Did Dodge make a 4-cylinder Challenger?
No, Dodge has never produced a 4-cylinder version of the Challenger sports car. The Challenger has always been equipped with V6 or V8 engines, reflecting its heritage as a powerful muscle car. Dodge has remained committed to the Challenger's iconic design and performance-oriented powertrain options.
Dodge Challenger Powertrain Options
The Dodge Challenger has been available with the following engine options since its reintroduction in 2008:
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine
- 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine
- 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine
- 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine (Hellcat and Demon models)
These powerful V6 and V8 engines are a key part of the Challenger's muscle car identity and performance-focused design. Dodge has not offered a 4-cylinder engine option for the Challenger, as that would go against the vehicle's core brand positioning and target audience.
Reasons Why Dodge Hasn't Made a 4-Cylinder Challenger
There are a few key reasons why Dodge has not produced a 4-cylinder version of the Challenger:
- Brand Identity: The Challenger is Dodge's iconic muscle car, known for its powerful engines and aggressive styling. A 4-cylinder model would not align with the Challenger's brand image and performance-oriented heritage.
- Target Audience: Challenger buyers are primarily interested in high-performance, rear-wheel-drive sports cars. A 4-cylinder model would likely not appeal to this target demographic, who expect V6 or V8 power.
- Competitive Positioning: The Challenger competes against other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, which also prioritize powerful engines over 4-cylinder options. Dodge wants to maintain the Challenger's position as a top performance-focused sports car.
Given Dodge's commitment to the Challenger's muscle car identity and the preferences of its target buyers, it is highly unlikely that the automaker will introduce a 4-cylinder version of the Challenger in the foreseeable future.
Is there a 4 cyl charger?
Yes, a four-cylinder Dodge Charger has been available in the past, and a new turbocharged four-cylinder is available for the 2026 model year. Historically, the fifth-generation Charger from the 1980s was a subcompact hatchback with only four-cylinder engines, while the 2026 model introduces the Hurricane4 turbocharged four-cylinder.
You can watch this video to learn more about the new Hurricane four-cylinder engine in the 2026 Dodge Charger: 37sJavi VibesYouTube · Nov 10, 2025
Historical four-cylinder Chargers
- Fifth Generation (1982–1987): This generation was a front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback. It only came with four-cylinder engines, ranging from a naturally aspirated 1.6L to a turbocharged 2.2L.
- Performance: The engines produced between 62 and 107 horsepower, with a high-compression engine for the Shelby Charger version.
Current and future four-cylinder Chargers
- 2026 Model Year: Dodge has introduced the "Hurricane4" turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the new generation of Chargers.
- Performance: The Hurricane4 engine is reported to produce 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
What to know
- The availability of a four-cylinder engine is a return to a more budget-friendly option after several years of only offering V6 and V8 engines.
- The new four-cylinder option is a turbocharged engine, which provides more power compared to older four-cylinder engines in other models.
You can also watch this video to see the features of the 2026 Dodge Charger: 55sRaiti's RidesYouTube · Aug 8, 2025
Do they make 4 cylinder Challenger?
The car retained the frameless hardtop styling of the old Challenger, but had smaller engines, a 1.6 L inline-four and a 2.6 L inline-four instead of the slant-6 and V8 engines of the original Challenger models.
Is there a 4-cylinder Hemi engine?
During the 1970s and 1980s, Chrysler also applied the term Hemi to their Australian-made Hemi-6 Engine, and a 4-cylinder Mitsubishi 2.6 L engine installed in various North American market vehicles.
What is the smallest engine in the Dodge Challenger?
The 3.6L Pentastar V6
The smallest engine of any of the 2023 Challenger models is a 3.6L Pentastar V6; this comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is the powertrain featured on the Challenger STX and GT trims. Interestingly enough, these are the only ones available with an all-wheel drive option.
