The Dodge Challenger is an iconic American muscle car. And though the classics are in a league of their own, the modern version is still solid. The latest model offers many options and upgrades, but one trim is surprisingly the most popular. Here’s a look at the 2023 Dodge Challenger trims, including the one that most shoppers purchase.

A brief overview of the 2023 Dodge Challenger trims

Dodge offers numerous Challenger trims. Their most significant differences lurk under the hood. The base model is the SXT, starting at just over $31,000. It has a 3.6-liter V6 making 303 hp.

The $34,400 GT trim comes next, and it has the same engine. However, it has upgrades that improve its handling.

Then there’s the $40,000 R/T trim. It packs a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 375 hp.

Next is the $47,400 R/T Scat Pack, with a 485-hp 6.4-liter V8.

After that is the $72,300 SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, whose 6.2-liter supercharged V8 generates 717 hp.

Then there’s the nearly $81,000 SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak. It also has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, but it makes 797 hp. 

Finally, there’s the SRT Super Stock. It costs just over $89,000 and boasts that same 6.2-liter supercharged V8. However, Dodge upgraded this version to harness 807 hp. It’s one of the most powerful cars on the market.

Which 2023 Dodge Challenger trim do most shoppers buy?

While muscle car enthusiasts love the Hellcat models’ massive power, the Challenger’s most popular trim is the opposite. According to Edmunds, the base-model SXT is a best-seller. Because the SXT is the standard trim, it has the fewest features. 

It has cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start. This model also has a 7.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. In terms of specs, it has rear-wheel drive as standard. That allows it to get EPA-estimated gas mileage of 19 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.

Regardless of trim level, the five-seat Challenger is larger and more spacious than a typical four-seat muscle car. Overall passenger volume is 93.9 cubic feet. Its front row provides 39 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom. The back seats offer 37 inches of headroom and 33.1 inches of legroom. And the trunk has 16.2 cubic feet of space.

For comparison, the 2023 Ford Mustang’s interior is smaller, with 84.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. Its front row has 37.6 inches of headroom and 44.5 inches of legroom. The back row provides 34.8 inches of headroom and 30.6 inches of legroom. And the trunk measures 13.5 cubic feet.

Why is the SXT the most popular trim?

Although muscle car fans value horsepower, 2023 Dodge Challenger shoppers have many reasons for not purchasing the most potent models. One of the most obvious is that powerful cars like the SRT Super Stock are harder to control. That makes them unappealing for people who aren’t confident in their driving abilities. In addition, the extra power in the higher Challenger trims is expensive.

Most consumers care more about the price than horsepower. Though the SXT is the cheapest trim, its 303-hp engine is still robust enough for most people. The base model is also a decent daily driver, allowing it to challenge popular sedans like the Camry and Accord.