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All Details, Specification and Features of New 2023 Dodge Challenger
2023 Dodge Challenger keeps things vintage with a package that’s built for old-school pony-car jollies and straight-line speed. While muscle rivals have pivoted recently toward sharp handling. The V6 powerhouse is standard in non-SRT Challengers, but the fun comes with the optional naturally aspirated Hemi V8s, which are offered in various displacements. These outputs also span a 375-hp, 5.7-liter to a 485-hp, 6.4-liter. Dodge will be more than happy to equip the big-stomper Challenger SRT Hellcat if one wants even more power. The standard Challenger isn’t as intense as the outrageous Hellcat, but for some its V8 roar and comfortable ride will be enough to deliver nostalgic feelings for the vintage old cars with which it shares a name. Engaging drivers will find the modern Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang more capable on twisty roads and racetracks, but the Challenger’s old-school power is undeniable.
What’s New?
This year is the end of an era for the Challenger coupe, as Dodge prepares the next-gen model, likely with an electric powertrain. The 2023 Challenger sports special Tribute plaques under the hood indicating the final model year. The American Marque will also offer popular past colors, including Plum Crazy, B5 Blue, and Sublime Green. All R/T models gain a new “345” badge on the front fender paying tribute to the Hemi V8 that sleeps under the car’s long, vented hood. The first of seven special editions, Dodge is calling the Shakedown. Which would be limited to 1000 units.
Engine & Performance
The base Challenger houses a 305-hp V6, which is not enough for thrill seekers. The average engine is paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic but lacks the acceleration and excitement of rivals due to weight. The 375-hp 5.7-Liter has plenty of juice to powerslide on demand, and its guttural roar is satisfying. Maximizing the Challenger’s potential, the 6.4-liter V8, pumping out 485-hp and 475 pound-feet of torque is the bad boy among these. The T/A 392 with automatic, has an admirable exhaust cannon-blast startup sound and baritone roar when tapped. While most are suckers for a manual, the automatic is incredibly responsive to throttle inputs, with quick power-on downshifts. It performs better on the street and the drag strip than on two lanes and road courses. On comparing with the sharper Camaro and Mustang, the Challenger is too soft in tight turns and its handling is too numb.
Fuel Economy
| 2023 Dodge Challenger Mileage | City | Highway |
| RWD V6 | 19 mpg | 30 mpg |
| AWD V6 | 18 mpg | 27 mpg |
| 5.7L V8 | 16 mpg | 25 mpg |
| 6.4L V8 | 15 mpg | 24 mpg |
The RWD, V6-powered Challenger has EPA estimates of 19 mpg city and 30 highway. Equipping the AWD into the combination, lowers those ratings by 1 and 3 mpg, respectively. Challenger with 5.7-Liter V8 is expected to earn up to 16 mpg city and 25 highway. While the versions with the 6.4-liter V8 are rated up to 15 mpg city and 24 on the highway.
Dimensions & Airbags
| 2023 Dodge Challenger Dimensions | |
| Length | 198.0 in |
| Width | 75.7 in |
| Height | 55.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 16 cu ft |
| Airbags | 7 Airbags |
Every Challenger uses a version of Dodge’s easy-access Uconnect infotainment system. The feature-rich player includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard. It can be also equipped with two optional Alpine audio systems or the crème-de-la-crème 900-watt, 18-speaker Harman/Kardon setup.
Pricing
| 2023 Dodge Challenger Trims | Price (USD) |
| SXT | $33,000 (est) |
| GT | $36,000 (est) |
| R/T | $41,000 (est) |
| R/T Scat Pack | $48,000 (est) |
| R/T Scat Pack Widebody | $54,000 (est) |
We’d recommend the R/T Scat Pack variant for its 485-hp 6.4-liter V8. Also, we’d opt for the eight-speed automatic over the standard manual transmission because of its higher response time, rather than the slushy-feeling stick shift. Also, it would be good to add the adaptive dampers for adjustable ride quality, and the Dynamics package for its wide 20-inch wheels, six-piston Brembo front brakes, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Specifications & Top-Speed
| 2023 Dodge Challenger Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | pushrod 16-valve V8 |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Horsepower | 485 hp |
| Torque | 475 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.2 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 9.3 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 176 mph |