Pros: Classic muscle-car attitude; large size means a relatively spacious trunk and back seat; broad range of special appearance options; amazing acceleration of Hellcat model; broad range of available technology features
Cons: Too large and heavy to feel as agile as it looks; fuel economy in V8 models; low roofline and high door sills cause a closed-in feel
CG Says: The 2015 Dodge Challenger lineup gets freshened exterior styling, a new interior, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a ferocious “Hellcat” ultra-performance model with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that puts out a jaw-dropping 707 horsepower. The Challenger’s updated look draws cues from the classic 1971 Dodge Challenger, most notably the split-grille and split-taillight treatments. The redesigned interior includes a new steering wheel, a new dashboard featuring a customizable 7-inch digital instrument-panel display, and a center stack with a standard 5-inch touchscreen or an available 8.4-inch touchscreen. Newly available are a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, and (on non-Hellcat models) electric power steering with three driver-selectable modes: Normal, Comfort, and Sport. Other performance updates include revised suspension tuning, a launch-control system, available four-piston Brembo brakes, and an electronic shifter on automatic models. Challenger’s numerous updates for 2015 do a good job of making an aging basic design feel fresh. And, the outrageous Hellcat model gives Dodge some important bragging rights in the ongoing Camaro/Mustang/Challenger muscle-car wars. The Hellcat’s nearly $60K sticker price certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s actually something of a bargain when measured against other ultra-performance cars. There are plenty of sporty coupes that feel more modern and nimble than the Challenger lineup, but few that can match its retro-muscle-car attitude and broad range of performance and appearance options.
| Class | Sporty/Performance Car |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door coupe |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Dodge |
| Nation of Manufacture | Canada |
| Base Prices | SXT: $26,995 R/T: $31,495 SXT Plus: $29,995 R/T Plus: $34,495 R/T Scat Pack: $38,495 SRT 392: $45,995 SRT Hellcat: $59,995 |
| Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 305 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30 |
| Optional Engine 5.7-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 375 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 15-16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23-25 |
| Optional Engine 6.4-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 485 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 14-15 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23-25 |
Links
Challenger R/T Scat Pack vs. SRT 392
Test Drive: 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Test Drive: 2015 Dodge Challenger SXT
Test Drive: Dodge Backs Better Challenger for 2015
What in Hades! Dodge Unleashes 707-Horse Challenger Hellcat
Dodge Scat Pack: Up to 58 More Hemi Horsepower, Won’t Void Warranty
Big Dodge Update: Meet the 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger
