The Dodge Challenger offers a lot for muscle car shoppers. Suppose you want a muscle coupe with over 800 horsepower, no problem. If you want an all-wheel drive (AWD) daily driver, the Challenger has got you covered. One of the Mopar coupe’s offerings is the GT, which is a tempting proposition for people who don’t want an R/T. However, is buying a Dodge Challenger GT worth it, or should you buy something else?  

What is the difference between a GT and SXT?

The GT is a higher trim level than the SXT. Although the cars share an engine, the SXT lacks some of its sibling’s aesthetics. Specifically, the GT packs a performance hood with a functional scoop, as well as a more aggressive front fascia. Also, the GT has larger 20” alloy wheels than the SXT’s 18” wheels. 

What kind of engine does a Dodge Challenger GT have?

Both the Challenger GT and SXT have the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. It might seem sacrilegious to buy a muscle car with fewer than eight cylinders, but there is a method behind the madness. First, the 303 horsepower V6 gets better gas mileage than any V8 in Dodge’s stable. Also, the smaller naturally aspirated engine keeps the entry-level price points down to a more accessible level, unlike the expensive SRT models. 

Is a Challenger GT fast?

Although the Dodge Challenger GT packs a V6 engine, it is slower than its rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. In earlier testing, the big heavy rear-wheel drive (RWD) car ran from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, and the AWD version in 6.3 seconds. The latest models may accelerate better, but likely not by much. While the car isn’t necessarily sluggish, it isn’t enough to beat the other entry-level pony cars in the segment. 

For instance, the Car and Driver tested a Chevrolet Camaro 1LE with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it dispatched of a sprint to sixty in just 5.1 seconds, more than an entire second faster than the Challenger.

Is the Challenger GT AWD?

Consumers in challenging climates will be happy to know they can buy the GT with its upgraded aesthetics and the same AWD system available on the SXT. While AWD isn’t a guarantee that your car will perform in snow, ice, and rain, it is undoubtedly more effective than RWD, save for the application of conditions-specific tires.

Is the GT worth it?

The GT might be perfect if you want an AWD Dodge Challenger that won’t drink gasoline like its bigger engine siblings. However, if you want a much faster car with more character and pantomime, you’ll have to opt for a V8-powered car. Fortunately for you, the muscle car segment is littered with V8-powered options, if temporarily. 

According to TrueCar, the Challenger GT has a starting price of $35,300. However, for about an extra $3,500, you can buy a 2022 Ford Mustang GT with a 460 horsepower 5.0L V8 engine. Furthermore, if you want a Dodge specifically, you can buy an R/T for around $5,000 more than the GT. However, you’ll get a heavier car with less horsepower and for more money than the Mustang. 

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