Dodge Coupes

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Dodge coupes in the USA have a reputation; the old-school muscle car that is the Challenger comes in a host of derivatives, from the entry-level cars that cost less than $30,000 to the eye-wateringly powerful 807-horsepower performance flagship at over $80,000. Dodge’s approach to the American muscle-car class is to keep things traditional, offering retro-looking coupes with large engines, rear-wheel drive, and plenty of performance, even in the base Dodge coupe versions. These Dodge 2-door cars might be traditional muscle cars, but unlike most rivals, they are spacious enough to accommodate fully grown rear passengers and ultimately bringing something unique to this class.

The Range of Dodge Coupe Models

The two-door Challenger lineup can be divided into three lines, the normal Challenger models, the Hellcat, and SRT Super Stock models, each in an escalating performance class:

  • Challenger: The SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack span the $28,000-$42,000 price class and all use the same narrow body, with only the $48k-R/T Scat Pack Widebody using the aggressive, wide stance. Engines are V6s and V8s, with AWD available on some V6s. All engines are powerful, even the 303-hp V6, the cabin is genuinely spacious, the trunk large, and the ride comfortable. It is the only American muscle car available with all-wheel drive. However, there are quicker competitors in this class, interior quality is mediocre, and there aren’t any driver-assistance safety features fitted. Still, you can get up to 485 hp and 475 lb-ft with the 6.4-liter Hemi V8.
  • Hellcat: These supercharged performance models also bear the SRT moniker, and they pack no less than 717 hp with the base power plant, and up to 797 hp in Redeye format, taking performance to a whole new level over the standard Challenger. All the practical and comfort advantages remain, but fuel consumption is very heavy and handling is not a strong suit - they’re mostly made for straight-line performance.
  • SRT: The 807-hp Super Stock drag-strip special is the ultimate Challenger and is currently the most powerful muscle car in the US. However, it’s even more of a one-trick pony than the other Hellcats, considering it has a limited list of standard features, few distinguishing design elements - its 3.25-second run to 60 mph is its claim to fame.

Base Pricing of the Range of Dodge 2-door Cars

The lineup and base pricing of the 2022 Dodge 2-doors in the US are as follows:

Model Power Engine Base Price
Dodge Challenger 303 hp 3.6L V6 Gas $30,430
Dodge Viper 645 hp 8.4L V10 Gas $87,895
Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock 807 hp 6.2L Supercharged V8 Gas $64,830
Dodge Challenger SRT 392 485 hp 6.4L V8 Gas $49,495
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 717 hp 6.2L Supercharged V8 Gas $64,830
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 808 hp 6.2L Supercharged V8 Gas $83,295
Dodge Challenger SRT8 470 hp 6.4L V8 Gas $39,485

What to Consider Before Buying a Dodge Challenger

The Dodge two-door coupes have these traits in common:

Pros

  • Plenty of power, even on the base cars
  • Spacious cabins with space for four people
  • Large luggage trunks
  • Decent ride comfort
  • AWD available on V6s
  • Incredible power in SRT and Hellcat format
  • Old-school muscle car status

Cons

  • Lack of driver-assistance features
  • Iffy quality of interior fittings
  • Handling is not a strong suit
  • Heavy fuel consumption

FAQs

What are the performance specs of the Super Stock and what’s it for?

The Super Stock is a drag-strip-optimized Challenger, using the engine found in the SRT Demon of yore. It makes a gut-punching 807 hp and 707 lb-ft, comes with standard drag tires, a claimed 0-60 mph in 3.25 seconds, and a quarter mile sprint of 10.5 seconds. It was made to be the Challenger with the best straight-line performance on a drag strip and is tweaked to achieve the best possible sprint times with special drag-strip hardware and drive settings. It is only meant for the most hardcore performance types.

Which is the best Dodge Challenger to buy?

If you are happy with a 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds, the base SXT is fine. You can add extras with the money you’re saving and still get 30 MPG on the highway. However, we feel that a Challenger doesn’t do its appearance and philosophy justice unless you have at least the 485-hp 6.4-liter V8 Scat Pack for around $42,000, making it a sweet spot and great value in the range. If you want a coupe that will beat the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 in a clean sprint, the Super Stock is your best bet.

What do the abbreviations in the Challengers’ names stand for?

“SXT” and “GT” are just the names of the entry-level trims, but “R/T” stands for “Road and Track”. “SRT” stands for “Street and Racing Technology” and is not just a trim level but also a Chrysler division that has existed since 1989 to develop Chrysler’s performance cars. It was called the Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE) department back then and developed legends such as the Plymouth Prowler and Dodge Viper. It became Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) in 2002 and eventually SRT in 2004. In 2021, Chrysler parent company Stellantis closed the SRT division but says it has retained all the SRT engineers and that they will continue to develop performance-orientated models.

Read more in our in-depth reviews where you can view photos and see model comparisons as well.

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