Dodge Charger vs Challenger (2024)

The Dodge Charger and Challenger are two of the most iconic American muscle cars ever made. With aggressive styling, powerful V8 engines, and rear-wheel drive performance, these coupes continue to deliver an old-school thrill ride.

But with multiple trims and configurations to choose from for the 2023 models, which modern muscle machine is right for you? This in-depth guide compares the latest Dodge Charger and Challenger across critical categories so you can decide.

Brief Background on the Dodge Charger and Challenger

The Dodge Charger first debuted in 1966 as a two-door fastback “pony car”, while the Challenger arrived two years later in 1970 as Dodge’s response to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

Over the decades, both cars went through redesigns and even disappeared from the market for periods of time. The modern Charger returned in 2005 as a four-door sports sedan, while the current Challenger revived the nameplate in 2008 with retro-inspired styling. Now offered with a wide range of trims and performance upgrades, the 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger continue the legacy of these iconic muscle cars.

Dodge Challenger vs Charger: Interior and Tech

Both the Challenger and Charger offer comfortable, driver-focused cabins with the latest tech features.

Interior Dimensions:

• The Challenger coupe seats up to 5 and has more cramped rear seats and less cargo space due to its smaller size.
• The Charger sedan fits 5 passengers more comfortably and has a larger 16.5 cubic foot trunk.

Cabin Features:

• Heated and ventilated leather front seats are available on higher trims of both models. The Charger offers heated rear seats on some trims.
• The Challenger prioritizes style with retro gauges and model-specific wheels, while the Charger focuses more on luxury feel.
• Both feature 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Charger offers a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on higher trims.

For the latest technology and most passenger space, the Charger may have a slight edge over the Challenger. But the Challenger offers plenty of retro style.

Dodge Charger vs Challenger: Specs and Performance

Under the hood, both muscle cars offer powerful V6 or V8 engines, rear-wheel drive performance, and performance-tuned suspensions. But there are some key differences:

Engine Options:

• Base engine: 3.6L V6 Pentastar (up to 300hp)
• R/T and R/T Scat Pack trims: 5.7L or 6.4L V8 Hemi (up to 485 hp)
• SRT Hellcat trims: Supercharged 6.2L V8 Hemi (up to 717 hp)

Transmission: 8-speed automatic standard on all models

Fuel Economy: Up to 30 mpg highway with V6. Around 13-15 mpg city with V8 engines.

Dimensions:

With its larger V8 engines and longer wheelbase, the Charger generally provides better straight-line acceleration, while the lighter Challenger offers slightly better handling and lateral grip.

2023 Dodge Charger vs Challenger: Interior and Exterior Dimensions

The Charger’s four-door sedan design gives it some key size advantages over the two-door Challenger:

• Front Legroom: 41.8 in (Charger) vs 42.0 in (Challenger)
• Rear Legroom: 40.1 in (Charger) vs 33.1 in (Challenger)
• Front Headroom: 38.6 in (Charger) vs 39.3 in (Challenger)
• Rear Headroom: 36.6 in (Charger) vs 37.1 in (Challenger)

The Challenger’s smaller exterior dimensions make it feel tighter, especially in the backseats and cargo area:

• Trunk capacity: 16.5 cu ft (Charger) vs 16.2 cu ft (Challenger)
• Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 gal (Charger) vs 18.5 gal (Challenger)

So while the two models share similarly muscular and aggressive styling, the four-door Charger definitely provides more interior passenger and cargo space.

2023 Dodge Challenger vs Charger Trim Levels

Both the Charger and Challenger are available in a wide range of trim levels, spanning from budget-friendly V6 models to extreme high-performance variants.

Here is a breakdown of the trims:

Dodge Charger Trims:

• SXT – Starting at $31,995 with 3.6L V6, 8-speed auto
• GT – Upgraded styling and AWD option – $34,995
• R/T – 5.7L V8 Hemi and more aggressive styling – $39,995
• R/T Scat Pack – 6.4L V8 Hemi and improved suspension – $45,995
• SRT Hellcat – Supercharged 6.2L V8 Hemi with 717 hp – $69,645
• SRT Hellcat Redeye – 797 hp version – $80,645

Dodge Challenger Trims:

• SXT – Starting at $29,995 with 3.6L V6, 8-speed auto
• GT – Retro styling treatments – $33,695
• R/T – 5.7L or 6.4L V8 Hemi engine option – $39,995
• R/T Scat Pack – 485 hp 6.4L V8 Hemi – $45,795
• SRT Hellcat – 717 hp supercharged V8 – $69,645
• SRT Hellcat Redeye – 797 hp supercharged V8 – $80,645

The Charger offers a slightly wider range of trims and options, but both cars offer impressive performance upgrades as you move up the trim range.

Dodge Charger vs Dodge Challenger: Exterior Styling

The Charger and Challenger share retro-inspired muscle car styling, with some key differences:

• Charger styling: Distinct co*ke-bottle shape, fastback roofline on higher trims, aggressive front fascia with slim headlights
• Challenger styling: More aggressive, blunt front end, pronounced wheel arches, iconic split tail lights

Exterior features by trim:

• Lower trims have 19-inch painted aluminum wheels, LED lights
• R/T and Scat Packs add performance hoods, performance tires
• SRT Hellcats have 20-inch forged wheels, wide body fender flares

While their silhouettes differ, both the Challenger and Charger deliver bold, brash styling that proudly announces their muscle car heritage. The Charger leans more retro, while the Challenger takes an edgier, more menacing approach.

Dodge Charger vs Challenger: Reliability and Safety

The Charger and Challenger have similar predicted reliability ratings, slightly below average for the class according to J.D. Power:

• Charger predicted reliability score: 3 out of 5
• Challenger predicted reliability score: 3 out of 5

Safety features:

• Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, parking sensors standard
• Forward collision warning and automated emergency braking available

Crash test ratings:

• Both models earn 4 out of 5 stars overall from the NHTSA
• Charger earns Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS when equipped with optional safety features

So while these muscular sports cars emphasize performance over practicality, they still come with plenty of safety tech and earn solid crash test scores. The Charger may have a slight edge in safety.

Dodge Charger vs Challenger: Which Muscle Car is Right for You?

Deciding between the 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger comes down to your priorities:

• The Charger provides more interior room, the latest tech features, and spacious four-door practicality. It’s best for buyers who want a daily-drivable muscle car.
• The Challenger delivers a pure, retro-flavored two-door coupe experience. It edges out the Charger in raw performance and iconic styling.

Additional Factors to Consider

Beyond the core specs and features, here are some other considerations when choosing between the 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger:

Exterior Color Options

• Both offer classic muscle car colors like B5 Blue, TorRed, Go Mango orange, and Billet silver.
• Custom wrap or paint jobs available from dealers or third-parties.
• Matte exterior finishes available from the factory.
• Additional costs can range from $500 for paint tones to $5,000+ for custom wraps.

Interior Color and Materials

• Cloth seats standard on lower trims, leather on higher trims
• Available interior color options include black, sepia, or ruby red leather.
• Carbon fiber and suede accents are available for an upcharge.
• Leather packages with enhanced bolstering and embroidery start around $1,495.

Warranty and Maintenance Plans

• Both models come with a 3 year, 36,000 mile basic warranty and 5 year, 60,000 mile powertrain warranty.
• Added maintenance plans can extend coverage for key components to 7 or 8 years.

Resale Value

• As iconic American performance cars, the Charger and Challenger typically retain decent resale value.
• The limited production SRT Hellcat models often appreciate over time for collectors.
• On average, the Challenger has slightly higher resale value than the Charger.

Customization and Accessories

• Huge aftermarket parts selection from Mopar and others allows for extensive personalization.
• Popular accessories: suspension lowering kits, exhausts, intakes, custom wheels.
• Wide range of graphics kits and stripes to make each car unique.

So which modern muscle machine is right for you – the 2023 Dodge Charger or Challenger? Consider how you plan to use the car and what matters most, from power and handling to practicality. Take both for a test drive, and the choice might be clear. Either option provides an iconic American performance car with head-turning style and V8 muscle.