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2021 Dodge Challenger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Dodge Challenger
Pictured: Dodge Challenger SRT8 (2015) Hirschaid-20220709-RM-120221 (cropped). Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
2dr Coupe AWD V6, 2dr Coupe RWD Srt 392 / Hellcat, 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
305–485 hp
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
3,935–4,169 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 485 hp, versus about 365 hp for similar 2021 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, 16% below the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 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 4,116 lb (2dr Coupe AWD V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 30 highway), 16% worse than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Challenger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Challenger →

Trims, performance & features

Engine305 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Engine375 hp5.7L 8-cyl
Engine485 hp6.4L 8-cyl
DriveRWD · AWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SXTR/TR/T SCAT PACKGT

Safety & driver-assist features

Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Rear cross-traffic alertOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Brampton, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Challenger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe AWD V6197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in4,116 lb56/44
2dr Coupe RWD Srt 392 / Hellcat197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in4,169 lb56/44
2dr Coupe RWD V6197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in3,935 lb56/44
2dr Coupe RWD V8197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in4,083 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Challenger3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23-16%$2,900389
Challenger AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-23%$3,200415
Challenger5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19-31%$4,000466
Challenger5.7L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-34%$4,550494
Challenger6.4L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 24 / 18-34%$4,550496
Challenger Widebody6.4L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 24 / 18-34%$4,550496
Challenger6.4L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-38%$4,850523
Challenger Widebody6.4L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-38%$4,850523
Challenger SRT6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 22 / 16-42%$5,150546
Challenger SRT6.2L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 21 / 16-42%$5,150567
Challenger SRT Widebody6.2L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 21 / 16-42%$5,150567
Challenger SRT Widebody6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 21 / 15-45%$5,500575
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2021 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★11.1%
2021 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★11.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD
Side crash test — 2021 Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Dodge Challenger (this car)23 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Ford Mustang25 MPG★★★★★6
2021 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Chevrolet Camaro25 MPG★★★★★4
2021 Dodge Charger23 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Chrysler 30023 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Toyota Avalon44 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (2)

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Aug 26, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V664000 · 135 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The affected vehicles do not illuminate their safety system status indicators sufficiently in both daylight and nighttime driving conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
Without visible safety system indicators, a driver may not receive information regarding vehicle safety, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix
Dealers will re-program instrument clusters with the correct software version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y58.
Visibility › Windshield › Critical Fasteners · Jul 8, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V516000 · 21,258 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk
A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Dodge Challenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

19Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
17,160 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System4
Air Bags4
Engine3
Power Train3
Structure › Body2
Unknown Or Other2
Steering2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/08: 221/10: 122/01: 122/02: 122/04: 123/02: 123/05: 123/07: 123/08: 124/01: 124/05: 124/09: 124/12: 125/06: 225/07: 126/06: 126/07: 121/0822/0223/0524/0124/1226/06max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Dodge Challenger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 17,160 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Dodge Challenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Challenger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2023 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★243
2022 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★29
2020 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★120
2019 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★359
2018 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★375
2017 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★349
2016 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★178
2015 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★5127
2014 Challenger21197.6 in★★★★★4135
2013 Challenger21197.6 inNot rated5159
2012 Challenger21197.6 inNot rated6195
2011 Challenger21197.6 inNot rated6149

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →