Used 2021 Dodge Challenger

The 2021 Dodge Challenger coupe is a card-carrying muscle car — part of a small group that also includes the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. These cars are not interchangeable, though. The Challenger follows its own path of not offering a convertible version and pushing engine output levels way past what the others can provide. It’s also the most practical daily driver, thanks to a roomy cabin, even in the back seat, and a generous trunk.

The 2021 Challenger range runs from a 303-horsepower SXT to an 807-horsepower missile in the new Challenger SRT Super Stock. Buyers seeking some happy middle ground will find that the R/T trim offers impressive power, desirable features, and a surprisingly comfortable ride at a relatively reasonable price.

No matter which version, though, Dodge offers a dizzying array of colors, add-ons, and features to make the 2021 Challenger one of the most customizable performance cars.

Given the wide range of 2021 Challenger versions, the driving experience differs according to the engine, equipment, and how the car is driven. However, they all have one thing in common: the ability to evoke a bygone time.

From the car’s exterior and interior design to its rear-wheel drive and aging platform, the Challenger looks and feels like an old car fresh off the assembly line. For a sense of what this car is about, think of it as a classic with a full factory warranty and modern technology.

It’s also about speed, although the 303-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT trims makes the Challenger merely quick rather than outright fast. All-wheel drive is available with the V6, however, making it a good choice for people who want the muscle-car image with the ability to drive it in rough weather.

Traditional American muscle is standard in the Challenger R/T, which has the legendary 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine with 375 horsepower. The R/T Scat Pack’s 6.4-liter V8 delivers an impressive 485 horsepower. The Scat Pack version is also offered in Widebody style with wider wheels and tires for better grip.

For maximum performance, a Challenger built by the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team is the way to go. SRT models have a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 717 horsepower in the Hellcat, an astounding 797 horsepower in the Hellcat Redeye, and a “last one to the International Space Station buys the ice creams” 807 horsepower in the new-for-2021 Super Stock version.

According to Dodge, the Redeye runs from zero to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, blasts through the quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds at 131 mph, and screams to a top speed of 203 mph.

The Super Stock sprints from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.25 seconds. The quarter-mile is dispatched in 10.5 seconds at 131 mph. Top speed is limited to 168 mph, though, because of its standard drag radial tires. Widebody versions of the SRT models are available, standard on the Super Stock.

The roomy and comfortable interior gives no indication that the Challenger is capable of serious shenanigans. This is a muscular coupe with accommodating front seats and decent rear-seat space. At 16.2 cubic feet, the trunk is enormous, although there’s quite a lift-over height.

Contemporary yet with retro touches, the driver-oriented layout can house an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as a sophisticated information center between the main gauges.

Depending on trim level, the 2021 Challenger’s interior can be adorned with premium materials such as Nappa leather and Alcantara (simulated suede), plus comfort and convenience upgrades like a heated steering wheel and Wi-Fi.

The Dodge Challenger’s thick rear pillars take some getting used to, but blind-spot monitoring and a rearview camera make life more bearable. We also recommend the optional rear parking sensors.

Details like hood scoops, badges, and optional stripes amplify the car’s retro appearance and legit muscle-car credentials. The Dodge Challenger just looks cool, blending a timeless yet modern appeal with a masculine swagger. To complement that swagger is a choice of bright colors with the fun names from back in the day, like IndiGo Blue, White Knuckle, and GoMango.

The Challenger’s classic long-hood/short-deck proportions and wide stance also emphasize the performance potential in every version. With flared fenders and super-wide tires, the Widebody R/T Scat Pack and SRT models shout it out.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Muscle cars are all about blistering straight-line performance, but the Challenger SXT and GT models with the V6 and all-wheel drive focus on daily use all year long. This feature not only improves the Challenger’s cornering and handling, but makes the car easy to drive in bad weather. Go ahead and challenge that Camaro SS or Mustang GT — as long as there’s an r in the month.

SRT HELLCAT REDEYE
Although it costs nearly $75,000, the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye has an impressive performance-to-dollar ratio. With a breathtaking 797-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 bellowing under its dual-scooped hood and a full mechanical upgrade to support it, this version of the Challenger is ready to rock against a Camaro ZL1 or Mustang Shelby GT500.

Highlights of the 2021 Challenger’s standard equipment include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, keyless entry/ignition, hound’s tooth-patterned cloth upholstery, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control with a humidity sensor, self-dimming rearview mirror, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, auxiliary input, and a 6-speaker audio system.

There are seven Challenger models, each with its own standard equipment. Among the many features available are numerous appearance packages, three grades of leather, infotainment enhancements like a larger display and navigation, premium sound systems, and advanced driver aids.

For example, the popular Dodge Challenger R/T trim offers several stripe and wheel designs, Nappa leather/Alcantara (simulated suede) upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 8.4-inch infotainment screen, navigation, 18-speaker/900-watt Harman Kardon surround-sound system, and a powered sunroof.

To equip a 2021 Challenger R/T with every available driver aid, select the Driver Convenience Group for its blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Add the Technology Group for adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning (automatic only, and not available in the Redeye and Super Stock models).

The $2,595 new Scat Pack Kit Shaker Kit includes a special hood and cold-air intake, plus an underhood decal, a 392 Hemi badge, a dash plaque, a “bee” fender plaque and gloss-black rings around a white-face instrument cluster.

The $3,400 T/A Package includes 20 x 9.5-inch forged aluminum wheels, a satin-black hood with a functional hood scoop, a cold-air intake, a gloss-black grille, sport seats covered in a hound’s tooth cloth, and multiple T/A graphics and decals.

In the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) SXT and GT, a 303-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) offered as an option in both trims.

The R/T brings the first in a series of Hemi V8s, in this case, a 375-horsepower 5.7-liter unit and a 6-speed manual transmission (the 8-speed automatic reduces horsepower to 372).

The R/T Scat Pack employs a 6.4-liter V8, also known as the 392, rated at 485 horsepower with either the manual or 8-speed automatic.

The SRT Hellcat has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 717 horsepower. This is boosted to 797 horsepower in the SRT Hellcat Redeye. Or (gulp) 807 horsepower in the new Challenger SRT Super Stock. All SRT versions require premium gasoline to achieve maximum power.

The regular Hellcat has a 6-speed manual transmission, but the optional 8-speed automatic doesn’t blunt performance. The Redeye and Super Stock come with the automatic as standard.

Naturally, none of these cars are fuel-economy kings, although the V6 models aren’t bad.

3.6-liter V6 (SXT, GT)
303 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
268 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/30 mpg (RWD), 18/27 mpg (AWD)

5.7-liter V8 (R/T)
372 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm (automatic)
375 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm (manual)
400 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm (automatic)
410 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm (manual)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg (automatic), 15/23 mpg (manual)

6.4-liter V8 (R/T Scat Pack)
485 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
475 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24 mpg (automatic), 14/23 mpg (manual)

6.2-liter supercharged V8 (SRT Hellcat)
717 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
656 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/22 mpg (auto), 13/21 mpg (manual & Widebody)

6.2-liter supercharged V8 (SRT Hellcat Redeye)
797 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
707 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/22 mpg

6.2-liter supercharged V8 (SRT Super Stock)
807 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
707 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/22 mpg, 13/21 mpg (Widebody)