The Dodge Charger versus Dodge Challenger make for a pair of seemingly different cars that share more than you might expect. The Charger is classified as a large sedan and the Challenger is a midsize coupe, but they ride on the same platform. In addition, they have similar engine options and equipment lists. This pushes both styling and practicality to the front of the criteria list when comparing the two models. Deciding which features are important to you is key when buying a new car. You’ve got to make sure that your budget and driving needs are aligned with whatever choice you make. Read on to find out all the information you will need to decide whether the 2019 Dodge Charger or the 2019 Dodge Challenger is right for you.
About the Dodge Charger:
The Dodge Charger has a heritage that dates back more than 50 years, when it was first introduced as a muscle-car coupe for the 1966 model year. The new Charger features a four-door, five-passenger sedan body style and is built in Brampton, Ontario. The Dodge Charger is known for delivering a wide range of driving experiences. It can be had as both an affordable, family-focused sedan and a high-performance track star. In between are a number of trim levels that balance these two side of its character. You can find out more about the 2019 Dodge Charger under the Details & Specs tab on the Dodge Charger page at AutoGravity. The Dodge Charger has won awards from J.D. Power for retaining its value and from Edmunds for scoring big with family car buyers.
About the Dodge Challenger:
The Dodge Challenger is another vehicle with a muscle-car past. It was introduced in 1970 at the height of the V8-powered performance craze. The current model, which is also built in Brampton, Ontario, retains the retro styling of the original. The five-passenger, two-door Dodge Challenger matches the Dodge Charger almost note-for-note when it comes to trim levels. This means that you can find modestly powered commuter models parked alongside fire-breathing Hellcat and Redeye dragsters in the showroom. More details about the 2019 Dodge Challenger can be found under the Details & Specs tab on the Dodge Challenger page at AutoGravity. The Dodge Challenger has won awards from J.D. Power for dependability.
The Dodge Charger versus Dodge Challenger: What has Better Interior Quality, Space, and Comfort?
The Dodge Charger offers more interior room than the Dodge Challenger. Its four-door design and stretched wheelbase give it a larger back seat that is easier to access. Don’t count out the Challenger, however. It is comfortable for four passengers in a way most of its two-door rivals are not. Its trunk is also very nearly a match for that of the Charger. When it comes to materials and design, the cabins of the two vehicles are in a dead heat. Aside from a few minor design details, the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger interiors are cut from the same cloth. Almost every feature found in one is also available in the other.
The Dodge Charger versus Dodge Challenger: What has Better Safety Equipment and Ratings?
The Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger feature identical safety features and ratings. The Dodge Charger comes with a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It does not offer a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS due to its moderate small overlap crash test performance. The Dodge Charger’s advanced safety equipment is all optional and includes the following:
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking. This feature automatically stops the car if an impact seems imminent. It also warns you of a potential collision.
- Lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance. This system alerts you if the Charger leaves its lane, and can steer it back between the lines automatically.
- Adaptive cruise control. A feature that maintains a safe distance between the car and any vehicles in the lane ahead.
- Blind spot monitoring. An electronic eye that watches along each side of the Charger for unseen traffic.
The Dodge Challenger also features the same five-star NHTSA safety rating. As it uses the Charger’s platform, it doesn’t meet IIHS Top Safety Pick criteria. The Dodge Challenger’s advanced safety equipment is optional and an exact match for the Dodge Charger:
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
The Dodge Charger versus the Dodge Challenger: What has Better Technology?
As with safety equipment, the Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger share exactly the same technology features. This means that both vehicles offer the Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, which includes a large, easy-to-use interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard with the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger. It’s possible to upgrade each to a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen that comes with a navigation system.
The Dodge Charger versus The Dodge Challenger: Which is Better to Drive?
In general, the Dodge Challenger offers a sportier driving experience than the Dodge Charger. This is partly due to its lighter weight, but the Challenger also offers a manual transmission, whereas the Charger is automatic-only. That being said, there are times when the Dodge Charger’s longer wheelbase gives it a more stable feeling at high speeds. This is especially apparent in the SRT Hellcat models. These provide a stunning 707 horsepower from a supercharged V8 in both the Charger and the Challenger. But the Challenger one-ups the Charger with the SRT Hellcat Redeye, which boasts 797 horsepower. It also provides better cornering and handling as a result of its wider track. All-wheel drive is available with V6-powered models of both cars, providing good traction in slippery conditions. It’s important to keep in mind that these are each heavy vehicles, even the two-door Challenger, and this has an impact on fuel economy. Both return 23 mpg in combined driving with their base V6s. This drops to 19 mpg combined for the entry-level V8s.
The Dodge Charger versus The Dodge Challenger: Which Car is Priced Better?
The Dodge Challenger’s $27,745 starting price makes it almost $1,500 less expensive than the base Dodge Charger. Each of these vehicles comes standard with the same V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the Dodge Challenger occupies the most-expensive slot when comparing the two vehicles at their upper ends. The Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye model starts at $73,190. This is considerably more than the Dodge Charger Hellcat, the priciest sedan at $67,245. Value-wise, the Charger will pull ahead here for many buyers. You get two extra doors and the same feature set for less money right on through the entire line-up.
The Dodge Charger versus The Dodge Challenger: Which Car Should I Buy?
If you’re deciding between the Dodge Charger versus the Dodge Challenger, it’s largely going to come down to three things. The first is whether you need a two-door car or a four-door car. With almost every safety and technology feature being equal, the amount of interior room is the biggest difference between the two vehicles. The Dodge Charger wins out here, and the rear doors are certainly more convenient. However, the Dodge Challenger’s back seat is quite comfortable, and if you only need it occasionally, it will serve you well. The second factor is personal taste. The Dodge Challenger’s retro muscle-car styling cuts a striking figure, making it a unique choice. The Dodge Charger features menacing, aggressive looks of its own, but from a far more modern perspective. Finally, there’s performance. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the undisputed speed king in this comparison. That being said, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is still incredibly fast. The Dodge Challenger’s versatility, looks, and performance give it the smallest of advantages over the Dodge Charger in our recommendation for which car you should buy.