Dodge Challenger R/T Plus
Dodge Challenger

2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus

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: After a major refresh last year, there are no significant changes for the 2016 Dodge Challenger. New paint and stripe options are about it. Challenger is an interesting player in this segment. It’s too big and heavy to be truly agile, but this is still a more-than-capable performance machine. That size does pay dividends in the form of a surprisingly smooth ride and excellent passenger and cargo room. Admittedly, these might not be the first things buyers of these cars put on their wish lists, but this is a good choice if you want something fun that you can also take on a cross-country road trip. Topping the range is the ferocious Hellcat model with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that puts out a jaw-dropping 707 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 13 mpg city and 21-22 mpg highway. The Hellcat 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.

The Facts
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
SXT Plus: $29,995
R/T: $31,995
R/T Plus: $34,995
R/T Shaker: $35,995
R/T Plus Shaker: $38,995
R/T Scat Pack: $38,995
392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker: $43,795
SRT 392: $50,195
SRT Hellcat: $64,195

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

2015 Dodge Challenger SXT
2016 Dodge Challenger SXT
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
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