Dodge Challenger a Good Daily Driver? (+Scat Pack & Hellcat)
Muscle cars typically aren’t suitable for daily driving, but the Dodge Challenger is an exception, with a spacious interior and reasonably comfortable ride, particularly in the lower trims.
Dodge Challenger’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#1 Gas Guzzling V8s (But Better with the V6)
The Dodge Challenger has identical engine lineups to the Dodge Charger until recently – both are poor performers in the fuel consumption aspect.
Muscle cars return poor fuel economy, so you shouldn’t expect otherwise when opting for a Challenger as your daily driver.
| Fuel Economy | |
| Challenger SXT (base trim) | 20-23 mpg combined |
| Challenger R/T | 18-19 mpg combined |
| Challenger Scat Pack | 17 mpg combined |
| Challenger Hellcat | 16 mpg combined |
The 6.2-liter V8 in the Hellcat that produces 700-plus horsepower had one of the lowest fuel efficiency in the segment – until the 800-odd horsepower Super Stock came along in 2020.
Opt for the base trim if you want the best fuel economy, but the V6 powertrain doesn’t have the sound and thrust of the V8.
(See the comparisons between the primary trims on the Dodge Challenger later in the post.)
#2 Poor Visibility
Visibility in the Challenger isn’t as atrocious as in the Chevy Camaro, but it isn’t much better.
The short side windows and long hood compromise the views out the Challenger.
Vision out the back is equally poor, with thick roof pillars creating massive blind spots over both shoulders.
A backup camera and blind spot warning system are a necessity if they aren’t standard in the model year you’re considering.
#3 Costly Maintenance (for an Entry-Level Sports Machine)
Dodge Challengers average $650 per year in maintenance, according to RepairPal.
Crucially, it’s the most expensive among American muscle cars.
The table below shows how they stack up in the year-to-year annual maintenance costs:
| Year | Annual Costs (Challenger) | Annual Costs (Charger) | Annual Costs (Mustang) | Annual Costs (Camaro) |
| 1 | $313 | $279 | $254 | $255 |
| 2 | $360 | $323 | $294 | $295 |
| 3 | $435 | $394 | $359 | $358 |
| 4 | $555 | $508 | $461 | $459 |
| 5 | $655 | $602 | $547 | $543 |
| 6 | $811 | $750 | $682 | $674 |
| 7 | $1,129 | $1,051 | $955 | $942 |
| 8 | $1,256 | $1,171 | $1,063 | $1,048 |
| 9 | $1,374 | $1,283 | $1,164 | $1,147 |
| 10 | $1,548 | $1,448 | $1,314 | $1,294 |
| 11 | $1,571 | $1,469 | $1,334 | $1,313 |
| 12 | $1,758 | $1,646 | $1,494 | $1,470 |
The probability of major repair logically increases with the Challenger’s age:
- 2.50% in year 1,
- 11.76$ in year 5,
- 24.22% in year 10, and
- 46.67% in year 12.
These probability figures are also the highest among the four.
However, check and verify the vehicle’s service history if you’re getting a used Challenger, as each car is different.
Dodge Challenger’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#4 Best Storage Space Among Coupe Muscle Cars
Coupes aren’t the ideal type of vehicle if you need storage room for the family’s weekend getaway, but fortunately, the Challenger has class-leading utility.
The Dodge Challenger has a spacious trunk – a little less than the Dodge Challenger sedan but decidedly more than the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro.
| Cargo Capacity (seats in place) | |
| Chevy Camaro (coupe) | 9.1 cubic ft. |
| Ford Mustang (coupe) | 13.5 cubic ft. |
| Dodge Challenger (coupe) | 16.2 cubic ft. |
| Dodge Charger (sedan) | 16.5 cubic ft. |
The Challenger’s trunk opening is large, and the rear seatbacks are foldable for extra storage.
#5 Roomy Cabin
Muscle cars have a reputation for small rear passenger seats.
It may be available only as a two-door coupe, but the Challenger has one of the roomiest back seats that can fit two adults comfortably – or three average-sized ones.
The front seats have plenty of space too, although the all-around small windows and high doors make seeing out a challenge, especially for shorter drivers.
Dodge Challengers generally lack the sleek design and high-quality materials found in some segment rivals.
#6 Acceptable Ride Comfort for Daily Use
Despite the Challenger’s muscular characteristics, the ride, although stiff, is relatively comfortable.
It absorbs bumps and shocks reasonably well, but do not expect a hushed ride driving a Challenger.
The broad front seats are comfortable enough for cruising and long drives.
#7 V8 over V6
The V8s in the Challengers pack plenty of punch, and they sound great too.
Although paying high fuel prices at the pump is never desirable, owning a V8 Challenger will make you look forward to driving it every day.
While the V6-powered Challenger in the base trim is adequate for daily use, it lacks the roar and thrust of the V8.
#8 Regular Gas an Option
Pony cars are high-performance vehicles, and they typically require the use of premium gas to make the most of their muscular capability.
If you love the Challenger’s styling, first and foremost, and can settle with the less powerful V6 in the standard model, the regular gas need is welcome news.
All V8 Challengers, except for pre-2018 R/T model years, require the use of the higher-octane, more expensive fuel.
#9 Remarkably Strong Resale Value
The Dodge Challenger retains its value remarkably well, the best among the big three muscle car brands – Dodge, Ford, and Chevy.
It depreciates 40% after the initial five years and a further 21% after a decade in its lifespan.
Let’s see how it compares with other muscle and sports cars:
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 38% | 55% |
| Audi R8 | 40% | 47% |
| Nissan GT-R | 40% | 56% |
| Dodge Challenger | 40% | 61% |
| Chevy Camaro | 40% | 62% |
| Subaru WRX | 40% | 70% |
| Nissan 370z | 42% | 58% |
| Ford Mustang | 43% | 66% |
| Porsche 911 | 45% | 63% |
| Dodge Charger | 48% | 75% |
Only the Mazda Miata, Audi R8, and Nissan GT-R have higher resale values than the Challenger.
Best Challenger for Daily Driving: Trims Compared
Table Guide:
- Engine: SC=supercharged.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined.
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | |
| SE/SXT/GT | 3.6L V6 (2011-present) 3.5L V6 (2009-2010) | 303-305-hp (2011-present) 250-hp (2009-2010) | 21-23-mpg (2011-present) 20-mpg (2009-2010) | Regular (2012-present) Flex-fuel (2011) Regular (2009-2010) |
| R/T | 5.7L V8 (2009-present) | 372-376-hp (2009-present) | 18-19-mpg (2009-present) | Prem-ReC (2018-present) Regular (2009-2017) |
| R/T Scat Pack | 6.4L V8 (2015-present) | 485-hp (2015-present) | 17-mpg (2015-present) | Prem-ReQ (2020-present) Prem-ReC (2015-2019) |
| SRT8 | 6.4L V8 (2011-2014) 6.1L V8 (2008-2010) | 470-hp (2011-2014) 425-hp (2008-2010) | 17-mpg (2011-2014) 15-16-mpg (2008-2010) | Prem-ReC (2008-2014) |
| SRT 392 | 6.4L V8 (2015-2018) | 485-hp (2015-2018) | 17-mpg (2015-2018) | Prem-ReC (2015-2018) |
| SRT Hellcat | 6.2L V8 SC (2015-present) | 717-hp (2019-present) 707-hp (2015-2018) | 16-mpg (2015-present) | Prem-ReQ (2019-present) Prem-ReC (2015-2018) |
| SRT Super Stock | 6.2L V8 SC (2020-present) | 797-807-hp (2020-present) | 15-16-mpg (2020-present) | Prem-ReC (2020-present) |
Dodge Challengers are primarily rear-wheel-drive pony cars, except for the GT variant beginning 2017 and SXT from 2019 onwards, with a V6 matched to an all-wheel-drive system – suitable for winter driving.
The SE, SXT, and GT are the best Challenger for a daily driver with their relatively softer ride and lowest fuel consumption among the trim levels.
But if you want a V8, move one trim higher – thankfully, the sportier suspension setup doesn’t ruin the ride.
Is a Dodge Challenger R/T a Good Daily Driver?
It is the most affordable trim with a V8 powertrain.
The Challenger R/T is the ideal choice for those wanting to daily drive a Challenger and experience the growl of a V8 at the lowest possible price.
Its fuel consumption is middling – between the most fuel-efficient SXT/GT and the gas-guzzling Scat Pack and Hellcat.
Is a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack a Good Daily Driver?
The Scat Pack carries the biggest V8 of all Challengers.
While its high fuel consumption is second only to the Hellcat, premium fuel is a recommendation up to 2019, after which you must use the more expensive gas.
The low fuel economy and gas type aside, the Challenger Scat Pact can still make a reasonably good daily driver with the adaptive suspension that provides an agreeable ride quality.
It represents the perfect blend of muscle car styling, near-500-horsepower V8, and everyday driving comfort.
Is a Dodge Challenger Hellcat a Good Daily Driver?
The SRT Hellcat topped the Challenger line, at least until the SRT Super Stock knocked it off its perch in 2020.
Daily driving a Challenger Hellcat is far from ideal; its ludicrously powerful supercharged V8 guzzles premium gas and, with a competition-tuned suspension, is too aggressive for everyday needs.
Plus, the quality of the interior materials in the Hellcat is the least appealing among the Challengers.
Dodge Charger Comparison with Other Vehicles
Dodge Challenger vs. Dodge Charger as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
The Challenger vs. Charger match-up is a tie-breaker – one is better than the other for everyday use, depending on what matters more to you.
Both have near-identical power output, fuel economy, and maintenance costs.
Opt for Challenger if you need the broader practicality of a sedan and the Charger for better visibility.
Both have a spacious cabin (although the Charger is a coupe or convertible) and more than 16 cubic feet of trunk space.
Dodge Challenger vs. Ford Mustang as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Dodge Challenger | 3.5L-3.6L-V6 | 250-305-hp | 20-23-mpg | Regular | $650 | Poor | Average |
| Ford Mustang | 2.3L-i4-T (2015-present) 3.7L-4.0L-V6 (1994-2017) | 210-310-hp | 20-26-mpg | Prem-ReC (2015-present) Regular (1994-2017) | $709 | Average | Average |
The Ford Mustang edges the Challenger as the better daily driver with a stronger fuel economy in the EcoBoost base trim, improved visibility for ease of driving, and a quieter cabin.
However, the Mustang’s trunk is less spacious, and its two doors are long and heavy.
Dodge Challenger vs. Other Daily Drivers
Table Guide:
- Horsepower: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Audi R8 | 420-562-hp | 17 | $1,123 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Nissan GT-R | 480-565-hp | 19 | $920 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Porsche 911 | 247-379-hp | 23 | $1,072 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| Nissan 370z | 332 hp | 22 | $504 | NA | NA | Poor | Poor |
| Ford Focus RS | 350-hp | 22 | $569+ | NA | 5/5 | Good | Poor |
| Chevy Camaro | 275-323-hp | 22 | $585 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Challenger | 250-305 hp | 23 | $650 | 3.2/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Charger | 178-300 hp | 23 | $652 | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| Subaru WRX | 230-271-hp | 23 | $682 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228-hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good | Average |
| Ford Mustang | 145-310 hp | 24 | $709 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| VW Golf R | 288-315-hp | 24 | $903 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| VW Golf GTI | 210-228-hp | 27 | $791 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181-hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Honda-Civic-Type-R | 306-hp | 25 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205-hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic | 110-158-hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
The Challenger’s storage space is its advantage over these rivals in the muscle car segment:
Each of these competitors is worth considering depending on the aspects in which you want your daily ride to perform better.
The Porsche 911 is a compelling option if you want a small coupe that is fun and easy to drive with superb handling.
The Subaru BRZ, with its precise steering and agreeable ride quality, is another alternative worth considering.
It’s not a muscle car but a fine driving machine at the Challenger’s price point.
If you desire a spacious and practical daily driver yet is exhilarating to drive, opt for the Volkswagen Golf R hot hatch.
Its smooth ride, good visibility, and lower curb weight for ease of driving are pluses a high-performance everyday car could use.
Other attractive daily drivers with more performance than a regular everyday car include:
- Mazda MX-5 Miata – one of the most fuel-efficient sports cars.
- Honda Civic Type R – sharp and responsive handling; low running costs.
A regular Honda Civic is one of the best everyday cars – but if you need those extra horses for performance driving, the Civic Type R fulfills that requirement.
References:
https://www.dodge.com/challenger.html
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/DODGE/CHALLENGER/2%252520DR/RWD
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/DODGE/CHALLENGER/2%252520DR/AWD
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/dodge/challenger-2-door-coupe/2022
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2022_Dodge_Challenger.shtml