2017 Dodge Challenger

Dodge offers the 2017 Challenger in 14 different trim levels: SXT, SXT Plus, GT, T/A, T/A Plus, T/A 392, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, R/T Scat Pack, SRT 392, SRT Hellcat, and 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker. In this review, we will cover the SXT, SXT Plus, and GT, the rest other trims are reviewed separately.

The entry-level 2017 Dodge Challenger SXT has a 305-horsepower V6 engine, Bluetooth, a 5-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, USB, and auxiliary ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and alloy wheels.

Trim	SXT	SXT Plus	GT
MSRP	$26,995	$29,995	$33,395
Key Features	Speed Control Electronic with steering wheel-mounted controls.	Add/Upgrades to SXT trim	Add/Upgrades to SXT Plus
	AM/FM	2 USB ports and auxiliary jack located in center console.	6 Performance Speakers.
	Integrated Voice Command Includes Bluetooth.	Heated and ventilated front.	Media Hub. (2 USB, AUX)
	6 speakers sound system	Auto High-Beam Headlamp Control.	SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
	UCONNECT 5.0 with 5-inch touchscreen	Shark-fin-style roof	10-Way Power Driver Seat -inc: Power Height Adjustment.
		Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen navigation radio	Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, and more.

Next-in-line is the Challenger SXT Plus, which adds leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded infotainment system. The 2017 Challenger GT trim is the only model that comes with standard all-wheel drive. It also adds steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a Sport mode, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, an 8.4-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

We recommend

We recommend the mid-range SXT Plus trim which brings the best value to the 2017 Challenger lineup. The SXT Plus adds features like heated and ventilated front seats, shark fin roof styling, high beam headlamps, and leather interiors.

The Challenger’s V6 engine returns EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is good in sports class. The Challenger GT trims with standard AWD drop the ratings to 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Model	2017 Dodge Challenger	2017 Honda Accord	2017 Ford Mustang
MPG (city)	19	21	18
MPG (highway)	30	32	27
MPG (combined)	23	24	21

Among the three, the Honda Accord sedan returns the best fuel economy numbers at 21 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Accord's V6 has less power and the sedan is also lighter than the other two in comparison. With the best acceleration performance, the Mustang returns a sub-par fuel economy in the category. 

Being a 2-door coupe, the Dodge Challenger offers class-leading passenger and cargo capacity. Its large doors open wide and the cabin can seat up to 5 people. At the front, there is ample headroom and legroom while the rear seats have enough room for adults to stretch their legs. The bae Challenger comes equipped with cloth upholstery and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat while the plus versions and GT trim offer leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Since the doors open wide, the entry and exit will be easy but you will have to mind the narrow spaces. Also, the rear seat access is comparatively better than other muscle-car coupes in the segment. The front view is considerable but there are blind spots on the front shoulder. A standard rear-view camera helps considerably in the rear vision.

Model	2017 Dodge Challenger	2017 Honda Accord	2017 Ford Mustang
Passenger capacity	5	5	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/58.5/42.0	37.2/58.9/42.2	37.6/56.3/44.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/53.9/33.1	37.2/55.1/33.7	34.8/52.2/30.6

The Ford Mustang coupe offers seating for two in the rear, unlike the Challenger which accommodates three. Since the Accord is a sedan it is considerably more practical than the other two coupes here.

Interior Features

• Multilevel heating in driver and passenger seats
• Folding center armrest
• Rear ventilation ducts
• Split-folding rear seatbacks
• 2 one-touch power windows
• External temperature display
• Tilt and telescopic electric power steering with audio and cruise controls
• Universal remote transmitter and keyless ignition
• Rearview camera with parking sensors
• Interior air filtration
• Electro chromatic inside rearview mirror
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

2017 Challenger Infotainment

The 2017 Challenger comes with a standard 5-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The available options include a bigger 8.4-inch touch-screen powered by a Uconnect infotainment system. The upgraded system features smartphone integration including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Challenger's touchscreen display is user-friendly and responsive. interface. For audiophiles, Dodge offers an 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system as an available option, so is the navigation. Some key highlight features of the 2017 Dodge Challenger's infotainment system are as below:

• 6 total speakers
• 276 watts stereo output
• USB connection with external media control
• Auxiliary audio input
• Memory card slot
• AM/FM stereo

2017 Challenger Cargo Capacity

The 2017 Challenger has a mid-size sedan-like trunk volume rated at 16.2 cubic feet. The rear seatbacks fold in a 60/40-split configuration to expand the cargo space further. The Challenger's trunk space puts the likes of Mustang and Camaro to shame.

Model	2017 Dodge Challenger	2017 Honda Accord	2017 Ford Mustang
Cargo Volume	16.2 ft.3	13.4 ft.3	13.5 ft.3

The small-item storage is present all around and by comparison, is decent n the class. You have an adequately sized center console at your disposal for keeping a variety of items.

The current styling of the 2017 Dodge Challenger was last updated in 2008 when the current Challenger was launched. Though the basic shape and dimensions have remained unchanged, for 2017, SRT Hellcats get new alloy wheels. The 2017 Challenger looks composed but lacks the flair of Camaro or Mustang.

Model	2017 Dodge Challenger	2017 Honda Accord	2017 Ford Mustang
Curb weight	3894 lbs.	3523 lbs.	3526 lbs.
Length	197.9"	189.5"	188.3"
Width	75.7"	73.0"	75.4"
Height	57.5"	56.5"	54.4"
Ground clearance	5.2"	5.5"	5.1"
Wheelbase	116.2"	107.3"	107.1"

The 2017 Challenger is the heaviest, longest, and widest coupe. At 116.2 inches wheelbase, the Dodge is longer than the Accord sedan. No doubt, why the Challenger offers class-leading interior space in the muscle-car class. 

Exterior Features

• Rear defogger and spoiler
• Variable intermittent wipers
• Daytime running lights
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Brake drying
• Power sunroof
• Body side strips

NHTSA rated the 2017 Dodge Challenger with a perfect five-star overall safety rating. In the IIHS crash test, the Challenger received a mixed review. The coupe earned the highest rating of Good for side and moderate overlap front crash safety while an Acceptable score in the roof strength and head restraints and seat categories. It received the Marginal rating in the small overlap front crash test.

The 2017 Challenger is available with many active safety features as a part of the Driver Convenience package which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. An optional Technology package adds forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A rearview camera is available in all trims.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point and Pretensioners
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Side Impact Beams

2017 Dodge Challenger Vs 2017 Ford Mustang

The 2017 Ford Mustang offers better driving dynamics than the Challenger, thanks to its spirited handling. Though Dodge offers the maximum horsepower than all its rivals, the Mustang has a better cabin quality.

You have a win-win situation with the Dodge Challenger in you are looking for passenger and trunk space, and it’s the only muscle car with available all-wheel-drive.

2017 Dodge Challenger Vs 2017 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is one of the best-selling mid-size sedans on the market with dynamic handling and ample interior room. Though it's not a sports car like the Challenger coupe and lacks the power of the Dodge, Accord is fun-to-drive. 

The sedan as compared to the coupe body style is spacious, but the Dodge Challenger surprises us with the longer wheelbase translating into an overwhelming interior space. 

The 2017 Dodge Challenger is a good sports car and offers a wide array of trim options and powertrains, including the more than 700 hp SRT hellcat (reviewed separately). The two-door coupe has its own strengths, including class-leading interior space, ample horsepower, and an above-average predicted reliability rating. The quality of the cabin is somewhat questionable, marked by cheap plastic material.