Skip to main content

The Dodge brand is known for its cars and SUVs with big V8 power. The flagships of the Dodge lineup even feature the supercharged Hellcat engine. But no entry-level Dodge trims have a V8. So what’s your cheapest option to buy a Dodge with a HEMI V8? The 2023 Challenger R/T, with an MSRP of $39,385, is the most affordable V8-powered Dodge. But most models offer an R/T trim with an entry-level V8. And one Ram truck model with a V8 is even cheaper.

What is the entry-level Dodge engine?

The entry-level Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Durango all come with a 3.4-liter V6. This engine is rated at 303 horsepower. The new Dodge Hornet crossover SUV has a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 (268 horsepower) as its base engine.

Promo photo of a 5.7 Liter HEMI V8 crate engine for cheap hot rod power.
5.7-liter Crate HEMI V8 | Stellantis

Dodge currently advertises its retro-styled Challenger coupe’s starting at $30,940. The car’s unmarked base trim is actually called the SXT. Its first trim level is the GT. Both of these Challengers have the “Pentastar” V6 and in both cars, it makes 303 horsepower.

The four-door Charger sedan has an MSRP of $32,645, but this is also for the V6 model. The first two trims of the Charger are also called the SXT and the GT. The GT gets better rims, a performance hood, and spoilers. It also has a leather-wrapped wheel and Uconnect. The SXT actually get a de-tuned version of the Pentastar that makes just 292 horsepower.

Finally, Dodge’s Durango SUV starts at $38,495 for a V6 model. The entry-level Durangos are labeled as the SXT, GT, and GT Plus. They all have a 3.6-liter V6 that is rated for 295 horsepower.

Which Dodge has a V8?

Every Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Durango with a trim level R/T or higher has some form of V8 engine. You could call the R/T badge the hallmark of the entry-level V8 because every Dodge R/T has the 5.7-liter HEMI.

This Challenger R/T is the cheapest dodge with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine.
2022 Dodge Challenger R/T | Stellantis

The cheapest Dodge with a 5.7-liter HEMI (and thus the cheapest V8 Dodge) is the 2023 Challenger R/T with its $39,780 MSRP. The Charger R/T has the same drivetrain, but this four-door sedan starts at $42,780. Finally, the Durango R/T starts at $51,595. This HEMI is rated at 370 horsepower.

Both the Dodge Challenger and Charger have a Scat Pack trim which denotes the larger 6.4-liter HEMI engine. This engine is also known as the 392 cubic-inch HEMI. It makes 485 horsepower, and Dodge shares it with heavy-duty Ram trucks.

Don’t confuse the 6.4-liter HEMI with the supercharged 6.2-liter HELLCAT V8 by Dodge’s SRT team. You can get the 6.2 in any Dodge with a Hellcat badge, including the Jalbreak and Super Stock. The Durango SRT 392 also features the 6.4-liter HEMI. In 2023, Dodge is not offering any Durango with the Hellcat engine.

What’s the cheapest HEMI V8?

Though Dodge is famous for its HEMI power, the cheapest vehicle with a HEMI V8 is actually a Ram truck: the 1500 “Classic.” This regular-cab truck has an MSRP of $30,695. You can upgrade it with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for $2,495.

This white Ram 1500 Classic truck is the cheapest vehicle with a Dodge HEMI V8 engine.
RAm 1500 Classic | Stellantis

Next, learn more about the cheapest Ram truck with a V8 or watch the Dodge Challenger R/T reviewed in the video below:

Related

1 Full-Size ‘American’ Pickup Truck May Ditch Its V8 for an I6 Built in Mexico

Best in Coupes
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.