
Dodge Challenger (2023)
Retro V8 muscle, roomy comfort, and final-year character, best for enthusiasts over precision.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger is a rolling time capsule for drivers who want modern muscle-car presence without giving up everyday usability. It solves the problem of finding a dramatic performance coupe that still offers five seats, a generous trunk, and, in V6 form, available AWD. Dodge’s promise of broad appeal holds up, from approachable V6 and R/T models to the 485-hp Scat Pack, widely viewed as the sweet spot, while Hellcats deliver thrilling but demanding excess. Real-world feedback supports the comfortable ride and rich V8 character, but exposes dated technology, poor visibility, heavy handling, and costly fuel use. Value is strongest below the collector-priced specials, and the overall recommendation depends on how much final-year character matters versus modern polish and precision.

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Publications
3 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver views the 2023 Challenger positively, especially for its nostalgic character and strong V-8 performance. The review appreciates the car’s deep Hemi rumble, responsive automatic transmission, comfortable ride, roomy cabin, usable back seat, and generous cargo capacity. The 485-hp Scat Pack is the favored choice, offering convincing straight-line speed and plenty of attitude, while available all-wheel drive adds versatility. Still, this is an old-school muscle car rather than a sharp sports coupe: the steering feels numb, cornering is soft, and the heavy chassis trails the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang on twisty roads. The interior is spacious but let down by dated, rubbery materials and poor rear visibility, while advanced safety features are limited and optional. Overall, its vintage styling and relaxed, entertaining road manners remain genuinely appealing, even if the dated dynamics and cabin keep it from feeling modern.
By Drew Dorian; Eric Stafford
Edmunds gives the 2023 Dodge Challenger a warmly positive assessment. It remains a genuinely entertaining muscle coupe, especially with the 6.4-liter V8, delivering strong acceleration, powerful braking, a wonderful highway ride, comfortable seats, and surprisingly generous passenger and cargo space. The reviewer is particularly enthusiastic about the R/T Scat Pack Widebody, whose added grip, aggressive appearance, and improved handling justify its cost, while the car’s easy-to-use Uconnect system and distinctive personality add everyday appeal. Still, this is an aging platform: visibility is poor, the cabin materials feel less impressive in expensive trims, the infotainment looks dated, and fuel economy is dismal. Its substantial weight also limits agility on tight roads. Even so, Edmunds views the Challenger as a charismatic, practical-for-its-class farewell to traditional American muscle, recommending the R/T Scat Pack—ideally with the Widebody package.
By Alex Nishimoto
Car and Driver views the 2023 Challenger positively, especially for its nostalgic character and strong V-8 performance. The review appreciates the car’s deep Hemi rumble, responsive automatic transmission, comfortable ride, roomy cabin, usable back seat, and generous cargo capacity. The 485-hp Scat Pack is the favored choice, offering convincing straight-line speed and plenty of attitude, while available all-wheel drive adds versatility. Still, this is an old-school muscle car rather than a sharp sports coupe: the steering feels numb, cornering is soft, and the heavy chassis trails the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang on twisty roads. The interior is spacious but let down by dated, rubbery materials and poor rear visibility, while advanced safety features are limited and optional. Overall, its vintage styling and relaxed, entertaining road manners remain genuinely appealing, even if the dated dynamics and cabin keep it from feeling modern.
By Drew Dorian; Eric Stafford
Edmunds gives the 2023 Dodge Challenger a warmly positive assessment. It remains a genuinely entertaining muscle coupe, especially with the 6.4-liter V8, delivering strong acceleration, powerful braking, a wonderful highway ride, comfortable seats, and surprisingly generous passenger and cargo space. The reviewer is particularly enthusiastic about the R/T Scat Pack Widebody, whose added grip, aggressive appearance, and improved handling justify its cost, while the car’s easy-to-use Uconnect system and distinctive personality add everyday appeal. Still, this is an aging platform: visibility is poor, the cabin materials feel less impressive in expensive trims, the infotainment looks dated, and fuel economy is dismal. Its substantial weight also limits agility on tight roads. Even so, Edmunds views the Challenger as a charismatic, practical-for-its-class farewell to traditional American muscle, recommending the R/T Scat Pack—ideally with the Widebody package.
By Alex Nishimoto
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19 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Redline Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. He admires its 807-hp supercharged V8, dramatic sound, sleeper styling, usable rear seat, large trunk, and collector-worthy rarity, calling it a thrilling “time capsule” that still puts a smile on his face. The week-long test also exposes serious compromises: weak traction, a 4,500-pound curb weight, dated infotainment and camera technology, mediocre handling, uncomfortable long-trip seat support, and roughly 14 mpg in mixed driving. He ultimately prefers the Scat Pack as the more usable choice, but views the Black Ghost as an emotionally compelling final-era muscle car.
Max is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Dodge Challenger T/A, especially its head-turning retro design, glorious naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, spacious practicality, and entertaining line-lock and launch-control features. He considers the 5.7-liter HEMI a usable, approachable way to enjoy a V8, praising its stability, brakes, and surprisingly competent handling. Still, he’s clear that it is not genuinely fast, with slower acceleration than its appearance suggests. The dated interior, poor rear-view camera, wind noise, rough cylinder deactivation, firm ride, and less-snappy transmission are notable flaws. Overall, he sees it as an immensely fun, characterful cruiser rather than a serious performance weapon.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
Derek Whitman is upbeat about the Dodge Challenger, especially its escalating V8 performance. In a brisk trim rundown, he frames the SXT and GT as sensible daily drivers, then moves through the R/T’s 5.7-liter Hemi, the 485-hp Scat Pack, and increasingly extreme supercharged Hellcat, Redeye, Super Stock, and Demon variants. His excitement is clearest around the Scat Pack, Hellcat’s styling, and the Demon 170’s 1,025 horsepower on E85. It is more an enthusiastic performance overview than a critical review, with little discussion of comfort, handling, practicality, or drawbacks.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors generally like the 2023 Dodge Challenger, though enthusiasm is tempered by its age and rising prices. Its retro styling, spacious and comfortable cabin, strong V8 performance, distinctive sound, and surprisingly usable daily-driver manners earn consistent praise. The V6 is viewed as practical and affordable, especially with AWD, but many enthusiasts urge buyers toward an R/T or Scat Pack for the character and excitement. Critics point to weight, mediocre handling, fuel consumption, dated interiors and infotainment, inconsistent build quality, theft risk, and steep dealer markups. It remains appealing as an unusual, roomy modern muscle car rather than a precise sports car or rational value.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •V8 Performance RangeUp to 807-hp supercharged V8 power.
- •Comfortable Grand TouringRelaxed ride suits commuting and cruising.
- •Roomy Coupe CabinUsable rear seats and generous front room.
- •Iconic Final-Year StylingMarketed as the last classic Challenger.
Considerations
- •Heavy Handling CharacterWeight, soft cornering, and numb steering limit agility.
- •Aging Cabin TechnologyDated displays, materials, and backup camera reduce polish.
- •Poor Rear VisibilityThick pillars and long hood complicate maneuvering.
- •High Fuel ConsumptionV8 versions require frequent, costly refueling.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger is the last classic American muscle coupe, pairing retro attitude with unusually broad performance. Dodge positions it less as a precision sports car than as a comfortable, dramatic cruiser, spanning an attainable 303-hp V6 and AWD daily-driver versions to an outrageous 807-hp supercharged V8. It suits enthusiasts, collectors, and commuters who value sound, presence, and a usable five-seat cabin over modern agility. Reviews also highlight its relaxed ride, generous trunk, and powerful available Brembo brakes, while noting the compromises of substantial weight, soft cornering, and dated technology. The following sections examine how its engines, chassis, seating, practicality, and visibility compare with the Mustang and Camaro—and whether the Challenger’s old-school charm still outweighs its aging hardware. In short, it is a muscle car with grand-tourer manners, so let’s see where the swagger ends and the substance begins.

Engine Performance Range
The Challenger’s engine range defines its appeal, from the practical 303-hp 3.6-liter V6 to supercharged V8s reaching 807 horsepower. The 5.7-liter HEMI R/T offers approachable torque and a deep exhaust note, while the 485-hp 6.4-liter Scat Pack is repeatedly identified as the best balance of excitement and street usability. Hellcat variants deliver startling acceleration and theater, but traction, weight, and fuel consumption limit everyday ease. The V6 is adequate and available with AWD, though enthusiasts often find it less emotionally satisfying.

Cargo And Usability
The Challenger’s practical strengths are easy to underestimate. Its 458.8-liter trunk is generous for a coupe, and folding rear seatbacks expand flexibility for luggage or longer items. The usable rear bench also makes it more suitable for occasional passengers than a Mustang or Camaro, supporting the car’s daily-driver credentials. V6 models offer the best fuel economy, with ratings up to 30 mpg highway, while V8 versions trade range and running costs for character. The final-year status adds appeal, but does not erase ownership expense.
Ride And Handling
The Challenger rides comfortably, but its size and weight shape every driving experience. Its relaxed suspension and stable highway manners suit commuting and long cruising, while available adaptive damping can make performance trims surprisingly compliant. Real-world and expert feedback consistently describe numb steering and soft cornering, especially beside a Mustang or Camaro, with body movement and a wide turning circle apparent around town. It remains entertaining on open roads, but buyers seeking precise, lightweight sports-car responses should look elsewhere.

Visibility And Driving Position
The driving position is comfortable, but visibility is a persistent weakness. The Challenger’s long hood and thick pillars make its already-large body feel cumbersome in tight spaces, while poor rear visibility complicates lane changes and parking. A low-resolution backup camera and limited standard driver assistance further reduce confidence, although rear parking sensors help. The elevated seating and generous front dimensions are useful on longer drives, yet buyers should prioritize blind-spot monitoring when available and expect to make extra visual checks.
Braking Performance
Braking ability varies substantially by trim, so the badge matters. Base configurations use conventional ventilated disc brakes, while Scat Pack and Hellcat models add larger Brembo hardware that reviewers praise for strong stopping power and repeated performance driving. The standard V6 setup is adequate for ordinary use, but it lacks the confidence and heat resistance of dedicated performance systems. Track-focused buyers should verify equipment carefully, since not every Challenger includes performance brakes, and the car’s substantial mass places extra demands on them.

Cabin Space And Comfort
The Challenger is unusually accommodating for a two-door performance car. Its five-seat cabin provides generous front room, and the rear bench is more usable than those in key pony-car rivals, although rear legroom remains limited for taller passengers. Reviewers generally praise the comfortable seats and relaxed ride, but long-trip support is not universally ideal. Materials feel dated and sometimes rubbery, especially against newer competitors, yet the straightforward controls and available leather or Alcantara trim preserve a pleasant grand-touring atmosphere.

Conclusion
The Challenger’s final act makes sense once you accept its priorities: V8 performance and acceleration create the emotion, while the relaxed ride and soft, heavy handling favor cruising over corner-carving. Reviewers and owners appreciate the comfortable five-seat cabin, usable rear bench, generous trunk, and trim-dependent Brembo brakes, giving this coupe more everyday substance than its image suggests. The compromises are equally clear: poor visibility, a long hood, bulky dimensions, dated technology, and costly fuel use—especially in Hellcat versions. It suits drivers who want retro presence, engine sound, and grand-touring comfort, not those seeking modern agility, efficiency, or polished driver assistance. With its broad lineup, practical cabin, and irreplaceable character balanced against aging hardware, the 2023 Challenger earns a favorable recommendation for the right enthusiast, but not a universal one: usable rear seating, final-year significance, and old-school charm make it compelling, while its limitations keep the verdict measured.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Acceleration
4/5
Handling Agility
2/5
Braking Performance
4/5
Ride Quality
4/5
Powertrain Refinement
4/5
Long-Term Reliability
3/5
Cargo Utility
4/5
Value
Performance Value
4/5
Ownership Cost
3/5
Resale Retention
4/5
Design
Exterior Styling
5/5
Interior Ambiance
3/5
Seating Support
3/5
Cabin Ergonomics
3/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
TBD
Noise Exposure
3/5
Safety
Crash Protection
2/5
Driver Assistance
2/5
High-Speed Control
3/5
Visibility
2/5
Sustainability
Fuel Efficiency
2/5
Emissions Performance
2/5
Material Efficiency
2/5
End-of-Life Recyclability
TBD
Experience Style
Driving Engagement
5/5
Everyday Usability
4/5
Customization Flexibility
5/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
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