DecodedCars2019 Dodge Challenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- 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
- 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
- 3,935–4,169 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 485 hp, versus about 365 hp for similar 2019 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, 18% below the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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), 18% worse than the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 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 59 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Challenger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Challenger →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Brampton, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 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 AWD V6 | 197.6 in | 75.6 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,116 lb | 56/44 |
| 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 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 |
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 | -18% | $2,900 | 389 |
| Challenger GT | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -25% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Challenger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -32% | $4,000 | 466 |
| Challenger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -36% | $4,550 | 494 |
| Challenger | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -36% | $4,550 | 498 |
| Challenger | 6.4L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -40% | $4,850 | 523 |
| Challenger SRT | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 22 / 16 | -43% | $5,150 | 546 |
| Challenger SRT | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 21 / 16 | -43% | $5,150 | 567 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Dodge Challenger 2 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.1% |
| 2019 Dodge Challenger 2 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.1% |
Similar 2019 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Dodge Challenger (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2019 Buick Regal | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V191000 · 319,610 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Service Brakes · Oct 24, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V758000 · 173 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.
- Risk
- A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Mar 14, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V203000 · 7,929 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V32.
Not every 2019 Dodge Challenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Dodge Challenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Wheels — 11 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Steering — 8 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 5,750 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 2019 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 |
| 2018 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 75 |
| 2017 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 49 |
| 2016 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 78 |
| 2015 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 127 |
| 2014 Challenger | 21 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 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 →