3 Reasons Why the Cheapest New Dodge Challenger Isn’t Worth the Money
The new 2023 Dodge Challenger is a big deal for the model; it’s the last Challenger of its kind. Moreover, it will be the final gas-powered Mopar coupe before Dodge discontinues the nameplate altogether. Still, even with misty-eyed nostalgia in the conversation, there are a few reasons why you should skip the Challenger SXT’s last model year on the LA platform and grab the keys to a Ford Mustang or something else.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger has a couple of little issues
Dodge’s swan song Challenger might offer high-horsepower engines and retro good looks, but it has a few issues that potential owners will have to contend with:
- You’re going to need a bigger garage (it’s huge)
- Limited standard safety features
- Lackluster entry-level V6 powerplant
Of course, fans who can live with the cheapest Challenger’s girth, simplicity, and V6 will have a good time with Dodge’s Mopar muscle car. Still, the cheapest new Challenger, the SXT, is a cost-effective way to get a classically-styled coupe with over 300 horsepower.
Is a Challenger bigger than a Mustang?
The 2023 Dodge Challenger is bigger than the Ford Mustang. For instance, the Challenger SXT is 197 inches long and 85.4 inches wide, per Edmunds. In comparison, the Mustang EcoBoost is 188.9 inches long and 81.9 inches wide.
Moreover, the cheapest new Dodge Challenger in the automaker’s lineup, the V6-powered SXT trim, weighs a whopping 4,051 lbs. That’s 415 lbs more than a comparably svelte four-cylinder Ford Mustang EcoBoost and 697 more than an entry-level Chevrolet Camaro 1LT. As a result, the Challenger SXT is sizable and cumbersome compared to its muscle car segment rivals.
Do all Challengers have blind-spot monitoring?
Blind-spot monitoring is an option on 2023 Dodge Challenger models, including the entry-level SXT trim. It’s not just blind-spot monitoring, either; safety features like forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are optional, not standard.
The Dodge muscle car model’s standard equipment is lacking compared to competitors, some of which offer standard safety suites with features like blind-spot monitoring.
What engine is in the base-model 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT?
Dodge’s cheapest new Challenger, the SXT, packs a 3.6L Pentastar V6. While the 303-horsepower engine is dependable, it’s less efficient and powerful than a comparable EcoBoost. Moreover, with the SXT’s considerable weight, the V6 is a bit underwhelming.
For instance, the SXT’s 303 horsepower isn’t too far off from the Ford Mustang EcoBoost’s 310 horsepower. However, the weight disparity between the two makes the Mustang at least 0.2 seconds quicker in a sprint to 60 mph.
Still, the V6-powered Challenger SXT and GT offer optional all-wheel drive (AWD). That four-wheeled grippy feature is unavailable in the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
Why is Dodge discontinuing the Challenger?
Dodge is discontinuing its cheapest car, the Challenger SXT, due to the automaker’s focus on more efficient propulsion and alternative energy vehicles, like the Charger Daytona SRT EV. The 2023 model year will be the Challenger’s last, barring an electrified or hybridized reboot.
