How U.S. News Ranks Dodge’s 2023 Lineup
For 2023, Dodge as a company is entering a transitional period. With the Hornet entering production in the near future and a range of electric muscle cars on the horizon, Dodge has started to trim down its lineup and is currently only producing three different vehicles. These three vehicles in production currently are the Challenger, Charger, and Durango.
With a few of these vehicles entering their final year of production, how do the current Dodge vehicles fare against the competition? Here is everything you need to know about the 2023 Dodge vehicle lineup and how they rank according to U.S. News.
2023 Dodge Durango: 7.7/10
Unfortunately for all of those Mopar fans who want a true muscle car in midsize SUV form, the 2023 Dodge Durango falls flat. The Durango ranks 17th in its class according to U.S. News, due, in part to its poor fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with its V6 engine and 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway in its V8 drivetrain. This low ranking is further bolstered by its bad handling dynamics, outdated design, and lack of safety features.
Sure, the Durango offers seating for up to seven passengers and a class-leading towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, but at a price of just under $40,000 for the base model, it is tough to call the Durango a value in any way.
Of course, the Durango does have the SRT Hellcat V8 engine option, which does offer an unbelievable 710 horsepower, but that is only if you are willing to fork over $91,185. For everyone else who doesn’t want to spend nearly six figures on an SUV, the 2023 Durango is a decent midsize SUV.
2023 Dodge Challenger: 8.0/10
The revival of the Dodge Challenger in 2008 was a life-changing experience for Mopar fans all around the world. By the early 2000s, we saw retro revivals pop up everywhere, from the Plymouth Prowler to the Chrysler PT Cruiser, to the infamous Volkswagen New Beetle, these retro-inspired vehicles were nothing new.
However, the 2008 Challenger was not just a retro-styled niche novelty, it was a world-leading performance vehicle that only got better with age. Sadly, the 2023 Challenger will be the final gas-powered Challenger we will receive, with Dodge investing in electric muscle cars for the future.
U.S. News ranks the Challenger 6th out of 7 total vehicles in its category for 2023. This low ranking can be attributed to the Challenger’s dated design, rough handling for a sports car, low-quality interior, and very few safety features.
Despite all of these issues, the 2023 Charger is still a great option if you are just looking for cheap power. The V6 Dodge Challenger can be purchased for right around $30,000, with the mind-blowing 807 horsepower Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak model can be had for right around $66,045.
2023 Dodge Charger: 8.1/10
Surprisingly enough, the four-door Dodge Charger is leading the way as the highest-ranked Dodge vehicle for 2023. The Charger is currently ranked 2nd in its class, falling just short of the Toyota Avalon.
The Charger is essentially a four-door version of the Dodge Challenger with some nicer interior materials. U.S. News praised the 2023 Charger for its great infotainment system, roomy interior and trunk space, and great V8 engine options, including the 797 horsepower SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak.
The 2023 Dodge Charger can be purchased for as little as $32,645 with a V6 engine and as high as $77,345 for the top-of-the-line model.
