Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2022 Dodge Challenger: Choosing the Right Trim

2022 Dodge Challenger: Choosing the Right Trim

The 2022 Dodge Challenger keeps a legendary muscle car name alive, surprising critics who long predicted the car’s demise. On the contrary, the 2022 Dodge Challenger continues the epic three-way rivalry between it, the Ford Mustang, and the Chevrolet Camaro, perhaps the last of a truly American breed of automobile.

Like the original Challenger of the ’70s, the current model offers distinctive styling, insane horsepower options, and some of the boldest colors ever to grace a car. Unlike its namesake, this Challenger can actually comfortably fit four adults, offers a big trunk, loads of safety features, and the ability to handle sharp curves at high speed. It even offers the option of all-wheel drive.

With engines ranging from a 303-horsepower V6 to an 807-horsepower supercharged V8, there is a Challenger to meet just about every taste, budget, and need.

2022 Dodge Charger SXT (Starting at $30,075)

The first in a long line of Challenger trims is the SXT. Though basic, this model is affordable to most consumers. It is, however, a few thousand more than the Ford Mustang and nearly $5,000 over the starting price of a Chevrolet Camaro. And, unlike the Camaro and Mustang, the Challenger doesn’t offer a convertible.

So what does your $30,000 get? Well, starting under the hood, you’ll find a 303-hp, 3.6-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the base Mustang and Camaro, however, the Challenger SXT doesn’t offer the option of a manual transmission, part of the reason why the Challenger’s price is so much higher.

A 2.62 rear axle ratio helps provide quick acceleration and good fuel economy when cruising at high speeds, and with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, you can cruise a long way.  Hill Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist are also standard, but not really all that crucial,, considering the car has an automatic transmission.

The Challenger SXT rolls on 18-inch wheels and rides on a sport suspension. The dual exhausts help with engine breathing and sound particularly nice considering they’re hooked to a V6 engine.

A look around the stylish Challenger exterior reveals automatic headlights with quad LED halo light surrounds, power heated side mirrors, a rear spoiler with a built-in rear backup camera, two-speed variable intermittent wipers, and a rear defroster.

Cabin amenities include one-touch down power windows, a full-length center console with rear vents, dual-zone automatic climate control, illuminated front cup holders and, LED interior lighting.

The driver is treated to a 6-way power seat with 4-way power lumbar support, and all seats are covered in black cloth with stylish Houndstooth sport cloth inserts. Rear passengers sit on a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with a folding center armrest and dual cup holders.

Inside the Challenger’s instrument cluster, you’ll find a reconfigurable digital display flanked by a tachometer and 160-mph speedometer. A tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel includes the Bluetooth hands-free phone, cruise control, and audio controls.

Standard audio is a 6-speaker setup teamed with Dodge’s Uconnect 4C infotainment system. A bright 7-inch touch screen display makes it easy to operate, with AM/FM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto accommodations. The system also contains Bluetooth, voice activation, an auxiliary input jack, and two USB ports.

On the safety and security front, the 2022 Dodge Challenger SXT includes remote keyless entry with push-button start, a tire pressure monitor, and a full complement of airbags, including front, front side-impact and side curtains. Also standard is electronic traction and stability control and Rain Brake Support, a system designed to keep water off the brakes by periodically applying a small amount of pressure whenever the wipers are switched on.

Although there is no spare tire, the Challenger does come with a sealant kit and air compressor.

Optional on the SXT is all-wheel drive. When ordered, the SXT gains an active transfer case with front-axle disconnect, a performance brake upgrade, 3.07 rear axle ratio, a normal duty suspension, 19-inch wheels, and a universal garage door opener.

The SXT offers numerous packages, a nice selection of eye-popping paint colors and a bevy of exterior customization options featuring items like black tape stripes, hood decals, and interior trim upgrades. Among the more notable is the Alpine Audio Group that adds a 506-watt amp and nine Alpine speakers. The Cold Weather Group adds a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. At the same time, the Driver Convenience Group brings HID headlights, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and power multifunction folding mirrors.

The Plus Group is chocked full of features, including Nappa leather sport seats, a 276-watt six-speaker premium audio upgrade, memory system, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 8.4-inch touch screen, SiriusXM, and 20-inch wheels (requires Driver Convenience Group).

The Technology Group brings rain-sensing wipers, auto high beams, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control to the table.  A power sunroof is one of the few standalone options.

With a destination fee of $1,595, the 2022 Dodge Challenger SXT costs $31,670. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to around $569. See 2022 Dodge Challenger SXT models for sale

2022 Dodge Challenger SXT includes:

  • 6-way power driver’s seat – with 4-way power lumbar, makes taking long driver a bit more comfortable.
  • 303-hp V6 – provides plenty of muscle and respectable fuel economy, an excellent choice for a muscle car buyer on a budget.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allows integration of an Android or Apple smartphone into the car’s infotainment system, granting access to music apps, navigation, messages, and more.
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control – permits driver and passenger to set the desired temperature.

2022 Dodge Challenger GT ($33,050)

The GT is powered by the same V6 engine as the SXT but offers a few more muscle car upgrades that make it less of a sleeper. Like the SXT, the GT offers the option of all-wheel drive.

Adding to the SXT’s list of features, the GT brings upgraded performance brakes, a 3.07 rear axle ratio, remote start, a performance suspension, fog lights, and a performance hood with a functional hood scoop.

The GT gets larger 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels, upgraded performance cloth Houndstooth interior, a “four-bump” leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and rear parking sensors.

In addition to the SXT’s optional equipment, the GT offers a 900-watt 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio upgrade, an upgraded Plus Group package with ventilated front seats, Nappa and Alcantara sport seats, door trim panels with ambient lighting, and Dodge Performance Pages, an app that allows drivers to monitor their performance.

Optional only on the rear-drive GT is the Performance Handling Group that includes Brembo four-piston brakes with red calipers, a high-performance suspension, and 20-inch “Lights Out” wheels.

With the $1,595 destination, the 2022 Dodge Challenger GT comes to $34,645. With no money down, the monthly payment on a 60-month loan at 3% comes to around $623. See 2022 Dodge Challenger GT models for sale

2022 Dodge Challenger GT includes:

  • Rear parking sensors – notifies the driver when getting too close to an immovable object, such as a wall or parked car.
  • Functional hood scoop – allows better airflow to help dissipate heat from the engine and looks darn cool.
  • Remote start – allows the GT to be started remotely, a nice feature when it’s cold or rainy outside.
  • Paddle shifters – allow a more interactive driving experience by letting drivers shift gears without removing their hands from the steering wheel.

2022 Dodge Challenger R/T ($37,625)

The R/T trim is the first in the Challenger lineup to provide V8 power. In this case, it’s a 375-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Opt for the 8-speed automatic, and horsepower drops to 372. From this point on, the Challenger is only offered with rear-wheel drive.

Building off the GT’s equipment list, the R/T amplifies the Challenger’s personality with a standard 3.90 rear axle ratio, thicker rear axles, a limited-slip rear differential, a performance stainless steel dual exhaust, bright pedals, and 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels. Dodge’s Line Lock system allows the front brakes to be engaged but not the rear, making burnout much easier.

Optional equipment for the R/T follows the GT, only with some changes to groups based on equipment already in the vehicle. The Driver Convenience Package gains an illuminated Air Catcher headlight that features an air intake through the headlight.

The Shaker Package brings a shaker hood, black decals, black spoiler, and black fuel door.

The T/A Package adds a Satin Black hood, the Air Catcher headlight air intake, T/A style graphics, white gauge faces, and a Mopar cold-air intakes system.

With a $1,595 destination fee, the 2022 Dodge Challenger R/T will carry a price of $39,220. If putting no money down, the monthly payment on a 60-month loan at 3% comes to $705.  See 2022 Dodge Challenger R/T models for sale

2022 Dodge Challenger R/T includes:

  • 5.7-liter HEMI engine – some say it’s not a real muscle car until you can say, “yeah, it’s got a HEMI.” The R/T permits this bragging right.
  • 6-speed manual  – some say it’s not a real muscle car unless you can shift gears using a clutch pedal. We’ll leave that one up to you.
  • Stainless steel performance exhaust – helps the engine breathe better and won’t rust over time.
  • Available Air Catcher headlight – looks cool while helping bring cool air to the engine.

2022 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack ($43,100)

At around $42,000, the R/T Scat Pack ups the Challenger’s game, bringing a 392 HEMI V8 good for 485 hp, a 6-speed manual transmission, a 220-amp alternator, Brembo brakes, heavy-duty engine cooling, plus Launch Assist and Launch Control.

Also in the Scat Pack profile is a high-performance suspension, Scat Pack Bee fender badge, a gloss black grille, bi-functional HID Air Catcher headlights, and a performance hood with functional heat extractors. The Scat Packs speedometer goes to 180-mph and includes SRT configurable drive modes.

Convenience upgrades include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a larger 8.4-inch touch screen display, CD/DVD/MP3 player, and SiriusXM Guardian (opens the door to Uconnect safety and security services).

Scat Pack optional equipment includes the 1320 Package that adds Drag mode with adaptive damping suspension, TransBrake, street-legal Nexen P275/40R20 drag tires, front passenger and rear seat delete, the Air Catcher headlight, and an Alcantara suede performance steering wheel.

The Dynamics Package includes Brembo slotted front rotors with 6-piston brake calipers, vented and slotted rear rotors with 4-piston calipers, and 20-inch low-gloss black wheels.

Finally, the Widebody Package adds a serious stance to the Challenger, adding widebody fenders and suspension, plus 305/35ZR20 performance tires. Also included is the adaptive damper suspension, Brembo brakes, and 20-inch Devil’s Rim forged aluminum wheels.

With the $1,595 destination fee, the 2022 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack costs $44,695. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, expect the monthly payment to be $803. See 2022 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack models for sale

2022 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack includes:

  • 392 V8 – with 485 hp, the 392 is the most powerful normally-aspirated engine offered in a Challenger.
  • Brembo brakes – 6-piston Brembo brakes help bring a speeding Scat Pack to a screeching halt in record time.
  • Heated front seats – even muscle car enthusiasts like to be comfortable on cold winter days, and heated front seats are just what the doctor ordered.
  • 8.4-inch touch screen – this larger touch screen infotainment system offers more features and functionality for even better connectivity to your digital world.

2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat ($63,175)

The aptly named Challenger Hellcat is like no other car, foreign or domestic. It comes with a 717-hp intercooled and supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. An 8-speed automatic specifically designed to deal with the engine’s power is optional and features paddle shifters so you can still control the fun.

Building off the R/T Scat Pack, the Hellcat includes the contents of the Dynamics Package, has red brake calipers, a 3.70 heavy-duty limited-slip differential on manual cars (2.62-ratio with the automatic), Race Cooldown engine cooling, and open airbox induction.

A competition suspension comes standard, along with adaptive damping Bilstein 3-mode shocks featuring Auto, Sport, and Trac settings. The Hellcat’s Torque Reserve system helps eliminate supercharger lag.

Visually, the Hellcat distances itself from the R/T with dual hood scoops, a Satin Black performance rear spoiler, and wide 20-inch gloss black wheels wrapped in 275/40ZR20 summer all-season performance tires. The Hellcat’s instrument cluster features a 200-mph speedometer and an SRT performance flat-bottom heated steering wheel.

Available options for the SRT Hellcat include the Alcantara Appearance Package, Carbon and Suede Package, the Driver Convenience Group, the Technology Group, Harman Kardon audio, Plus Group, Rear Seat Delete package, and the Widebody Package with 20-inch-by-11-inch low gloss black wheels.

Including destination fees, we expect the 2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat to cost $64,770. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and a zero down payment, the monthly bill should be $1,164. See 2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat models for sale

2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat includes:

  • Supercharged V8 engine – supercharging pumps cool air into the induction system, greatly increasing horsepower and torque.
  • Adaptive damping – the Bilstein shocks offer three settings: Auto automatically adjusts to road condition, Sport firms up the shocks for better high-speed cornering, and Track shifts as much weight as possible over the rear wheels for maximum traction.
  • 200-mph speedometer – lets everyone know this car means business.
  • Race Cooldown – advanced engine cooling system uses the intercooler pump and radiator fan to help cool the supercharger after the engine is shut down.

2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye ($74,775)

One step up from the Hellcat is the Hellcat Redeye. It adds a high-output version of the supercharged 6.2-liter engine for an astounding 797 horsepower. The Redeye also adds an 8-speed automatic transmission, a 2.62 rear axle, an SRT Power Chiller (uses A/C refrigerant to cool the supercharger further), remote start, and a 220-mph speedometer.

This model negates some of the optional driver-assist, such as adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning, but leaves the Widebody Package and Technology Group in place.

With an estimated $1,595 destination fee, the 2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye comes to $76,370. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, expect the monthly payment to be $1,372. See 2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye models for sale

2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock ($84,080)

The ultimate Challenger is meant more for street and track racing than a muscle car that can double as a daily driver. The Super Stock includes all the Challenger’s race options such as the Power Chiller, Race Cooldown, Line Lock, Torque, Launch Control and Torque Reserve. It then goes on to add an even more powerful high-output supercharged 6.2-liter V8 good for 807 horsepower.

The Bilstein adaptive shocks are tuned for drag racing, as are many other parts of the Super Stock. It rides on lightweight 18 x 11-inch wheels wrapped in 315/40R18 Nitto drag radials. Lightweight aluminum 4-piston Brembo brake calipers provide brake power over top 14.2-inch vented rotors.  The Super Stock’s rear axle features a 3.09 ration and limited-slip differential.

The Super Stocks optional equipment list closely resembles that of the Hellcat Redeye.

With destination, the 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock will sell for $85,675, and that’s before dealer markup. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and no money down, the monthly payment comes to $1,539. See 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock models for sale

FAQ

  • What is the best 2022 Dodge Challenger trim?

    Two answers: The base Challenger is a proven design that represents a lot of car for the money. On the other hand, there’s also the almighty Hellcat Redeye. There’s simply nothing else quite like it on the market. If you’re going to be a bear, you might as well be a grizzly.

  • How many mpg does the 2022 Dodge Challenger get?

    A base Dodge Challenger, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 and an 8-speed automatic transmission, is rated by the EPA at 19 mg city/30 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. With all-wheel drive, that Challenger returns EPA figures of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. When equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, the Challenger has EPA figures of 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. With the 6.4-liter V8, EPA fuel economy is 15 mpg city/24 mpg highway/18 mpg combined. And what about the almighty supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat? It’s rated at 13 mpg city/21 mpg highway/16 mpg combined.

  • Which 2022 Dodge Challenger trim level offers the most safety?

    No particular Challenger sticks out as safer than the others, but the R/T Scat Pack model has powerful Brembo brakes with 6-piston front calipers.

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