The Dodge Challenger has long been an icon of American muscle, and the 2025 model continues that tradition with a blend of heritage styling, cutting-edge technology, and ferocious performance. Offering a variety of trims from the approachable V6 SXT to the supercharged Hellcat Redeye, the Challenger remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts who crave power, presence, and a driving experience that thrills at every turn.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Base Pricing for 2025 Dodge Challenger
The 2025 Dodge Challenger starts at $34,995 for the SXT V6, providing a solid balance of style and performance. Moving up the ladder, the R/T Scat Pack Widebody begins around $49,995, while the SRT Hellcat starts near $72,995. The range-topping Hellcat Redeye tips the scales at approximately $84,995, offering supercharged V8 performance for those seeking extreme power.
Trim Breakdown
- SXT / GT: Entry-level trims with the V6 engine, modern infotainment, and essential comfort features.
- R/T and R/T Scat Pack: Adds HEMI V8 options, upgraded brakes, and more aggressive styling.
- 6.4L Scat Pack Widebody: Wider stance, enhanced suspension, and superior handling.
- SRT Hellcat & Hellcat Redeye: Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 with immense horsepower for straight-line dominance.
- Special Editions: Dodge occasionally releases limited edition trims and packages that cater to collectors and enthusiasts.
Engine, Performance & Drivetrain
Engine Options Explained
The 2025 Dodge Challenger offers multiple engines to suit different driving tastes:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: Standard on SXT and GT trims, producing 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.7L HEMI V8: Available on R/T trims with 375 hp and 410 lb-ft.
- 6.4L HEMI V8: Found in Scat Pack trims, producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft.
- 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8: Exclusive to Hellcat models, generating 717–797 hp depending on the variant.
Horsepower and Torque Figures
The horsepower spectrum spans 305 hp in the V6 to 797 hp in the Hellcat Redeye, offering a wide selection for both casual drivers and high-performance enthusiasts. Torque follows suit, with V6 models providing a respectable 268 lb-ft and Hellcat Redeye models delivering a jaw-dropping 707 lb-ft.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The Challenger pairs these engines with either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual (limited to V8 trims), offering rear-wheel drive across the board. This combination ensures classic muscle car driving dynamics with modern refinement.
Acceleration: 0–60 / 0–100 km/h
- V6 SXT: 0–60 mph in approximately 6.0 seconds.
- R/T 5.7L HEMI: Around 5.0 seconds.
- 6.4L Scat Pack: About 4.2 seconds.
- Hellcat Redeye: Sub-3.5 seconds for a supercar-level launch.
Top Speed
The top speed ranges from 130 mph for the V6 SXT to 203 mph for the Hellcat Redeye, placing the Challenger firmly among the fastest American muscle cars.
Fuel Economy & EPA Ratings
V6 Fuel Economy
The 3.6L V6 SXT achieves an estimated 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, making it the most practical option for daily driving.
V8 Efficiency
HEMI V8s are thirstier: the 5.7L averages 16/25 mpg, the 6.4L around 15/24 mpg, while the Hellcat Redeye sees 12/21 mpg, typical for a high-performance supercharged muscle car.
Real-world vs EPA
Real-world driving tends to see slightly lower figures, especially under spirited acceleration or frequent city use. Even so, many owners accept this trade-off for unmatched performance.
Exterior Design
The 2025 Dodge Challenger retains its iconic retro styling with muscular proportions and aggressive lines. Widebody variants add flared fenders, 20-inch wheels, and enhanced brakes. LED lighting, sculpted hoods, and available spoilers reinforce the aggressive aesthetic while maintaining classic Challenger charm.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Challenger offers a driver-focused cockpit with supportive seats, intuitive controls, and premium materials. Uconnect infotainment with a 10.1-inch touchscreen is standard on higher trims. Despite its muscle car origins, rear-seat space is sufficient for occasional passengers, and cabin quietness has improved compared to previous generations.
Technology and Features
Key tech includes:
- Uconnect 5 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Available digital instrument cluster.
- Optional performance pages displaying horsepower, torque, and G-forces.
- Launch control, line lock, and adaptive damping for Hellcat and Scat Pack models.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2025 Challenger includes standard safety features like multiple airbags, traction and stability control, and rearview cameras. Optional packages add:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
These features bring modern safety tech to a classic muscle car platform.
Driving Impressions
Behind the wheel, the Challenger balances raw power with refined handling. V6 models offer smooth and comfortable cruising, while V8 trims deliver exhilarating acceleration and a spine-tingling exhaust note. Widebody Scat Pack models hug corners better, but the Challenger still excels in straight-line performance. Manual transmission enthusiasts will appreciate the mechanical connection that keeps the muscle car spirit alive.
Ownership Experience
Owning a Challenger means embracing classic muscle car costs:
- Fuel: V8 trims are gas guzzlers.
- Maintenance: Routine services are straightforward; high-performance parts cost more.
- Insurance: Higher for Hellcat models due to extreme performance.
- Resale: Certain trims, especially limited editions and Hellcats, hold value well among collectors.
Challenger vs Competitors
Ford Mustang
The Mustang offers slightly sharper handling and newer tech but falls short in sheer interior space and V8 grunt in top trims.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro competes in acceleration but sacrifices rear-seat space and ride comfort, making the Challenger a better grand touring muscle car.
Why Enthusiasts Love (or Hate) the Challenger
Pros: Iconic styling, immense power, comfortable interior for a muscle car, broad trim options.
Cons: Large size makes tight cornering less agile, V8 fuel economy, heavy compared to competitors.
Special Editions & Cultural Impact
Hellcat variants and widebody editions have achieved cult status among enthusiasts. The Challenger frequently appears in movies, TV, and pop culture, cementing its legendary status. Limited editions or anniversary models often become collectors’ items.
Detailed Specifications Table
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0–60 mph | Top Speed | Fuel Economy (City/Highway) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXT | 3.6L V6 | 305 hp | 268 lb-ft | 6.0 s | 130 mph | 19/30 mpg |
| R/T | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 375 hp | 410 lb-ft | 5.0 s | 155 mph | 16/25 mpg |
| Scat Pack | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 485 hp | 475 lb-ft | 4.2 s | 175 mph | 15/24 mpg |
| Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 717 hp | 650 lb-ft | 3.6 s | 199 mph | 12/21 mpg |
| Hellcat Redeye | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 797 hp | 707 lb-ft | 3.4 s | 203 mph | 12/21 mpg |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What engines are available in the 2025 Dodge Challenger?
V6, naturally aspirated V8, and supercharged V8 options are offered across trims. - How much horsepower does the Hellcat Redeye produce?
797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. - What is the 0–60 mph time for the Challenger Scat Pack?
Approximately 4.2 seconds. - Does the Challenger offer a manual transmission?
Yes, available on V8 trims. - What’s the starting price in the U.S.?
$34,995 for the SXT V6 trim. - How fuel-efficient is the V6 model?
Around 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway. - What safety tech does the Challenger come with?
Standard airbags, stability control, rearview camera, with optional ADAS features. - Is the 2025 Challenger a good daily driver?
The V6 trims are comfortable and practical, while V8s are better suited for performance enthusiasts. - How does it compare to the Mustang and Camaro?
Offers more interior space and classic styling but slightly heavier in handling. - Are there limited or final edition models?
Yes, Dodge occasionally releases limited or anniversary editions that are highly collectible.
Final Thought
The 2025 Dodge Challenger remains an enduring symbol of American muscle, blending heritage styling with modern technology and a range of powerful engines. From the practical SXT V6 to the jaw-dropping Hellcat Redeye, there’s a Challenger for almost every enthusiast. Its combination of straight-line dominance, comfort, and cultural significance makes it a standout in the muscle car segment, proving that true muscle never goes out of style.