2013 Dodge Challenger

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Rating7.5
Write Review
$26,295 - $44,195
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Unique visual presence

Base engine lacks punch

No significant changes

A long list of standard features

Driving dynamics aren't as sharp as they need to be

Spacious interior

Huge cargo area

Specs & Features

$26,295

price

305 hp @ 6350 rpm

horsepower

268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

torque

5-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.6L 6cyl RWD 5A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Dodge Challenger is one of the most revered muscle cars of all time, thanks to its history of breaking drag time records, featuring in blockbuster movies, and being a regular sight at car shows. The Challenger, as the name suggests, was born out of the need to challenge its famed rivals from Ford and Chevrolet, and over the years has managed to earn respect across the industry for being a true value-for-money muscle car.

The "Redline Reviews" reviews the newly released cars and gives you proper walkaround before making a decision on buying a car. It even compares worthy rivals. As for the 2013 Dodge Challenge Coupe "Redline Reviews" feels that "With its classic muscle car looks, spacious interior, and potent engine choices, the current Dodge Challenger makes for a compelling choice.". Check out more in this video. 

 

Buying Advice

The ‘SXT Plus’ trim level is a highly recommended trim level in the Challenger’s lineup as it offers some additional features over the SXT trim level at a price tag just below the $30,000 mark. These additional features made available add to the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the Challenger and make the trim a true value for money option in the lineup.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Unlike its R/T and SRT siblings, the base Challenger comes with a humble V6 power unit and has 3 trim levels to choose from. Prices start at $27,290 for the base ‘SXT’ trim level and go up to $31,190 for the Rallye Redline trim level. The Challenger competes with the 2013 Ford Mustang V6, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, and the 2013 Nissan 370Z in the midsize coupe segment.

Features
9.0/10

The 2013 Dodge Challenger is available in 3 trim levels with the base V6 powertrain unit. Other versions of the Challenger include the R/T and the SRT ones that come with the V8 engines. The 3 trim levels available for the Challenger are named SXT, SXT Plus, and Rallye Redline, respectively. The base SXT trim level is priced at a modest $27,290 and has a good number of standard features such as push-button ignition, premium cloth seats, manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel, brake assist, and rain brake support. The Rallye Redline has the same foundation as the SXT Plus, but it differs in terms of exterior and interior appearance. 

Trim

SXT

SXT Plus

Rallye Redline

MSRP 

$27,290

$29,290

$31,190

Key Features

3.6-liter V6 engine

Adds or replaces in SXT

Adds or replaces in SXT Plus

 

18-inch aluminum wheels

20-inch aluminum wheels

20-inch black chrome aluminum wheels

 

Dual rear exhaust with bright tips

ParkSense Rear Park Assist

paddle shifters

 

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

fog lights

Boston Acoustic Speakers with 6 speakers

 

Automatic climate control 

Heated front seats

Rear body-color spoiler

 

Remote keyless entry

Automatic high beams

Performance suspension

 

Momentum cloth/Wallace II cloth upholstery

Premium Nappa leather upholstery

 
 

6-speaker sound system

Auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone

 
 

6-airbags

   
 

Brake assist

   

We Recommend

The ‘SXT Plus’ trim level is a highly recommended trim level in the Challenger’s lineup as it offers some additional features over the SXT trim level at a price tag just below the $30,000 mark. These additional features made available add to the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the Challenger and make the trim a true value for money option in the lineup.

Engine and Performance
8.1/10

The 2013 Dodge Challenger comes with a 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 powertrain unit that puts out 305 hp and 268 lb-ft. of torque. Its power delivery seems much smoother and linear compared to the more powerful R/T and SRT versions that offer a V8. But the engine lacks punch when compared to the other cars in the segment and certainly needs tuning to amp up the throttle response.

The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that does the job of transmitting the power to the rear wheels in a subtle and linear progression that feels comfortable but doesn’t go along with the looks of the Challenger. The Challenger can exhibit a performance figure of 144 mph as its top speed. It does a 0-60 mph pull in 6.8 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile in flat 15 seconds, which is slower than rivals. The overall handling feels sluggish as well and lacks the dynamic driving capability expected from a midsize coupe.

Models

2013 Dodge Challenger

2013 Ford Mustang V6

2013 Chevrolet Camaro

2013 Nissan 370Z

MSRP

$27,290

$23,000

$24,245

$33,910

Engine

3.6-liter V6

3.7-liter V6

3.6-liter V6

3.7-liter V6

Drivetrain

RWD

RWD

RWD

RWD

Transmission

5-speed automatic

6-speed manual

6-speed manual

6-speed manual

Power (hp @ RPM

305 @ 6,350

305 @ 6,500

323 @ 6,800

332 @ 7,000

Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)

268 @ 4,800

280 @ 4,250

278 @ 4,800

270 @ 5,200

0-60 MPH (seconds)

6.8

6.0

5.9

5.4

Quarter-Mile (seconds)

15

14.1

14.3

13.3

Top-Speed (MPH)

144

153

155

155

The Dodge Challenger isn’t available with a manual transmission, unlike its rivals, which explains the higher price tag. The race has been won by the 370Z from Nissan, which does the 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. In second place, the Chevrolet Camaro is rejoicing with 5.9 seconds required to finish the 0-60mph mark, whereas the Ford Mustang takes just 0.1 seconds more to do the same.

Fuel Economy
8.1/10

The word that explains the Challenger’s fuel economy would be ‘mediocre’. The Challenger offers a decent fuel economy for a car of its caliber, but it isn’t the best or worst in its segment when it comes to fuel economy. It delivers a fuel economy of 18, 27, and 21 MPG in the city, highway, and combined, respectively. It has a fuel tank capacity of 19.1 gallons, which is the largest in the segment.

Models

2013 Dodge Challenger

2013 Ford Mustang V6

2013 Chevrolet Camaro

2013 Nissan 370Z

MPG (City)

18

19

17

18

MPG (Highway)

27

29

28

26

MPG (Combined)

21

22

20

21

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

19.1

16.0

19.0

19.0

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

344/516

304/464

323/532

342/494

The 2013 Ford Mustang V6 exhibits the best fuel economy figures in the segment, but its lower fuel tank capacity makes it offer a lesser fuel range compared to the Challenger. As compared to Challenger, the rival from Nissan returns 1 mpg less on the highway, while the opponent from Chevrolet does the complete opposite. Both Camaro and 370Z share the same fuel storing capacity.

Interior
8.1/10

The 2013 Dodge Challenger comes with some of the best-in-class interior components and quality standards. The overall design is distinctively Dodge and has some elements that it shares with its sibling from the Dodge stable, the Charger. The dashboard design layout is simple. The surface has a soft touch material to it and comes draped in Nappa leather if you opt for the higher trim levels. The dashboard seems less cluttered with buttons, and the steering wheel has leather upholstery along with tilt and telescopic adjustability. The heated front seats are only given on SXT Plus and higher trim. Nappa leather upholstery is standard on the SXT Plus and Rallye Redline trim levels, but Premium cloth is given on the base trim.

The driver seat has a 10-way power adjustment with 4-way power lumbar adjustability. Despite being a sporty midsize coupe, the seats are decently wide and don’t feel cramped, and the interior capacity in the front row is the best in class, making it the most comfortable car in the segment. The air conditioning unit has automatic temperature control. Surprisingly, the Challenger offers more second-row space in it when compared to its rivals which helps it double up the rear seats as additional storage spaces when needed.

Models

2013 Dodge Challenger

2013 Ford Mustang V6

2013 Chevrolet Camaro

2013 Nissan 370Z

Seating Capacity

5

4

4

2

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

39.3 / 58.2 / 42

38.5 / 55.3 / 42.4

37.4 / 56.9 / 42.4

38.2 / 54.4 / 42.9

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

37.4 / 53.9 / 32.6

34.7 / 51.6 / 29.8

35.3 / 50.42 / 29.9

NA

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

16.2

13.4

11.3

6.9

Apart from the spacious cabin, the Dodge Challenger also offers the largest cargo capacity in the segment. The Nissan 370Z is the least spacious car in the segment and has a poor cargo capacity of 6.9 cubic feet, which is nearly 10 cubic feet less than what the Challenger offers. As for the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, both have nearly the same passenger volume. Some of the notable interior features are:

  • Power 10-way driver’s seat including power 4-way lumbar adjust
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel 
  • Premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats 
  • Heated front seats
  • Automatic temperature control 
  • Push-button ignition
  • Remote keyless entry

How intuitive is the 2013 Dodge Challenger’s infotainment unit?

Just like interior features and comfort, infotainment features are some of the Challenger’s highlights as it offers a mix of modest and premium features inside. The infotainment system is Dodge’s Uconnect 130 system that has inbuilt AM/FM radio and MP3 player. An optional 6.5-inch touchscreen and a 276w 6-speaker Boston Acoustics unit are given on the SXT Plus and further trims. SiriusXM satellite radio is an optional feature in the lower trims and is a standard one on the higher trim levels. Connectivity features onboard include AUX media input jack, USB port, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. Some of the notable infotainment features are:

  • 6-speaker sound system
  • CD player
  • 6.5-inch touch screen with navigation (optional)
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio (optional)
  • USB Connectivity
  • Bluetooth Connectivity (optional)
  • Voice command (optional)

Exterior
8.1/10

The exterior bodywork of the 2013 Dodge Challenger is arguably the best design when it comes to aesthetic appeal. The straight yet bold sidelines with the flat and modernistic grille portion add subtle yet powerful aesthetic appeal to the exterior. Dual bright exhaust tips are given on the backside to increase its sporty appeal. Moreover, 18-inch aluminum wheels are available with the base SXT trim level, while the higher trim options get 20-inch aluminum wheels. The dual automatic headlamps and the straight line tail lamp section all flow along with the design layout and seem to strike a sharp and powerful look from all angles. Fog lamps are given standard on the SXT Plus trim but a power sunroof is optional.

Models

2013 Dodge Challenger

2013 Ford Mustang V6

2013 Chevrolet Camaro

2013 Nissan 370Z

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3834

3501

3780

3232

Length (inches)

197.7

188.5

190.4

167.2

Width (inches)

75.7

73.9

75.5

72.6

Height (inches)

57.1

55.6

54.2

51.8

Ground Clearance (inches)

5.1

5.7

NA

4.8

Wheelbase (inches)

116.0

107.1

112.3

100.4

The Challenger is neither the lightest in weight nor the shortest in wheelbase when compared to its rivals. This poses a disadvantage when taking driving dynamics into concern but provides stability and ease of driving in straight lines. The Challenger is also the highest in height which helps add some headroom in the interior. On the other hand, the Nissan 370Z has the smallest exterior dimensions. As for the Chevrolet Camaro, its dimensions fit in between Challenger and Ford Mustang. Some of the notable exterior features are:

  • 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels (optional)
  • 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels (optional)
  • Power sunroof (optional)
  • Functional twin hood scoops
  • Power heated mirrors 

Safety
6.0/10

Being a sports midsize coupe also means that safety should be of top concern to keep the occupants inside safe all the time. The Challenger is one of the safest cars in its class, all thanks to the excellent engineering practices that went into its design and manufacturing. It gets an overall safety rating of 5 stars from the NHTSA. However, the 2013 model has not been tested by the IIHS. Along with the superb safety ratings, it brings in some necessities such as Hydraulic assist brake booster, hill start assist, rain brake support, ready alert braking, knock-back mitigation, rear park assist, cruise control, and more. Some of the notable safety features are:

  • Traction Control
  • Cruise control
  • ParkSense Rear Park Assist (optional)
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Knockback mitigation
  • Brake assist
  • Rain brake support

Final Verdict

The 2013 Dodge Challenger might not be the most powerful or dynamically exciting car in its class, but it offers best-in-class interior and cargo capacity along with some quality infotainment and interior features. It also manages to offer excellent safety ratings that promise the fact that money being spent is certainly put into use. However, if driving dynamics is your biggest concern, better options are available in the segment.

Trims

    SXT
    $26,295 onwards
    • 18-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Front automatic air conditioning
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    Rallye Redline
    $26,295 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl RWD 5A
    • Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6350 rpm hp
    • Torque: 268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 145 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg
    SXT Plus
    $26,295 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl RWD 5A
    • Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6350 rpm hp
    • Torque: 268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 144 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg
    R/T
    $29,995 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 372 hp @ 5200 rpm hp
    • Torque: 410 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 18 mpg
    R/T Classic
    $29,995 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 372 hp @ 5200 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 18 mpg
    R/T Plus
    $29,995 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 372 hp @ 5200 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 18 mpg
    SRT8 Core
    $38,995 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 470 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 470 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 180 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg
    SRT8
    $44,195 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 470 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 470 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 180 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$23,345- $41,285

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.77

Horsepower

323 hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque

278 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

Capacity

4

Read Review

$33,120- $45,470

Gasoline

7.27

332 hp @ 7000 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

2

Read Review

$26,295- $44,195

Gasoline

7.55

470 hp @ 6000 rpm

470 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,500- $28,675

Gasoline

7.49

200 hp @ 7000 rpm

151 lb.-ft. @ 6600 rpm

4

Read Review

$25,495- $28,595

Gasoline

7.33

200 hp @ 7000 rpm

151 lb.-ft. @ 6400 rpm

4

Read Review

$22,200- $42,200

Gasoline

8.1

305 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

4

Read Review

2013 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.5 sec14.8 sec145 mph
    4.8 sec13.2 sec-
    5.5 sec14.1 sec-
    5.8 sec14.2 sec136 mph
    5.98 sec-95 mph
    6.8 sec-143 mph

    2013 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      18 mpg27 mpg21 mpg19.5 gal.351/526.50 mi.
      25 mpg30 mpg25 mpg13.2 gal.-
      22 mpg30 mpg25 mpg13.2 gal.290.4/396 mi.
      19 mpg29 mpg22 mpg16 gal.304/464 mi.
      18 mpg26 mpg21 mpg19 gal.342/494 mi.
      17 mpg28 mpg20 mpg19 gal.323/532 mi.

      2013 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        197.7 in.75.7 in.57.1 in.5.7 in.116 in.
        190.4 in.75.5 in.54.2 in.4 in.112.3 in.
        188.5 in.73.9 in.55.6 in.6 in.107.1 in.
        167.2 in.72.6 in.51.8 in.4.84 in.100.4 in.
        166.7 in.69.9 in.50.6 in.4.9 in.101.2 in.
        166.7 in.69.9 in.50.6 in.4.9 in.101.2 in.

        2013 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          16.2 cu.ft.91.5 cu.ft.-
          6.9 cu.ft.76.5 cu.ft.147 cu.ft.
          6.9 cu.ft.51.6 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.
          13.4 cu.ft.83.3 cu.ft.83.1 cu.ft.
          11.3 cu.ft.81.4 cu.ft.7.1 cu.ft.
          6.9 cu.ft.76.5 cu.ft.-

          2013 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            -16.2 cu.ft.-79 ft.
            83.1 cu.ft.13.4 cu.ft.83.1 cu.ft.-
            -6.9 cu.ft.--
            147 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.147 cu.ft.-
            146.4 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.-
            81.4 cu.ft.11.3 cu.ft.7.1 cu.ft.-

            2013 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1000 lbs.1116 lbs.3834 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3501 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3780 lbs.
              -685 lbs.3272 lbs.
              --2758 lbs.
              --2762 lbs.

              2013 Dodge Challenger Coupe Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              5

              Recalls

              1

              Investigations

              176

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2013 Dodge Challenger User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              AR

              Amely Rivera

              2014 Dodge Challenger

              Rallye Redline 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 21, 2024

              My review for my Challenger

              Pros - ["I love the style", "Low maintenance"]

              Cons - ["Not enough room for my kids", "No tints for the windows"]

              I love everything about my car the style the fast drives the room to fit a lot of things the room to fit my kids I love the color my son wants to keep the car when he is old enough and rebuild it to be a faster race car

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review