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2021 Dodge Challenger

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Rating6.9
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$28,870 - $80,170
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on October 31, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Variety of options to choose from in terms of trim levels and packages

Handling not one of its forte

Slight changes in trims and features

Comfortable ride for a muscle car

Unlike most of its rivals, it is not available as a convertible

GT AWD now gets 20” wheels as standard

Spacious interior for a 2-door coupe

Rearward visibility is a bit compromised

Specs & Features

$28,870

price

303 hp @ 6350 rpm

horsepower

268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.6L 6cyl RWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2021 Dodge Challenger got quite a few significant changes and updates over its previous model, with the lineup remaining mostly unchanged. Speaking of lineup, the 2021Dodge Challenger is broadly available in five different trim levels to choose from, viz. SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and the insane top-of-the-line trim, the SRT Hellcat. We will be talking about the SXT and GT trim in the article as all the other trims have various differentiating factors, and they will get a different article.

Buying Advice

The base SXT trim is more than enough for your daily commute, but if you are serious about performance, then the GT trim becomes a better choice. It gets a performance steering wheel and steering-mounted paddle shifters to help you take manual control of the car in a sportier way. We recommend going for the GT trim for those who like to get involved in driving, otherwise, the SXT trim will be more than enough for you.

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Comparative Analysis against Competition

In terms of pricing, the 2021 Dodge Challenger has a starting MSRP of $28,870. Its main rivals are the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. The Nissan 370Z, although not a pony or a muscle car, is a worthy competitor to these muscle cars at a similar price point. Continue with the article to know how it performs in front of other muscle cars in the segment.

Features
7.0/10

As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Dodge Challenger is broadly available in five different trim levels to choose from, viz. SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and the top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat. You will get a separate article for all the trims except the SXT and GT trim, as they are all different in many ways. The SXT trim gets a decent list of features and is good enough for your daily commute. But if you want more features, you always have the option to upgrade to the GT trim. 

Trim

SXT

GT

MSRP (FWD)

$28,870

$31,870

MSRP (AWD)

$31,870

$34,870

Key Features

18” wheels (19” on AWD models)

In addition to or replaces SXT trim features with:
 

Uconnect 4 infotainment system with 7” touchscreen display

20” wheels
 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Fog Lights
 

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Upgraded cloth seats
 

6-speaker audio system

Rear parking sensors
 

Power adjustable driver’s seat

Performance steering
 

Heated mirrors

Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters

The 2021 Dodge Challenger comes decently loaded right from the base trim. The base SXT trim starts at an MSRP of $28,870 for FWD and $31,870 for AWD drivetrains. You get 19” alloy wheels for the FWD variant and 20” alloy wheels for the AWD variants. It comes with a 7” touchscreen display that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SXT trim also offers dual-zone climate control. The upgrade to the GT trim gives you access to performance steering wheels and steering-mounted paddle shifters.

We recommend

The base SXT trim is more than enough for your daily commute, but if you are serious about performance, then the GT trim becomes a better choice. It gets a performance steering wheel and steering-mounted paddle shifters to help you take manual control of the car in a sportier way. We recommend going for the GT trim for those who like to get involved in driving, otherwise, the SXT trim will be more than enough for you.

Fuel Economy
7.3/10

The 2021 Dodge Challenger offers very decent mileage for the segment. It has neither the best fuel economy in the section nor the worst. The 3.9-liter V6 engine manages to deliver 19 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg of combined fuel economy. The 18.5 gallons of fuel tank helps it deliver the best highway range in the segment. 

Models

2021 Dodge Challenger

2021 Ford Mustang

2021 Chevrolet Camaro

2021 Nissan 370Z

MPG (City)

19

21

19

17

MPG (Highway)

30

29

29

26

MPG (Combined)

23

24

22

20

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

18.5

15.5

19.0

19.0

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

351.5 / 555.0 / 425.5

325.5 / 449.5 / 372.0

361.0 / 551.0 / 418.0

323.0 / 494.0 / 380.0

The 2021 Dodge Challenger is one of the better choices in terms of fuel economy for the segment. Especially, when we compare it with its competitors, most of them are in a very similar ballpark with regards to fuel economy. When comparing the overall range, the Dodge Challenger offers the most at 555 miles on the highway.

Interior
6.0/10

The interior of the 2021 Dodge Challenger suits its muscle car image, quite rugged and tough. Although quite sophisticated, the interior doesn’t look anything over-the-top or flashy like some of the luxury cars at the same price point. Although not the most feature-rich car of its segment, Dodge has put high attention to detail in the quality of the materials used in the car. 

Newer Dodge Challengers have made a significant improvement in terms of interior quality and make the inside of the car a really nice place to be in. The front seats are quite comfortable and provide decent support as well to provide a snug fit. Heated and ventilated seat options are also available for both the driver and passenger, but only the driver’s seat gets power adjustment functionality.

Models

2021 Dodge Challenger

2021 Ford Mustang

2021 Chevrolet Camaro

2021 Nissan 370Z

Seating Capacity

5

4

4

2

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

39.3 / 58.5 / 42

37.6 / 56.3 / 45.1

38.5 / 55.0 / 43.9

38.2 / 54.4 / 43.9

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

37.1 / 53.9 / 33.1

34.8 / 52.2 / 29.0

33.5 / 50.3 / 29.9

NA

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

16.2

13.5

9.1

6.9

With 94.0 cu-ft of interior passenger volume, the 2021 Challenger is actually one of the most spacious, if not the most spacious among its rivals. Moreover, the passenger capacity of 5 is also a huge plus as well. The 2021 Ford Mustang and the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro in comparison can only accommodate 4 people, while the 2021 Nissan 370Z loses the game, as it can accommodate 2 people only. Standout interior features include:

  • Heated and ventilated leather seats
  • Power adjustable driver’s seat
  • Memory feature for driver seat, steering column, side mirrors, and radio presets
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Interior air filtration

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Dodge Challenger features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are also available as standard from the base trim. Dodge has its own Uconnect software for the infotainment system. Although the animation could be more fluid, the touch response is not that bad. 

The Uconnect interface is quite easy to use, and Dodge is constantly working on it to make it even better. The screen is decently visible under direct sunlight as well. Voice-activated audio controls and wireless phone connectivity are also available along with AM/FM/HD/Satellite Radio. Music is managed by a standard 6-speaker sound system with speed-sensitive volume functionality. Highlight features of the infotainment system:

  • 7” touchscreen display for the infotainment system
  • Steering wheel mounted audio controls
  • Radio data system
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 
  • External digital memory control
  • Wireless phone connectivity
  • Voice-activated audio controls

Exterior
8.0/10

Being a thoroughbred muscle car, the 2021 Challenger does look the part. Although looks are subjective, it might arguably be one of the most attractive-looking muscle cars available in the market right now. Some might also argue that the Challenger sets the benchmark for a modern-day muscle car with a proper retro look all over it. With the muscular wheel arches, along with the proper muscle car silhouette, the 2021 Dodge Challenger stands out from the rest with its iconic grille, which also houses the twin circular headlamps on both sides.

Models

2021 Dodge Challenger

2021 Ford Mustang

2021 Chevrolet Camaro

2020 Nissan 370Z

Curb Weight (lbs)

3858

4089

3351

3333

Length (inches)

197.9

188.5

188.3

167.5

Width (inches)

75.7

75.4

74.7

72.6

Height (inches)

57.7

54.3

53.1

51.8

Ground Clearance (inches)

5.2

NA

NA

4.8

Wheelbase (inches)

116.2

107.1

110.7

100.4

In terms of exterior dimensions, the 2021 Challenger is one of the longest, if not the longest cars out there, and that too by quite a margin as well. It also has one of the longer wheelbases as well. The ground clearance is also very generous for a muscle car, and it is bigger than the competition in every dimension. When comparing the curb weight, Ford Mustang is the heaviest option in the segment. Key exterior features include:

  • Mopar Shaker hood and cold-air intake
  • 19” or 20” alloy wheel
  • Black Chrome finish for the grille
  • Projector Headlamps with LED DRLs
  • Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Safety
4.0/10

As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Dodge Challenger is a part of the 3rd Challenger generation introduced for the 2008 model year. It started out on the Chrysler LC platform up until the 2014 model year. The 2015 model year saw a shift to the new Chrysler LA platform, which remains the same for the 2021 model as well. The foundation of the body is a solid structure built with high-strength steel along with specially designed front and rear crumple zones to help absorb impact energy and redirect it away from the passengers.

According to Dodge themselves, the 2021 Challenger has more than 70 available safety and security features. On top of all the generic passive safety features like airbags and traction control, the Challenger also has an impressive list of advanced active safety features to prevent crashes from happening in the first place. Some of these standout safety features include:

  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection
  • Automatic high beams
  • Rain brake support

Competition
9.0/10

2021 Dodge Challenger vs 2021 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang might just be one of the most balanced, if not the most balanced among the muscle cars available in the market right now. It has a good balance of straight-line performance along with agility around the corners, which makes it the ideal car to use both as a daily driver and a good track-day companion as well. Just like the Challenger, the Mustang also has a huge lineup of choices for every budget and need, but the Mustang loses some edge, especially when compared to its competitors in interior space. 

2021 Dodge Challenger vs 2021 Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro is another natural competitor to the Challenger, and Camaro is a completely different beast. Where the Challenger relies on brute force and outright performance, the Camaro believes in lightweight and nimble handling. In fact, it might just be one of the most nimble out of all muscle cars available in the market right now.

2021 Dodge Challenger vs 2021 Nissan 370Z

Although not a muscle car, the Nissan 370Z has some strong credentials to compete in this segment. Coming from Japan, the far East, the 370Z does not have any V8s to offer in its lineup. All the trims are powered by the same 3.7L V6 producing 332 HP. The performance-oriented NISMO version bumps that up to 350 HP, which is nowhere near as crazy as some of the crazy powerful variants of its American muscle car competitors, but its price tag is also nowhere near as crazy as their prices as well.

Final Verdict

It is actually quite incredible for what you get at this price point. Fuel economy figures are also on par with the segment as well. Handling and going around the corners might be a bit of a stretch, but other than that, you won’t be having much of an issue with the car. Overall the 2021 Dodge Challenger is a pretty solid option in the thoroughbred muscle car segment, and you won’t go wrong by getting one for your garage.

Trims

    SXT
    $28,870 onwards
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • AM/FM/Satellite-prep, Radio
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
    GT
    $31,870 onwards
    • 20-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Parking assist
    R/T
    $35,570 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl 6M
    • Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5150 rpm hp
    • Torque: 410 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 18 mpg
    R/T Scat Pack
    $40,645 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl 6M
    • Horsepower: 485 hp @ 6100 rpm hp
    • Torque: 475 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg
    SRT Hellcat
    $59,570 onwards
    • Engine: 6.2L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 717 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 656 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 3.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 199 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg
    SRT Hellcat Widebody
    $65,570 onwards
    • Engine: 6.2L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 717 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 656 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 3.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 195 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg
    SRT Hellcat Redeye
    $71,170 onwards
    • Engine: 6.2L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 717 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 707 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 3.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 203 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg
    SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody
    $77,170 onwards
    • Engine: 6.2L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 797 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 707 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 3.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 203 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg
    SRT Super Stock Widebody
    $80,170 onwards
    • Engine: 6.2L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 807 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 707 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 3.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 205 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg

Compare to similar cars

6.9
2021 Dodge Challenger

Price

$28,870- $80,170

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.91

Horsepower

807 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

707 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

7.2
2021 Chevrolet Camaro

$25,000- $48,500

Gasoline

7.16

275 hp @ 5600 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

4

Read Review

7.8
2021 Ford Mustang

$27,155- $51,720

Gasoline

7.81

310 hp @ 5500 rpm

350 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

4

Read Review

2021 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		6.2 sec14.8 sec140 mph
    		4.9 sec13.5 sec140 mph
    		5.4 sec13.6 sec-
    Read More

    2021 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		19 mpg30 mpg23 mpg18.5 gal.351.5/555 mi.
      		21 mpg29 mpg24 mpg15.5 gal.325.5/449.5 mi.
      		19 mpg29 mpg22 mpg19 gal.361/551 mi.

      2021 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        		197.9 in.75.7 in.57.7 in.5.2 in.116.2 in.
        		188.3 in.75.4 in.54.4 in.-107.1 in.
        		188.3 in.74.7 in.53.1 in.-110.7 in.

        2021 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          		16.2 cu.ft.93.9 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.
          		13.5 cu.ft.84.5 cu.ft.64.1 cu.ft.
          		9.1 cu.ft.93 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.

          2021 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		63.4 cu.ft.16.2 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.-
            		83.1 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.64.1 cu.ft.82 ft.
            		46 cu.ft.9.1 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.-

            2021 Dodge Challenger vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		1000 lbs.1092 lbs.3858 lbs.
              		--3351 lbs.
              		--3532 lbs.

              Top Dodge Cars

              2021 Dodge Challenger

              Horsepower : 303 hp @ 6350 rpm

              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 6.2 sec

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              2021 Dodge Challenger User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

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              STD

              Sean T Dour

              2020 Dodge Challenger

              GT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 24, 2024

              My 2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scatpack Widebody

              Pros - ["The Looks and excitement that the car brings when I drive it", "How comfortable the interior is but yet all the power it has, Perfect combination"]

              Cons - ["Gas Mileage", "Cost of Maintenance"]

              I bought this car based on its looks, performance, and cool factor. Not many vehicles have all 3, they either have good looks but are not comfortable or get great gas mileage but look like a turtle car. My car has one of the best-looking bodies and no matter what angle you look at it from it seems serious and means business and gets compliments every time I drive it. Its comfort is among the best...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              Read more »

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