Dodge Challenger 2021

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History tells us that the 2021 Dodge Challenger competes with the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang , but the reality tells us that it has a completely different character . While all three American muscle cars are powered by high-powered V-8s, there is a wide variation in how they are driven. Compared to the sharp handling from Chevrolet and Ford, the Dodge is best suited for comfortable cruising, with a soaring V-8 exhaust note always ready when you drive.Those who want the most powerful version will want the SRT Hellcat (reviewed separately), which delivers up to 807 horsepower. The Challenger’s cabin isn’t always easy to look at or see outside, but it has comfortable seating and more passenger space than its competitors. Its spacious trunk, exclusive all-wheel drive option (available on V-6 models only), list of colorful paint options, and retro-look packages make it stand out from the Camaro and Mustang.

Dodge Challenger 2021

The Challenger lineup receives several minor updates for 2021. Dodge now offers a memory feature for models with power-adjustable steering column, driver’s seat and side mirrors, as well as radio presets. A set of 20-inch wheels are newly optional on the SXT 4WD and standard on the GT SUV. R/T Scat Pack buyers can now add the SRT branding to Brembo brake calipers.

While we prefer the V-8-powered Camaro and Mustang , there’s a lot of nostalgia and value that the Challenger has to offer. So we maximized these two attributes, choosing the R/T Scat Pack model. It comes standard with a 485-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 (versus the 375-hp 5.7-liter in the regular R/T) and a choice of either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Believe it or not ,

We chose the $1,595 automatic machine because it’s much more responsive than stick-shifting. We also add adaptive dampers for adjustable ride quality and a Dynamics package for its 20-inch-wide wheels, six-piston Brembo front brakes, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Plus package improves the interior with ambient lighting, suede seat inserts, and nicer materials on the dashboard and doors. It requires the Driver Convenience Group, too, which offers blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, electric mirrors, and high-intensity headlights.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance 2021 Dodge Challenger

The basic 305-hp V-6 from the Challenger won’t satisfy thrill seekers. The humble engine is exclusively matched to the eight-speed automatic transmission, but in the case of a heavy challenge it lacks the acceleration and excitement of competitors. Dodge Hemi V-8 engines are another story. The 375-horsepower 5.7-liter engine had plenty of juice to slip on demand, and its throaty roar was pleasing. Those looking to maximize the Challenger’s potential will need the 6.4-liter V-8, which produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

We also drove the T/A 392 automatic and liked the exhaust gun start sound and the baritone roar when prompted. While we’re smitten with manual transmissions, the ZF automatic transmission is incredibly responsive to throttle inputs, with quick shifts to operate. The Challenger navigates through corners like a raging bull that sees red, snoring aggressively and swinging dangerously. The burly Dodge is a muscle car in the truest sense: It’s better on the street and tow strip than it is on two-lane trails and off-road. Since the lineup was redesigned in 2015, the models we’ve offered have delivered a compliant ride that’s comfortable but a bit unrefined. Compared to the sharper, stickier handling on the Camaro and Mustang, the Challenger is very smooth in tight turns and its steering is very psychedelic. The slow reaction helmet is well suited for quiet driving and easily controlled tail slides.

Fuel Economy 2021 Dodge Challenger

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the 2021 Challenger with a V-6 engine and rear-wheel drive will gain 19 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive to the mix eliminates these ratings by 1 and 3 mpg, respectively. Competitors using the 5.7-liter V-8 are expected to gain up to 16 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. Versions with the 6.4-liter V-8 are rated up to 15 mpg city and 24 highway. We tested the Challenger’s four-wheel drive V-6 and the other with a 485-horsepower V-8 and automatic transmission on the 75-mph real-world track, which is part of our comprehensive test regimen. Surprisingly, they both got 26 mpg on the highway.

Interior, comfort and cargo

The Challenger features a classic muscle car interior, with minimalist design inspired by its ’70s predecessors and comfortable accommodations. Compared to its pony competitors, the Dodge is more spacious inside, and adults can use the rear seat. Unfortunately, its rubber material resembles old vinyl rather than premium plastic, and the rear sight is poor. The wide front seats in the Challenger are comfortable to set off,

But even the optional seats, which have added support, don’t hug their occupants the way they do in a Camaro or a Mustang. The Dodge Pony has an additional seven cubic feet of storage space in its trunk versus the Camaro. This allows the Challenger to swallow two additional Camaro bags. Fold the rear seats down and this feature grows to six. The Challenger has a large center console box and a handy place for a smartphone. However, none of the cars we tested in this class were particularly adept at storing small items.

2021 Dodge Challenger infotainment and connectivity

But every Challenger has a copy of Dodge’s easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system. The feature-packed unit includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard equipment. Looking to get the LED out? Hear Jimmy Page’s backbone guitar tunes with one of two optional Alpine sound systems or a 900-watt, 18-speaker Harman/Kardon setup.

Safety and driver assistance features

The 2021 Challenger received a four-star rating in a crash test from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but was not named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This vintage coupe comes with coveted driver assistance technology. Key safety features:

Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are available

Available adaptive cruise control

Available in automatic high beams