Dodge reintroduced the Challenger nameplate in 2008 with a brand-new third generation. Now, the tire-roasting lead sled is heading for an update for the 2019 model year, and it’s poised to receive new exterior colors inspired by Dodge’s racing history, including a searing-shade of green called Sublime. What’s more, the Challenger will get additional standard go-fast equipment to add real performance to the visual theatrics.
Update 02/14/2019: We’ve updated this review with video and images of the 2019 Dodge Challenger taken at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Check them out in the gallery at the bottom of this page!
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2019 Dodge Challenger
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Year:2019
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Overall:7.2/10
2019 Dodge Challenger Walk Around Video
2019 Dodge Challenger Exterior Styling
- Still offers classic muscle car styling cues
- New bright Sublime green paint
- Optional shaker hood scoop, Air-Catcher headlights, hood pins
- Optional 20-inch wheels
- Exterior dimensions unchanged
Like all other iterations of the third-generation Dodge Challenger, the latest 2019 model year once again takes cues from the nameplate’s classic muscle car roots.
And while the styling looks to be more or less identical to that of the previous model year (we’ll get a full update when it debuts in Chicago), there is one new feature worth pointing out here - the paint.
This time around, Dodge will extend the high-visibility Sublime green paint option to the Dodge Challenger Widebody and Challenger T/A models, a first since 1970.
Sublime green was first seen on Dodge’s 1970 vehicle lineup, offered on every model in the stable except the Polara and the Monaco. The color was then reintroduced in 2007 with the Charger R/T Daytona, and again on the Challenger for the 2015 model year. It also appeared in 2017 with the limited-edition Ram 1500 Sublime Sport pickup.
Heading into 2019, the Challenger can be had in one of 15 exterior colors, which in addition to Sublime includes:
- B5 Blue
- F8 Green
- Go Mango
- TorRed
- Destroyer Grey
- Granite Crystal
- Indigo Blue
- Maximum Steel
- Octane Red
- Pitch Black
- Triple Nickel
- Yellow Jacket
- White Knuckle
- Plum Crazy
And while we wait for the final debut to drop, it’s worth going over some of the other features Dodge offers with the current model which will most likely carryover to the 2019 model year.
Standouts include an available shaker hood scoop, Air-Grabber hood cold air intake, illuminated Air-Catcher headlights, and further LED lighting, not to mention the always-cool optional hood pins.
Also, the current model is offered with optional 20-inch wheels, plus a variety of stripes and exterior graphics packs, all of which are sure to reappear for the 2019 model year.
Finally, we’ve listed the 2018 model year exterior dimensions below for your convenience, as they are not expected to change with the 2019 model year update.
| 2018 Dodge Challenger Exterior Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Overall Height | 57.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 197.9 inches |
| Overall Width | 85.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 116.2 inches |
2019 Dodge Challenger Interior Design
- Uconnect 4 infotainment and 7.0-inch touchscreen as standard
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
- Optional 8.4-inch touchscreen and Harmon Kardon audio
- 16.2 cubic-feet of cargo space
| Note: 2018 model year Dodge Challenger pictured here. |
Inside the 2019 Dodge Challenger, things should look pretty familiar. You’ll still have a two seats up front and three in the rear for five passengers total.
The current model also offers 16 color and material combos to choose from, including the option for leather upholstery. Dual-zone automatic climate control comes as standard equipment, as does the keyless entry feature and single-button starter.
Those who need extra lateral support can opt into bucket seats, while extra comfort can be had with the ventilation feature and heating function. Extra sporty grips are offered with the flat-bottom steering wheel.
For now, the Challenger comes with a standard Uconnect 4 infotainment system running through a 7.0-inch touchscreen, plus support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Extra infotainment goodness includes integrated voice command, Bluetooth streaming audio, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
For those enthusiasts out there, a number of performance specs are relayed to the infotainment screen, while a digital driver’s information display is mounted in the gauge cluster.
| Note: 2018 model year Dodge Challenger pictured here. |
Optional infotainment features include an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while tunes can be heard through the optional six-speaker audio, nine-speaker audio, or an 18-speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Sound package. There’s also an optional Uconnect 4C Nav system offering navigation functionality.
Higher trims get assists like ParkSense Rear Park Assist, while further optional driver assists include Automatic High Beams, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning. There’s also optional rain-sensing windshield wipers.
In back, the Dodge Challenger offers 16.2 cubic-feet of cargo space.
For reference, the 2018 model year interior dimensions are listed below, and are not expected to change with the 2019 model-year refresh.
| 2018 Dodge Challenger Interior Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Headroom (front) | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom (rear) | 37.1 inches |
| Hip Room (front) | 55.3 inches |
| Hip Room (rear) | 47.8 inches |
| Leg Room (front) | 42 inches |
| Leg Room (rear) | 33.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room (front) | 58.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room (rear) | 53.9 inches |
| Passenger Interior Volume | 93.7 cubic-feet |
2019 Dodge Challenger Drivetrain And Performance
- Engine options include 3.6-liter V-6, 5.7-liter V-8, and 6.4-liter V-8
- 305 to 485 horsepower
- Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
- RWD and AWD drivetrains offered
- Sportier suspension configurations available
- 2019 MY includes updated R/T Scat Pack Widebody package
| Note: 2018 model year Dodge Challenger pictured here. |
In terms of powerplants and drivetrains, the Dodge Challenger is practically overflowing with combos.
First up is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which is offered on the SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD trim levels. Peak output comes to 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, with fuel returns rated at 19 mpg in the city and 30 mph on the highway.
There’s also a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 offered on the R/T, a 6.4-liter 392 Hemi V-8 for the R/T Scat Pack, and a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 for the trims above that.
The 5.7-liter V-8 makes 372 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, with fuel returns of 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 makes 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, with fuel returns of 14 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. All V-8 models also come with an available active exhaust system for custom sound whether you’re cruising or you want some aural blasting.
| Note: 2018 model year Dodge Challenger pictured here. |
Transmission options include an eight-speed automatic and a six-speed manual. There’s also the option for either a RWD or AWD drivetrain, depending on the engine configuration.
Keeping it shiny side up is an independent suspension setup at all four corners, with a five-link setup in the rear. To help buck the straight-line hero image, the Challenger is also offered with a variety of performance suspension and brake packages, with standout features including Bilstein shocks, a lower ride height, and new steering tuning. There’s also the option for an adaptive damping system. Electric power steering is standard.
Curb weight varies between 3,865 pounds and 4,147 pounds, depending on the powertrain and drivetrain you select.
Big news for 2019 includes a refresh for the optional R/T Scat Pack Widebody package. Priced at $6,000, this package adds in new fender flares that widen the body by a full 3.5 inches. Under the mammoth new arches, you’ll also get new forged alloy wheels measuring in at 20 inches in diameter and 11 inches in width.
Around the alloys, Dodge mounted a set of sticky Pirelli tires measured at 305/35R20. The package comes with new brakes as well, specifically six-pot front calipers from Brembo.
Meanwhile, the Challenger GT RWD model gets the Super Track Pak as standard for the 2019 model year, tossing in more fade-resistant brakes. The model also comes with a performance hood, a front splitter, and new seats, all of which are offered with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine for the first time.
And of course, you can’t forget the SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye, the former of which produces 717 horsepower, and the latter of which makes 797 horsepower. Look for full reviews on both of these models soon.
2019 Dodge Challenger Prices
| Note: 2018 model year Dodge Challenger pictured here. |
If you want a 2019 Dodge Challenger, there are eight trim levels to choose from:
- SXT
- SXT AWD
- GT
- GT AWD
- R/T
- R/T Scat Pack
- SRT Hellcat
- SRT Hellcat Redeye
The updated 2019 Dodge Challenger will soon go under the limelight at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.
We expect exact pricing details when the sheets are finally lifted, but for now, the Challenger starts at $27,295 for the base-model SXT and ranges up to $71,495 for the SRT Hellcat Widebody.
The Sublime exterior paint option will be available on the 2019 Dodge Challenger this month.
2019 Dodge Challenger Competition
Chevrolet Camaro
Like the Challenger, the contemporary Chevy Camaro comes from a long line of muscle car royalty, with the latest model offered in a large variety of power levels and configurations. Kicking it off is a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, followed by a 3.6-liter V-6 making 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. Heading the list is a 6.2-liter V-8 making 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic. Unlike the Challenger, the Camaro only comes with RWD. Performance packs are plentiful, while infotainment goodies include a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay support, and Android Auto support.
Read our full review on the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro.
Ford Mustang
Any discussion of muscle cars absolutely must include the Mustang, right? The latest model year is offered with two engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder making 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, and topped by a 5.0-liter V-8 making 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Routing all that muscle to the rear axle is either a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. Inside the cabin, look for retro styling to match the muscle-bound exterior, plus modern infotainment bits like 4G LTE Wi-Fi, smartphone support, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. As icing on the cake, the extra performance packages help to turn this pony into a true track-worthy corner carver.
Read our full review on the 2018 Ford Mustang.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it’s hard to fault the Challenger. With so many engines, drivetrains, and packages to choose from, it truly feels like there’s a Challenger out there for just about everyone.
That said, it’s been 11 years since Dodge unveiled the current third-generation model, and while the updates since then have been quite substantial (Hellcat, AWD, etc.), Ford and Chevy are already a generation or two ahead.
We’ll have to wait and see the full breadth of extras that the 2019 Challenger is bringing, but until then, we have to wonder if the third-gen model is getting a little long in the tooth.
Further Reading
Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Challenger.
Read our full review on the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Wide-Body.
Despite the polar vortex, Dodge//SRT is looking ahead to brighten things up just in time for the spring muscle car season by bringing back the heritage-inspired color Sublime. For the first time ever, Sublime is available on Charger Scat Pack, Charger SRT Hellcat and Challenger Widebody models. Sublime is also returning to the Challenger T/A for the first time since 1970.
Sublime joins the available high-impact paint colors, such as B5 Blue, Go Mango, F8 Green, Plum Crazy and TorRed, on both 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger lineups.
“Our Dodge//SRT muscle cars give our customers what they want, an incredibly wide variety of performance models and high-impact color options. Whether it’s Sublime paint, all-wheel drive capability or 797 horsepower, Charger and Challenger stand out,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America. “By bringing back a high-impact color like Sublime across the 2019 Challenger and Charger lineups, we’re continuing to give our enthusiast customers another way to make their muscle cars even more unique when they showcase the legendary Dodge performance attitude.”
Both Challenger and Charger models in Sublime will be on display at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.
Sublime was first introduced during the 1970 model year on all Dodge vehicles except the Polara and Monaco models. In 2007, Dodge produced a limited number of Charger R/T Daytona models with Sublime exterior. Most recently, Sublime was available across the Dodge Challenger vehicle lineup during the 2015 model year.
The return of Sublime brings a sense of performance nostalgia and powerful bursts of high-impact paint color to highways and dragstrips across the country.
Dealers can begin ordering Sublime on 2019 Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger models in February.
2019 Dodge Challenger
Dodge launches the most powerful SRT Hellcat lineup ever in 2019, by leveraging the power of the record-setting Dodge Challenger SRT Demon to introduce the new performance halo for the brand and the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car – the 797-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye.
The Challenger SRT Hellcat returns with output now starting at 717 horsepower and both Hellcat models feature a new dual-snorkel hood that pays homage to the distinctive Dodge design themes from some of its most famous muscle cars, including the 1970 Dart Swinger and 1971 Demon. The new R/T Scat Pack Widebody includes fender flares, adding 3.5 inches of body width, 20 x 11-inch forged wheels, 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires and larger six-piston Brembo brakes in the front for improved on-road and on-track performance. The new Challenger GT rear-wheel-drive model extends its performance capabilities with standard Super Track Pak features, performance hood, splitter and seats, for the first time ever with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.
Eight distinct models make up the reconfigured vehicle lineup for 2019: SXT, SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Numerous option packages offer all the upgrades, unique heritage cues and additional performance that Dodge//SRT customers demand. Challenger offers a full range of engine options, including the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on SXT, SXT AWD, GT and GT AWD models, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 in the R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on R/T Scat Pack models, the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 on the SRT Hellcat and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V-8 on the SRT Hellcat Redeye.
For the 2019 model year, the Dodge Challenger is available in 15 exterior colors including: B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite Crystal, Indigo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, Sublime, TorRed, Triple Nickel, Yellow Jacket (no longer available to order) and White Knuckle.
2019 Dodge Charger
From the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world to V-6 efficiency and all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, the Dodge Charger lineup is designed and engineered to provide the ultimate in high-performance comfort and road-ready confidence as America’s only four-door muscle car. Dodge Charger’s rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture enables a model lineup highlighted by extensive performance-driven powertrains with the latest technology under the hood and behind the wheel – further building on the Dodge brand’s promise to deliver American performance machines with world-class power, efficiency, technology, authentic materials and standout styling.
Standard on every Dodge Charger model is the innovative TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Charger offers a full range of powerful engine options on six distinct models, including the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on Charger SXT, SXT AWD and GT, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 on R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on Scat Pack models and the 707-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI SRT Hellcat V-8.
For 2019, Dodge repositions the lineup to include a new Charger SXT AWD model and a new Charger GT RWD performance V-6 model. Charger GT and R/T models get the performance look and features standard and receive a full complement of race-bred chassis upgrades. Charger Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat feature standard performance upgrades, including Launch Assist and Line Lock; a new performance grille with dual air inlets; new Launch Control switch on R/T Scat Pack; and Torque Reserve, After-Run Chiller on SRT Hellcat.
For the 2019 model year, the Dodge Charger is available in 14 exterior colors including: B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite Crystal, IndiGo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, Sublime, TorRed, Triple Nickel and White Knuckle.
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