Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 2022 Review

Dodge's big muscle car is a hoot to drive, even if it doesn't feel quite as sharp as the Chevrolet Camaro or Ford Mustang. Of the three, the 2022 Challenger is the most old-school, which makes sense since the design dates to 2008, which itself recalls the Challengers from the early 1970s. This is a big, heavy coupe that feels big and heavy from behind the wheel.

Thankfully, there's a diverse selection of available V8 engines that are more than capable of imparting this big coupe with rapid straight-line velocity. Or just big smoky burnouts if that's more your thing. The Challenger comes with a standard V6, but it's the SRT and supercharged Hellcat engines that will blast you down the local drag strip with joyful abandon.

The Challenger isn't all about brute force. The ride is quite comfortable, even when you opt for models with a sportier suspension setup. Most of today's advanced driving aids are also available thanks to regular updates over the years. Overall, we're fond of the Challenger, however dated it may be. For more of what we think of the 2022 Challenger, be sure to read our in-depth Expert Rating below.

Which Challenger does MatoCar recommend?

Dodge sells the 2022 Challenger in five main trim levels: SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat. But within those trims you have numerous choices to make. For example, all-wheel drive is available on the SXT and GT trims, while the R/T Scat Pack and the SRT Hellcats are available in a wide-body configuration. Feature highlights for the Challenger include:

SXT The base SXT trim equips the Challenger with:

• 3.6-liter V6 engine (303 horsepower, 268 lb-ft of torque)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• 18-inch wheels (19-inch on AWD models)
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Cloth upholstery
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• 60/40-split folding rear seats
• Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Six-speaker audio system

GT Adds a sportier look and feel thanks to:

• 20-inch wheels
• Foglights
• Functional hood scoop
• Performance steering
• Performance suspension
• Performance brakes
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
• Remote engine start (with automatic transmission)
• Cloth performance seats
• Rear parking sensors

R/T Similarly equipped as the GT but more powerful thanks to:

• 5.7-liter V8 engine (372 hp, 400 lb-ft with the eight-speed automatic transmission or 375 hp, 410 lb-ft with the six-speed manual)
• Standard six-speed manual transmission or optional eight-speed automatic
• Active performance exhaust system

R/T Scat Pack Bumps the Challenger's performance to the next level with:

• 6.4-liter V8 engine (485 hp, 475 lb-ft)
• Upgraded engine cooling system
• Line Lock tire-warming system for drag racing
• Launch control system
• Brembo performance brake system
• High-performance suspension
• Configurable drive modes
• Scat Pack-specific exterior styling details
• Heated steering wheel and heated front seats
• 8.4-inch touchscreen
• Premium six-speaker audio system

SRT Hellcat The SRT Hellcat is just as aggressive as it sounds, adding:

• Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine (717 hp, 656 lb-ft of torque)
• Eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission
• Dual-snorkel hood with performance engine cooling system
• Larger six-piston Brembo brakes with red calipers
• Competition suspension with adaptive damping
• Wider performance tires
• SRT-specific styling cues
• SRT Hellcat exterior and interior badges
• Flat-bottom steering wheel

The SRT Hellcat Redeye pushes the Challenger further into the world of ludicrous power with:

• Upgraded 6.2-liter V8 engine (797 hp, 707 lb-ft)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission only
• Upgraded SRT Power Chiller engine cooling
• Exterior and interior SRT Hellcat Redeye badges

The SRT Super Stock takes the street-legal drag racer theme even further with:

• Further upgraded 6.2-liter V8 engine (807 hp, 707 lb-ft)
• 18-inch wheels
• Nitto street-legal drag racing tires
• Brakes from the R/T Scat Pack
• Wide-body styling
• Exterior and interior SRT Super Stock badges

A Widebody package is available for the R/T Scat Pack and Hellcat models. It adds:

• Wider wheels and tires
• Fender flares
• Widebody-specific suspension (with adaptive damping on R/T Scat Pack)
• Larger six-piston Brembo brakes (R/T Scat Pack)

After choosing the Challenger that meets your budget requirements and performance expectations, you can customize the car through an array of options and packages. Besides many performance, exterior appearance and interior trim packages, the highlights include:

• Technology Group (adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning)
• Driver Convenience Group (blind-spot monitoring, among other features)
• Cold Weather Group (heated seats and steering wheel)
• Plus package (more convenience, performance and tech features for the lower trim levels)
• Leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Integrated navigation system
• Six-speaker Alpine and 18-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound systems