2018 Dodge Challenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe RWD Srt 392 / Hellcat, 2dr Coupe RWD Srt Demon, 2dr Coupe RWD V6, 2dr Coupe RWD V8
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 305–707 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 19 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 197.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,935–4,275 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 707 hp, versus about 292 hp for similar 2018 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 15% below the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Dodge Challenger is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,169 lb (2dr Coupe RWD Srt 392 / Hellcat).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 30 highway), 15% worse than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Challenger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Challenger →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Brampton, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Challenger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe RWD Srt 392 / Hellcat | 197.6 in | 75.6 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,169 lb | 56/44 |
| 2dr Coupe RWD Srt Demon | 197.6 in | 78.7 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,275 lb | 58/42 |
| 2dr Coupe RWD V6 | 197.6 in | 75.6 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,935 lb | 56/44 |
| 2dr Coupe RWD V8 | 197.6 in | 75.6 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,083 lb | 56/44 |
| GT 2dr Coupe AWD V6 | 197.6 in | 75.6 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,116 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | -15% | $2,900 | 389 |
| Challenger GT | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -23% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Challenger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -30% | $4,000 | 466 |
| Challenger | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -34% | $4,550 | 486 |
| Challenger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -34% | $4,550 | 494 |
| Challenger SRT | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -34% | $4,550 | 486 |
| Challenger | 6.4L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -37% | $4,850 | 523 |
| Challenger SRT | 6.4L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -37% | $4,850 | 523 |
| Challenger SRT | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 22 / 16 | -41% | $5,150 | 546 |
| Challenger SRT | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 21 / 16 | -41% | $5,150 | 567 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.1% |
| 2018 Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.1% |


Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Challenger (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Passat | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Aug 9, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · May 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V280000 · 71 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Not every 2018 Dodge Challenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Dodge Challenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 6 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 22,012 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Dodge Challenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Challenger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 43 |
| 2022 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 9 |
| 2021 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 19 |
| 2020 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 20 |
| 2019 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 59 |
| 2017 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 49 |
| 2016 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 78 |
| 2015 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 127 |
| 2014 Challenger | 21 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 135 |
| 2013 Challenger | 21 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 159 |
| 2012 Challenger | 21 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 195 |
| 2011 Challenger | 21 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 149 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →