Is Challenger a V6 or V8?
The Challenger is available with both V6 and V8 engines. The base models use a V6, while higher-performance trims swap in various V8s for more power and speed.
To understand what this means for buyers, it helps to review the engine options Dodge has offered in recent years, how they map to different trims, and what that implies for performance, fuel economy, and driving feel.
Engine options across the Challenger lineup
Below is a quick inventory of the engines you could typically find on recent Challenger models. Note that horsepower figures vary by year and fuel grade, and transmissions may differ by trim.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 – base engine on entry trims (SXT/GT in many years), commonly paired with an 8-speed automatic; all-wheel drive was available on some versions.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 – available on mid-range trims (R/T and similar), delivering substantially more power than the V6.
- 6.4L Hemi V8 – used on performance-oriented trims (Scat Pack), offering a strong jump in horsepower and torque.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 – used on high-performance Hellcat variants, including Jailbreak/Redeye lines, delivering the top-end power Dodge offered in the gasoline Challenger lineup.
In short, the Challenger lineup spans both V6 and multiple V8 options, with the V6 serving as the everyday entry point and the V8s unlocking the model’s muscle-car capability on higher trims.
Performance variants and trim-specific notes
Here are the core trim categories and the engines they typically paired with in recent model years. Engine availability and horsepower can vary by year, fuel, and market, so always check the specific configuration for a given car.
- Challenger SXT/GT – usually 3.6L V6; GT may offer all-wheel drive in some years; paired with an 8-speed automatic in most configurations.
- Challenger R/T – 5.7L Hemi V8; notable step up in performance and sound.
- Challenger Scat Pack – 6.4L Hemi V8 (392 cubic inches); about 485 horsepower in standard form, focused on straight-line and track-oriented performance.
- Challenger SRT Hellcat / Jailbreak / Redeye – 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8; top-tier power, with variants offering varying peak horsepower (roughly in the 700–800+ hp range depending on version and fuel grade).
- Demon (limited/high-performance edition) – further tuned 6.2L supercharged V8; horsepower can reach extreme levels with race fuel, historically around 800+ hp for pump gas and higher with race fuel;
Overall takeaway: if you want everyday driving with decent efficiency, a V6 Challenger is available; if you crave raw acceleration and track-ready performance, the V8 variants are what you’ll be aiming for. Transmission options have historically leaned toward modern 8-speed automatics on most trims, with manual transmissions more common on certain older or legacy configurations and select performance packages.
Summary
The Dodge Challenger is not limited to a single engine type. It offers both V6 and multiple V8 options across its lineup, with the V6 serving as the base choice and V8s (ranging from the 5.7L to 6.2L supercharged variants) delivering the high-performance muscle-car experience. Always verify the exact engine and transmission for the specific year and trim you’re considering, as configurations shift over time and by market.
Summary: The Challenger accommodates a spectrum of powertrains, from efficient V6 daily drivers to ferociously powerful V8s, ensuring there’s a version for both everyday usability and unabashed performance.
