Performance With Style: A Closer Look at the 2021 Dodge Charger and Challenger

In an ever-expanding market of SUVs, crossovers, trucks, and more recently, EVs, many feel that the traditional muscle car is a dying concept. However, automotive manufacturers such as Dodge beg to differ. Throughout history, Dodge has produced some of the finest vehicles in the market. But, as the years go by and the lineup expands, it’s Dodge’s muscle cars that continue to make the headlines. This has certainly been the case for the 2021 Dodge Challenger and Charger. These two muscle cars are well regarded for their incredible performance and designs that are highly reminiscent of muscle cars of the past. You’ll find these two vehicles along with other models at your local California Dodge dealer.

Available Trim Levels

The 2021 Dodge Charger has numerous different trim levels and starts at an MSRP of $29,995 for the base SXT trim. Although the Charger features an extensive amount of powertrain configurations, drivers will be pleased with the stock V6 that comes with this entry-level trim. GT and R/T are the next two available trims, and these are then followed by Scat Pack, Scat Pack Widebody, SRT Hellcat, and the immensely powerful SRT Hellcat Redeye.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger shares some of the same trim names as the Charger, including the base level SXT trim, albeit the Dodge Challenger starts at an MSRP of $28,295. Much like the Dodge Charger, the Challenger comes equipped with a V6 on the base model, and trims such as GT, R/T, and R/T Scat Pack add extra amenities. The SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye are also present on the Dodge Challenger, and the Challenger’s exclusive SRT Super Stock trim outperforms even the strongest powertrain available on the Dodge Charger.

Extreme Power

Muscle cars such as the 2021 Dodge Charger and Challenger may have a classic exterior reminiscent of their legendary predecessors. However, their powertrains are as modern as they get. Both lineups feature a 3.6L V6 as the stock engine, but the Challenger’s variant produces slightly more power with 303 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the Dodge Charger’s V6 produces 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque with a variant that produces 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque on specific trim levels.

Moving up to the more powerful engines, there is a 5.7L V8 engine that is present on both the Challenger and Charger’s R/T trim. For the Dodge Challenger, the horsepower and torque output of this V8 engine will be entirely dependent on whether you’ve opted for an automatic or manual transmission. Even so, with 372 hp for automatics and 375 hp for manuals, Challenger’s 5.7L V8 manages to provide more muscle than the 370 hp version in the Dodge Charger. This also holds for the engine’s torque output, as the Challenger will give you either 400 to 410 lb-ft of torque depending on your transmission, while the Charger caps out at 395 lb-ft of torque.

The next V8 available within both models is a 6.4L that performs identically on both models. This means that whether you’re driving a Dodge Charger or Challenger, this engine will produce 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque and even receives the same EPA-estimated ratings of 15 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Finally, there are several iterations of the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8 for the Challenger and the Charger. On the Dodge Charger’s SRT Hellcat, this engine produces 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the same trim for the Dodge Challenger can produce 717 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque. The High-Output version is found in the SRT Hellcat Redeye trims, and this version produces 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque for both vehicles.

As if this wasn’t enough, the SRT Super Stock trim of the 2021 Dodge Charger has an even more powerful Hellcat with the ability to create a simply incredible 807 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. With these powertrains, both vehicles offer 8-speed automatic transmissions, albeit the Dodge Challenger allows for a 6-speed manual transmission with certain engines. With the Dodge Charger, you’ll be receiving the 8-speed automatic transmission regardless of which powertrain you purchase. All of these different powertrains help to make each of these vehicles two highly customizable muscle cars with an immense amount of power.

What’s the Inside Like?

Keeping up with the similarities between the two models, the interiors of both vehicles share a host of features. Firstly, both vehicles have a maximum seating capacity of five passengers, but the Dodge Charger manages to provide a better fit for the back row passengers. Not only does it have four doors for ease of access, but it also offers an extra seven inches of second-row legroom. So while you can certainly fit your friends or kids in the back seat of a Challenger, if you are planning to carry passengers regularly, the Charger is a much better choice.

Entertainment and connectivity features are nearly identical on each vehicle, featuring a robust infotainment center that includes a standard 7-inch screen or an optional 8.4-inch screen. Both vehicles also feature dual USB ports on their control centers and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless media playback through a Bluetooth-enabled device. Taking connectivity even further, you may connect your smartphone to the Charger or Challenger’s infotainment center and access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Both of these software suites are easily accessible and allow you to perform hands-free functions such as text messaging and making phone calls while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. All of these features are becoming standard across the automotive industry, but it’s features such as these that lend these new muscle cars a futuristic blend to complement their classic exteriors.

Muscle Cars Are Here To Stay

Although the industry has seemingly shifted focus over to crossover SUVs and newer EV models, it’s vehicles such as the Dodge Challenger and Charger that help keep the muscle car spirit alive. While it’s true that muscle cars aren’t the dominating market force that they once were, Dodge has done well with supporting these iconic models and keeping them relevant. With powerful V8 engines delivering up to 807 hp, along with the tech-centric features you’d expect to find on a modern-day sedan, it’s clear that these vehicles have taken the traditional muscle car to the next level.

Muscle cars are still popular with drivers today. There’s something special about a vehicle that wouldn’t look out of place upwards of 40 years ago, that can outperform many of the industry leaders today. The prospect of these powerful and exotic looking muscle cars offering modern-day advanced safety features, thus making them safe for families, is one of the industry’s greatest accomplishments. This year, the 2021 Dodge Challenger and Charger should not be missed, and there are enough similarities between them that choosing which model to take home is mostly a matter of personal preference. Here at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, you can take these two modern classics for a spin and get ready for years of exciting driving experiences. Contact us today to schedule a test drive!