Summary
The latest version of the Dodge Challenger offers driver’s a two-door coupe with the seating for up to five passengers, rival to seating offered by the Dodge Ram, the workhorse of the brand. The 2019 Dodge Challenger is designed from the same mold as the popular Dodge Charger model, but It’s a bit bigger than the rivals in the its class, including the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang, as it has a usable rear seat and a spacious trunk.
The 2019 of the Challenger has a new trim, which is the 797-horsepower Hellcat Redeye. The standard horsepower of the Hellcat has increased to 717, and several trims and options upgrades have been added throughout the simplified lineup of Challenger options. All of the R/T Scat Pack models gained the aluminum hood, formerly on the Hellcat only, with the R/T version now offered in Widebody form.
The R/T model has also received performance suspension upgrades, revised steering, shift paddles for the automatic transmission models, and 20-inch wheels. There’s also a new performance handling group for the R/T that’s specifically designed to help improve overall handling response.
Exterior
The Challenger features a classic long-hood and short-deck proportions, with a wider stance. Featuring flared fenders, along with other details, the R/T and Hellcat models provide the classic muscle car feel. Other appealing details of the exterior include badging and optional stripes, which give the newest Challenger a retro feel.
The 2019 model offers a pair of LED, full-width, split taillamps in the rear with gloss black surrounds, making them noticeable for any of the available exterior colors. Optimal performance of the vehicle is maintained thanks to the optional Illuminated Air Catcher Headlamps. These work to keep the engine cool by absorbing the air while the car is moving.
There are four basic hood options to choose from for the 2019 model, which include:
SRT Dual Snorkel Hood. With the Mopar cold air intake, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat provides a classic muscle car shape and look.
R/T and GT. Showcasing raw power, this hood comes standard on GT and R/T models, available on the T/A 392 and T/A with the Mopar cold air intake.
R/T Scat Pack. The Scat Pack includes various performance-enhancing technologies, which include dual air extractors and a patented Air-Catcher, as well as an aesthetic hood scoop.
Shaker Models. Both the R/T Scat Pack Shaker and the R/T Shaker provide the functional, exposed Shaker hood, as well as an engine-mounted, high-flow, cold-air induction.
Interior Quality and Comfort
The interior of the 2019 Dodge Challenger has been updated to improve comfort while driving, and for passengers. This vehicle offers performance seats, uniquely designed to fit the contour of your body, while helping the driver remain secure behind the wheel. The seats have been accented with stitching that stands out against the interior color. For the SRT Hellcat Redeye, the SRT Hellcat, and the RT Scat Pack, the Scat Pack Bee logo and the SRT Hellcat Logo are embroidered on the vehicle’s front seats.
Thanks to the many updates made for this version, drivers can choose from 17 interior colors, as well as between sport seats and performance seats, based on their personal preferences. Additional features offered by the seats include ventilated options that help keep drivers cool, as well as heated front seats for colder months. There's also climate control features for each zone of the vehicle.
Several steering wheel designs are available for each of the Challenger trim levels. There are currently four steering wheel options to choose from, including SRT, Wild Wheel, Performance, and Sport. The wild wheel option rivals the older options seen in vintage Chrysler muscle cars.
Utility & Practicality
Unlike the Challenger’s main competition, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang, the 2019 model has a usable back seat that can hold up to three passengers. There’s also a usable trunk, which is a feature that the competition is missing.
Technology & Infotainment
New technology has been added to the 2019 Dodge Challenger, making driving more connected and convenient. Currently available is the Uconnect 4C NAV. This comes loaded with a wide array of features making it easy for drivers to remain connected and safe on the roads. Some of the top features include hands-free calling, an 8.4-inch touchscreen (which is the largest available in the class), a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation.
Driver’s can connect their smartphone to the car by using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This allows drivers to gain access to specific apps through the Uconnect touchscreen. Another new feature for the 2019 model is the available Dodge Performance Pages. This provides you real-time stats from overall engine performance to the exerted g-force of the vehicle.
Customization options are available for the technology included, such as the Heritage Tic-Toc-Tach gauges, which are next to the seven-inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display, which is reconfigurable. This display arrives custom with a 0 to 60 timer, a lap timer, as well as the option for turn-by-turn navigation.
Dodge has provided drivers with two speaker options, including the Alpine audio group, which features nine Alpine speakers, a 506-watt amplifier, and subwoofer. The other option is the Harman Kardon Audio Group, providing 900 watts of power with two subwoofers and 18 speakers.
Easily unlock the doors by pulling the front door handle, as long as the key fob is nearby. Once in the driver’s seat, simply engage the Start/Stop button and press the brake at the same time to start the engine.
Safety & Driving Assistance
Safety is standard on the 2019 Dodge Challenger. This starts with advanced driver-assist features. Other features include high-beam headlamps, which can switch automatically from the high-beam setting to the low-beam setting when any ambient light is detected from oncoming traffic is detected. The Blind Spot Monitoring system provides assistance to drivers when making a lane change by providing alerts when another vehicle enters one of the blind spot areas on the vehicle.
Adaptive cruise control adjusts your cruising speed automatically, for both automatic and six-speed manual transmission options, to help keep a certain distance from the vehicle ahead, while full-speed forward collision warning transmits audible warnings, along with visual proximity warnings, and apply the brake when necessary.
Backing up is made simple and safe with the Parkview rear back up camera, allowing you to see what’s behind via the Uconnect screen, which automatically comes on when you shift into refers.
In addition to the technology safety features, there are several built-in body safety components. This includes crumple zones, designed to absorb any energy and redirecting it away from passengers to mitigate the risk of an injury. Another feature is the solid frame. The Challenger is constructed using high-strength steel, serious roof strength, and a steel safety frame helping to protect the passenger compartment. Airbags are found throughout and considered standard.
Driving Experience
The SXT and the GT trims are availalbe with the standard with a 3.6 liter, V6 engine, offering 305 horsepower, with a high pound-feet of torque and an estimated EPA of 19/30 mpg for the rear wheel drive and 18/27 for AWD. The optional 5.7 liters, Hemi V8 has two horsepower options, and other engine selections include the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and the 6.2 liter supercharged Hemi V8, which is standard in the SRT Hellcat. The Challenger Hellcat provides drag strip ready features for drivers.
Fuel Efficiency
The Challenger features a 375 horsepower, 5.7L Hemi V8 engine that offers fuel saver technology. With this fuel saver option, you can achieve up to 30 highway mpg, providing a superior fuel economy for the powerful vehicle.
Pricing and Value
The 2019 model year of the Dodge Challenger SXT trim has a MSRP starting price of $28,690, including the destination charge of $1,395. You can add all-wheel-drive for an additional $3,000, and the GT starts at just $31,400, including the destination charge. The SXT trim comes standard with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, as well as the Uconnect infotainment system, and 7.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary inputs. There is a total of eight Challenger models, each having basic, standard equipment.
If you are interested in one of the more powerful trims in the Challenger lineup, the R/T Scat Pack, with the 6.4-liter V8 runs at $41,400, including the destination charge and $1,000 gas-guzzler tax. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is down $5,000 from last year’s mode starting at $61,745.
Each model comes standard with the Hound’s tooth cloth seats, along with the 8-speed automatic transmission for all V6 models, and optional on V8 models.
The Challenger GT and SXT models add all-wheel drive to the V6 models, and the Challenger R/T has the 5.7-liter VA. The Hellcat Widebody and supercharged SRT Hellcat are directly loaded from the factory, unlike the Demon, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye comes standard with a back seat and it can be upgraded with the same available features offered by the Hellcat.
The factory loaded SRT Hellcat Redeye has a starting price of $71,695, and the R/T starts at $34,364.
More Photos
See more 2019 Dodge Challenger Photos.
