2022 Dodge Challenger Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.
For more than 50 years, the Dodge Challenger has been treating muscle car fans to a great driving experience. Many people consider the latest generation to be the most thrilling. Insane performance capabilities enable the Challenger to offer all-day fun. Retro styling makes this coupe even more appealing. Although the Challenger may offer the excitement of an old school muscle car, it offers more than enough modern features.
When searching for a new 2022 Dodge Challenger, car shoppers will have seven main trim levels to select from. They must consider their budget and desired level of performance. Here’s a closer look at the key differences between each trim.
Compare the SXT vs GT Trims. What is the difference?
The Challenger SXT is the lineup’s least expensive trim, thus making it a perfect match for drivers on a tighter budget. Drivers can also enjoy the lineup’s best fuel economy.
Powering the SXT trim is Dodge’s popular Pentastar V6 engine. It’s rated to press out 305 horsepower. This engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Road tests show the V6-powered Challenger clocks a 0-60 mph time of around 6.3 seconds. In terms of gas mileage, drivers can anticipate getting 19 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the freeway using regular gasoline.
Although the Challenger SXT isn’t the lineup’s raciest trim, it still offers a bit of driving fun. A sport suspension helps ensure more responsive handling. A traditional rear-wheel-drive system comes standard on the Challenger SXT. However, folks who need enhanced traction can opt for an all-wheel-drive system. Fuel economy does dip to 18 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the freeway.
The Challenger SXT does not look quite as aggressive as the higher trim levels. Nevertheless, it’s eye-catching enough for most drivers. LED halo lights surround the car’s headlamps. In the rear, a trunk spoiler and dual exhaust outlets add more muscle. This trim rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. There are 14 exterior colors to choose from. While the power heated side mirrors don’t enhance styling, they do help promote better visibility on cold days.
On the inside, the Challenger SXT provides a good selection of amenities. A six-way power seat with four-way power lumbar support and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel help you to obtain a comfortable driving position. Other niceties include dual-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting, and rear vents.
Dodge equips the SXT trim with a satisfying amount of technology. Dodge’s Uconnect 4C infotainment unit provides a 7.0-inch touchscreen, which can be linked to the driver’s phone through either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Voice activation is built into the system for easier operation. A reconfigurable driving display is mounted within the car’s gauge cluster. Remote keyless entry with push-button start is another added convenience. Other standard equipment includes Bluetooth, hands-free phone connectivity, a six-speaker stereo, and two USB ports.
A few helpful safety features come standard on the SXT trim. When traveling in wet conditions, Rain Brake Support helps ensure a reliable stopping performance by removing water. On the other hand, a backup camera makes reversing a bit safer. Six airbags surround the cabin for enhanced impact protection.
Among the SXT trim’s most exciting options is Dodge’s Blacktop appearance package. It adds several blacked-out exterior details, including 20-inch Black Noise wheels wrapped in all-season performance tires.
There are some other worthwhile options available for the Challenger SXT. Music fans will be interested in the 506-watt Alpine premium audio system. A total of nine speakers and a 506-watt amplifier help ensure a powerful soundtrack. Meanwhile, the Cold Weather Group package’s heated front seats and heated steering wheel bring extra warmth. A sunroof is offered as well.
Of the available packages, the Technology Group package may prove to be the most beneficial. It adds two of today’s most popular driving aids: forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beams are also included in the package. Blind-spot monitoring comes in the car’s Driver Convenience Group package.
Drivers seeking more relaxation during the summer can take advantage of the Challenger SXT’s optional ventilated front seats. Available Nappa leather upholstery gives the cabin an especially upscale look. A few of the other options include a larger 8.4-inch touch display, navigation, and satellite radio.
The next notch up the trim ladder is the Challenger GT. It features the same V6 powertrain. All-wheel drive continues to be offered as an option. However, a stiffer performance suspension and a 3.07 rear axle ratio help it to offer a sportier driving experience. Upgraded performance brakes are also found on the more fun GT trim.
A more powerful look further sets apart the Challenger GT. A functional hood scoop gives it an extra intimidation factor. Larger 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels bring a more prominent stance. Unlike the SXT trim, it receives standard fog lights.
On the inside of the Challenger GT, you’ll find a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. Performance cloth seats add another premium touch. Remote start and rear parking sensors are also on the GT trim’s list of standard equipment.
The rear-wheel-drive version of the Challenger GT can be equipped with a Performance Handling Group package. It adds a high-performance suspension and heavy-duty Brembo brakes. Exclusive “Lights Out” wheels and red brake calipers give the car a unique appearance.
Stepping up to the GT trim gives buyers access to a more entertaining Harman Kardon premium sound system. It powers a total of 19 speakers through a 900-watt amplifier. An exciting Dodge Performance Pages app is also available on the GT trim. Aside from displaying real-time performance specs on the infotainment screen, it also enables drivers to adjust the car’s driving dynamics. Nappa and Alcantara sport seats are offered as well.
Compare the GT vs RT Trims. What is the difference?
Drivers who yearn for muscle under the hood should consider the Challenger RT. It elevates performance with a more exciting 5.7-liter, Hemi V8 engine. Output rises to 375 horsepower. In contrast to the V6-powered trims, the Challenger RT features a standard six-speed manual gearbox. An eight-speed automatic transmission is optional.
To enhance traction when accelerating hard, Dodge equips the RT trim with a limited-slip rear differential. There’s no overlooking the Challenger RT’s quicker performance. It clocks a 0-60 mph time of about 5.1 seconds. A Line Lock system makes it easier for drivers to perform burnouts when drag racing at the track. Meanwhile, a stainless steel performance exhaust gives the Challenger RT a thunderous sound that’s coveted by many muscle car fans.
However, fuel economy is lower. Owners can plan on getting an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in town and 25 mpg on the freeway. Dodge encourages the use of mid-grade gasoline.
There are some exclusive appearance upgrades available for the Challenger RT. The Shaker package equips the car with a shaker hood, which vibrates when revving the engine. Black decals and a black rear spoiler also come with this package. Another option is the T/A package, which decks out the Challenger with a satin black hood and retro-inspired graphics. The T/A package’s Mopar cold-air intake system helps optimize performance.
Compare the RT vs Scat Pack Trim. What is the difference?
Moving up to the Scat Pack trim results in another level of performance. It features a bigger 6.4-liter, Hemi V8 engine. Dodge tunes it to generate a stirring 485 horsepower. A heavy-duty cooling system helps keep the engine operating at an optimum temperature. Drivers will also appreciate the car’s high-performance suspension.
Buyers can mate the engine to a standard manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission. While the manual-equipped Challenger Scat Pack has a fuel economy rating of 14 mpg town/23 mpg freeway, the automatic version has a rating of 15 mpg town/24 mpg freeway.
When comparing the Challenger Scat Pack to the Challenger RT, you’ll notice quite a few similar styling cues. However, functional heat extractors are featured on the Scat Pack trim’s hood. A blacked-out grille and unique Scat Pack fender badges further distinguish this more powerful trim. A greater number of convenience features also come standard of the Scat Pack trim level, including a larger 8.4-inch touch display with satellite radio and heated front seats.
A popular Challenger Scat Pack option is the 1320 Package. Racers will appreciate the package’s drag mode and TransBrake feature, which help ensure the quickest times at the track. An adaptive suspension and street-legal drag tires are included as well. If desired, the front passenger and rear seat can be deleted for weight savings.
Many people will be interested in the Challenger Scat Pack’s Widebody package. Aside from enhancing the car’s cornering grip by adding ultra-wide performance tires, this package also equips the car with extended fender flares. When equipped with the Widebody package, the Challenger Scat Pack has a noticeably more muscular stance.
Compare the Scat Pack vs SRT Hellcat. What is the difference?
Few cars in the class pack as much brawn as the Challenger SRT Hellcat. It’s motivated by a thrilling 6.2-liter, supercharged Hemi V8 engine. Dodge tunes it to squeeze out an electrifying 717 horsepower. While a six-speed manual gearbox is standard, the optional eight-speed automatic transmission is beefed-up to handle the engine’s high output. An adaptive competition suspension with three-mode Bilstein shocks enables drivers to customize the car’s ride and handling.
Expect a stunning 0-60 mph time of around 3.6 seconds. A special Race Cooldown feature helps prevent overheating at the track. With the car’s insane power comes a drop in fuel economy. The EPA rates the Challenger SRT Hellcat to return 13 mpg town/22 mpg freeway. Unsurprisingly, premium gasoline is a necessity.
Exclusive exterior treatments separate the Challenger SRT Hellcat from the rest of the lineup. Dual hood scoops are found on the hood. A black performance spoiler further distinguishes this supercharged model. Red brake calipers and 20-inch black alloy wheels come standard. Dodge’s Widebody package remains an option. On the inside, there’s a flat-bottom performance steering wheel.
Compare the SRT Hellcat vs Hellcat Redeye Trim Level. What is the difference?
The Hellcat Redeye trim features an even more potent version of the Challenger SRT Hellcat’s engine. It produces an astounding 797 horsepower, which translates to a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. An SRT Power Chiller feature cools the car’s upgraded supercharger. While the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye looks similar to the regular SRT Hellcat trim, unique “Redeye” badging differentiates it. Fuel economy stands at 13 mpg town/21 mpg freeway.
Compare the SRT Hellcat Redeye vs Super Stock. What is the difference?
Dodge designed the Challenger Super Stock for drivers who seek the best performance when racing. Its supercharged Hemi engine is calibrated to crank out 807 horsepower, thus putting it among the strongest factory cars on the market. According to Dodge, the Super Stock trim can race to 60 mph is in a blistering 3.25 seconds.
It’s important to note that the Challenger Super Stock isn’t quite as practical as the other trim levels. Its standard drag radial tires don’t perform as well in rainy weather. The rubber also tends to wear down quicker. These tires are designed to ensure maximum traction on the track.
Lightweight aluminum, four-piston Brembo brake calipers give the Challenger Super Stock superior stopping power. Lightweight 18-inch wheels also help the Challenger Super Stock to move out quickly.
Final Thoughts
Drivers seeking affordability will lean more towards the entry-level Challenger SXT. Aside from being the lineup’s least costly trim, it also benefits from a fuel-saving V6 engine. Folks who desire a meaner look should consider the Challenger SXT’s optional Blacktop appearance package. While the Challenger SXT is a good choice, performance upgrades enable the Challenger GT to offer a sportier drive. Both of these V6-powered models can be equipped with an intelligent AWD system.
The Challenger RT is the least expensive V8 model. While it’s entertaining enough for most muscle car fans, some people will want the more potent Scat Pack trim.
Although the SRT Hellcat model can be quite expensive, its extreme power can be addictive.
During real-world driving, the 797-horsepower SRT Hellcat Redeye is not much more exciting than the less expensive SRT Hellcat trim. Meanwhile, serious racers who regularly compete on the track should consider the Super Stock trim.
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