2023 Dodge Challenger R/T In-depth
Overview
Dodge is getting ready to release a new model in 2024, which will probably have an electric drivetrain, thus this year will be the last for the Challenger. The Dodge Challenger R/T is a high-performance variant in the lineup. It features a V8 powertrain that delivers amazing power and torque. It is known for its handling dynamics and symphonic engine grunt that is enough to excite the fanatics.
Although the interior could be better as per the segment, it offers several useful features to passengers. Also, the coupe looks muscular and boasts its classic design on the exterior. The company is set to provide several no-cost color options with the new 2023 Challenger R/T. The Coupe also scores well in the crash test ratings from official agencies such as NHTSA and the IIHS. The top competitors of the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T are the Ford Mustang GT, the Chevrolet Camaro LT1, and the Toyota GR Supra.
Review:
The 2023 Dodge Challenger comes with five trims and four engine options with several optional upgrades. The lineup comes with two drivetrain options as well. However, with their performance model R/T, one can get RWD only with two transmissions available. The coupe delivers a quick acceleration regarding the 0-60 MPH mark and quarter mile timing. The price for the Challenger R/T is an MSRP of $40,275.
Excerpt:
The Dodge Challenger is the name of three generations of muscle cars manufactured by the US-based automaker Dodge. Stellantis declared in November 2021 that the 2023 model year would be the final model year for both the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, as the brand's plans will be focused on electric vehicles rather than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Pros:
· Lots of customization options
· Sufficient room for adults
· Classic American muscle car persona
Cons:
· Lacks proper visibility
· Exterior may appear dated
. Significantly heavier than rivals
What’s New:
· The Challenger in its current form will be retired in 2023.
. Dodge is honoring its famous muscle car with limited-edition models.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Trims and Features
Two of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Coupe's five trim levels are the Challenger R/T and the Challenger R/T Scat Pack. The R/T comes at an MSRP of $40,980, whereas the MSRP for the R/T Scat pack is $48,440. Both include the $1,000 gas guzzler tax. The addition of the Scat Pack comes with a more powerful 6.4-liter V8, while the regular R/T trim comes with a standard 5.7L V8. Over the GT trim, the R/T trim adds more powerful features such as an improved powertrain and an Active performance exhaust system. Furthermore, the R/T Scat Pack further boosts the list of performance and convenience features such as an Upgraded engine cooling system and an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Plenty of upgrades are available for the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T, including the base Plus Package, which costs $2,095, the Driver Convenience Package costs $1,295, the Technology Group package costs $495.
Technology Group Package includes:-
Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers
Auto High Beam Headlamp Control w/DFK Adaptive Speed Control
Forward Collision Warning
Carbon/Suede Interior Package includes:-
Suede Headliner
Real Carbon Fiber Interior Accents
Harman/kardon Audio Group w/Subwoofer Package includes:-
Surround Sound
Harman/kardon GreenEdge Amp
Trunk Mounted Subwoofer
18 Speakers Premium Audio System
Cold Weather Group Package includes:-
Heated Steering Wheel
180 Amp Alternator
Heated Front Seats
Widebody Package includes:-
Widebody-specific suspension (with adaptive damping on R/T Scat Pack)
Larger six-piston Brembo brakes (R/T Scat Pack)
Wider wheels and tires
Fender flares
Plus Package Package includes:-
4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot
Door Trim Panel w/Ambient Lighting
Heated Steering Wheel
8.4" Touchscreen Display
Wheels: 20" x 8.0" Satin Carbon Painted
Anti-Lock Brakes
Firestone Brand Tires
276 Watt Amplifier, For Details
Radio: Uconnect 4C
Front Fog Lamps
Shark Fin Antenna
Driver Convenience Group Package includes:-
Universal Garage Door Opener
Body Color Exterior Mirrors
Power Multi-Function Foldaway Mirrors
Front Fog Lamps
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
Deluxe Security Alarm
High Intensity Discharge Headlamps
Locking Lug Nuts
Exterior Mirrors w/Heating Element
Remote Start System
Blind Spot & Cross Path Detection
We Recommend
The 2023 edition of Dodge Challenger comes with several trims to choose from. The R/T Scat Pack, however, is the one we recommend, as it improves the regular R/T's overall performance. Its beautiful exterior, with amazing powertrain dynamics, is what impresses us the most.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Engine and Performance
The 5.7L V8 powertrain in the Dodge Challenger R/T generates 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft of torque. The more powerful 6.4L V8 engine in the Challenger R/T Scat pack produces 485 hp and 475 lb.-ft of torque. The standard RWD comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Moreover, the Scat pack offers a better engine cooling system. Both still get the 8-speed automatic as an option. The automatic is recommended, as the Scat Pack provides more power lumpily rather than linearly over torque curves. The car reaches the 60 MPH mark in 4.8 seconds. The quarter-mile timing of the car is about 13.8 seconds.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T offers more power output and torque delivery than the Toyota GR Supra. The 2023 R/T Scat pack leads all the competitors in this aspect. The 2023 GR Supra reaches the 60 MPH mark quicker than others, followed by the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Challenger R/T. Furthermore, Camaro and GR Supra dominate over the others in quarter mile timing. For a quicker 4.2-second time to accelerate to 60 MPH from a stop, choose the R/T Scat Pack.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Ride and Handling
The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T’s suspension includes Short And Long Arm Front Suspension w/Coil Springs and a Multi-Link Rear Suspension w/Coil Springs. The R/T Scat Pack Widebody’s suspension feels a bit stiffer than the rest. Moreover, rivals like the Mustang and the Camaro provide better ride and handling capabilities over the corners than the Challenger R/T. The steering lacks response, making it difficult to position the Challenger where you need it the most. This car's strength is its ability to cruise, and low-speed bumps are easily absorbed. However, the body roll is minimal due to the presence of anti-roll bars. The weight and mass of the vehicle are readily apparent when driving through tight turns.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Braking Performance
The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T comes with vented disc brakes on all four wheels. The brake pads last around 30,000-70,000 miles. It comes with 13.6 in front brake rotors and 12.6 in rear brake rotors. The Coupe covers a stopping distance of 104 feet when brakes are suddenly applied at 60 MPH speed. The coupe comes with additional braking features like Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS). To avoid an accident, Advanced Brake Assist will increase the brake pressure when the accelerator is released. The Ready Alert Braking system also monitors the braking system to apply an abrupt stop when necessary.
The brake rotors of the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T are bigger than the GR Supra. Compared to Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Toyota GR Supra, the Challenger R/T is also much heavier, contributing to its increased momentum. The Challenger R/T provides a better stopping distance than the GR Supra. However, the data for the Mustang and the Camaro is not available, but the 2019 Camaro stopped covering 93 feet when panic braking at 60 MPH was applied.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Fuel Economy
The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T offers a fuel efficiency of 15 MPG in a city, 23 MPG on a highway, and 18 MPG combined with its 5.7L V8 powertrain and the manual gearbox. The Challenger R/T has a gas mileage of 16 MPG in a city, 25 MPG on a highway, and 19 MPG combined with the automatic gearbox. Furthermore, the 6.4L V8 Widebody offers 14 MPG in the city, 23 on the highway, and 17 MPG combined with a manual gearbox. It gets 15 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on a highway, and 18 MPG combined with the automatic box. The car comes with a massive 18.5 gallons tank. The car can travel up to 277.5 miles in a city and 425.5 miles on a full fuel tank.
The city economy of the Toyota GR Supra and the Chevy Camaro is better than the Dodge Challenger R/T and the Ford Mustang. The 2023 Challenger R/T has the worst highway efficiency of the four competitors. The smallest fuel tank is found in the GR Supra, followed by the Ford Mustang, and Challenger R/T and the largest one is in the Camaro. For the same reason, the Challenger R/T offers a better range than the Mustang in both city and highway driving.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Interior, Seating, and Comfort
The cabin of the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T appears and feels cheap. Dodge's interior is standardly covered in cloth. In particular, rear passengers may find it difficult to get in and out of the Challenger due to its low stance and two-door coupe styling. The doors of the Challenger R/T can feel a bit heavier. The cabin feels roomy and offers comfortable seating with a power adjustment feature. The ergonomics are a bit compromised due to the thick rear pillars. For Nappa leather seats you need to pay $1,295 extra for the Driver Convenience Group. Additional features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, manually tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and a rear parking camera.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T has more front headroom than its Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and GR Supra. The rear headroom is more than that of the 2023 Mustang. In terms of legroom at the back, it outperforms the Ford Mustang. Ford includes its entire Co-Pilot 360 driver assistance package, as well as higher quality materials. The Chevrolet Camaro receives a more premium treatment, with a superior layout and materials than the Challenger R/T and GR Supra.
Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T include:
· Dual zone automatic climate control
· Auto-dimming rearview mirror
· Power adjustable front seats
· Nappa upholstery
· Rear parking camera
· Leather wrapped steering wheel
How intuitive is the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T infotainment system?
The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display based on the UConnect Software. The R/T Scat Pack gets an upgrade to a bigger 8.4-inch touchscreen with the same Uconnect system and also adds SiriusXM and a climate control display screen. The system comes with necessary connectivity features such as Android Auto, Apple Carplay, and Bluetooth. The Alpine sound system comes with 9 speakers up to the R/T trim level, and Harman Kardon sound systems with 18 speakers become available from that level on.
Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T include
· Harman Kardon audio system
· SiriusXM
· Bluetooth Connectivity
· Alexa compatibility
· UConnect software
· Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Exterior Design and Dimensions
Although there have been minor changes, the dual round headlights and retro rear have remained unchanged since the beginning, albeit with updated and upgraded lighting parts. The car also comes with rear LED tail lights. The car comes with 14 color options namely Frostbite, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite, Hellraisin, Indigo Blue, Octane Red, TorRed, Triple Nickel, White Knuckle, Pitch Black, Sinamon Stick, Smoke Show, and Gold Rush. Weighing 4,157 lbs, the car comes with a 116.2-inch wheelbase, 197.9-inch overall length, and 75.7-inch overall width.
The Dodge Challenger R/T is the tallest and broadest of all the rivals. The Challenger R/T and the Chevy Camaro come with a much larger wheelbase as compared to the Ford Mustang and the Toyota GR Supra. The Coupe comes with a bit dated muscle car design, whereas it still appealing enough to stand tall among the competitors. The Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang appear more sporty and youthful. The Toyota GR Supra appears to be much more compact.
Some standout exterior features include:
· Daytime running headlamps
· 20-inch wheels
· LED Headlamps
· Scat Pack-specific exterior styling
· Foglights
· LED tail lights
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Safety Features and Ratings
The outside of the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T is the bonnet, front fenders, and doors are made out of aluminum. This ensures stiffness and durability. The 2023 Challenger R/T comes with stability and traction control, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), and a rearview camera. The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T comes with 6 airbags including Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags, Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags, and Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags. The brand also offers tire pressure monitoring and rear sonar for parking assistance. For the 2022 edition, the IIHS has given the Coupe ‘Good’ rating in the side-impact and moderate overlap front crash tests. It was rated Acceptable or Marginal in the remaining categories of crash tests. The NHTSA has rated the with five-star rating.
Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T include
· Carbon fiber components
· Traction control
· Anti-Lock Braking System
· Rear Sonar for parking assistance
· Rear view camera
· Stability control
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T against its competition
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T vs 2023 Ford Mustang GT Fastback
The 2023 Ford Mustang GT Fastback is slightly cheaper than the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T. It delivers superior power and torque output with an engine of the same size. It reaches 60 MPH faster than the competitor and also performs well in terms of quarter mile timing. The interior of the Mustang appears to be far more inviting than the Challenger's subpar cabin. The Challenger R/T, on the other hand, has more headroom and rear legroom. It also has a traditional muscle car style on the outside, which might not excite some fans.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T vs 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 2dr LT1
The Dodge Challenger R/T 2023 costs more than the Camaro 2dr LT1. It has more headroom than the competitor. On the downside, the visibility, especially of the rear is a bit too compromised for Challenger R/T. The 2023 Chevy Camaro LT1, on the other hand, has a more powerful powertrain than the standard R/T variant. The engine produces higher power and torque than the R/T engine. It is the fastest and has the best interior quality.
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T vs 2023 Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra costs more than the Challenger R/T. It has a two-seater coupe body and a much smaller body. In terms of 0-60 MPH acceleration and quarter-mile timing, the Supra is faster. The Challenger R/T, on the other hand, outperforms the GR Supra in terms of braking distance. Furthermore, it tops practically everything else, including power output, torque delivery, and overall dimensions.
Should you buy a 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T?
Being the last edition of our beloved Challenger, this car is more of an emotion rather than just a high-performance machine. The brand has ensured that this last run would be remembered by the buyers, so they have added a few tweaks to do so. Furthermore, the car comes with an amazing high-performance 5.7L V8 engine with impressive power and torque delivery. Sadly, the fuel economy in a city and over a highway of the 2023 Challenger R/T is not at par with the other rivals in the segment. This is also reflected in the range of travel of the car. The cabin is spacious and outdated, but it provides passengers with a nice ride. The exterior profile is muscular and looks robust, just like the classic Challenger. In our view, if you are not bothered by the quality of cabin, you can surely opt for this beast.
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