire-shredding impression on the 2023 market. Moreover, TrueCar found the 2023 Challenger worthy of the No. 1 spot in the muscle car category, beating the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Check out the Mopar monster and its redeeming features.

Is the Dodge Challenger a good car?

The Dodge Challenger is less practical than its four-door sibling, the Charger. However, the large Mopar coupe is a good car, with more space and high-horsepower engine options than comparable muscle cars like the Ford Mustang. Of course, with a standard V6 and thirsty V8s, owners should budget for fuel. 

A 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody shows off its muscle car styling and large proportions.
Dodge Challenger | Stellantis

Still, even with gluttonous engine options at higher trims, the Dodge Challenger earned TrueCar’s praise as the best muscle car on the market. Specifically, evaluators like the Dodge model’s hilariously powerful V8s, which pack as much as 807 horsepower at the top of the range. Also, TrueCar applauded the Challenger for its passenger and cargo space compared to its rivals. 

Is the Dodge Challenger spacious?

The 2023 Dodge Challenger has 16.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity and seating for up to five occupants. While coupe segment competitors also have back seats, Dodge says the model boasts the largest back seat in the segment.

A 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack shows off its muscle car side profile and purple paintwork.
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack | Stellantis

Moreover, the muscle coupe’s storage space puts it firmly ahead of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. For instance, the 2023 Ford Mustang coupe has 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Unfortunately for Camaro fans, the GM pony car has under 10 cubic feet of cargo volume for both the convertible and coupe models.  

What are the trim levels of Dodge Challengers?

One of the 2023 Dodge Challenger’s finer points is its trim lineup. According to Dodge, the Mopar model offers 10 standard trims. 

  • SXT
  • GT
  • R/T
  • R/T Scat Pack
  • R/T Scat Pack Widebody
  • SRT Hellcat Jailbreak
  • SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody 
  • SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak
  • SRT Super Stock 

TrueCar calls the Challenger’s potential as a customizable muscle car “seemingly endless.” That makes sense, given the four engine options and flamboyant packages of the 2023 Dodge Challenger. 

Is Dodge getting rid of the V8?

Unfortunately, Dodge is phasing out its V8s, from the 5.7L Hemi to the 6.4L Apache and supercharged 6.2L Hellcat engines. Instead, the next generations of Dodge products will feature electrification and more efficient engines, like the Hurricane inline-six-cylinder.  

That’s an unfortunate necessity, as one of TrueCar’s top accolades for the brute is its spectacular V8 engine options. For instance, the 6.4L R/T Scat Pack trim produces 485 horsepower, more than any other naturally aspirated muscle car on sale for 2023. 

Is Dodge Challenger being discontinued?

Unfortunately, Dodge will discontinue the Challenger and Charger after the 2023 model year. The automaker and its parent company, Stellantis, are clearing the way for alternative energy models and electrification.

 
However, before Dodge closes the curtain on its muscle car lineup, the automaker is producing a limited run of “Last Call” models. Each variation will be V8-powered and nod to some characteristic of the Mopar legacy, like the sinister Black Ghost model. The final Last Call model will be a swan song Challenger that might dethrone the SRT Demon. 

Related

Here’s the Best Dodge Last Call Model and Why