Is Dodge Challenger front-wheel drive?
The Dodge Challenger is not front-wheel drive. It is rear-wheel drive.
Historically and in its modern revival, the Challenger has been built as a rear-wheel-drive muscle car. There is no factory front-wheel-drive configuration offered for the Challenger, and all current trims send power to the rear wheels. For contrast, the Charger—a sibling model—offers all-wheel drive on some configurations, but the Challenger line remains RWD to preserve its performance and handling characteristics.
Drive layout and platform
Key drivetrain facts for the Challenger are summarized below.
Before listing the core characteristics, it helps to understand where the Challenger sits in Dodge’s lineup and how its engineering choices support its performance goals.
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) across all current Challenger trims; no factory front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) option is offered.
- Platform: Built on the Chrysler LX platform, a architecture shared with the Dodge Charger, optimized for high-performance rear-drive setups.
- Transmission options: A six-speed manual is available on some V6 and V8 variants, while the eight-speed automatic is available across most models, including high-performance versions.
- AWD status: No all-wheel-drive option for the Challenger; AWD remains a feature of the Charger lineup and other Dodge models, not the Challenger.
- Performance implications: The RWD layout supports the straight-line power delivery and dynamic handling that define modern muscle cars, particularly for high-performance versions like the Scat Pack and Hellcat.
In summary, these points confirm that the Challenger remains a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with no official FWD (or AWD) configuration offered from the factory.
Context within the market
Compared with its main rivals, the Challenger emphasizes traditional rear-drive muscle-car dynamics. The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro also focus on rear-wheel-drive setups in most configurations, reinforcing a common performance philosophy in the segment. The Challenger’s lineage, platform choices, and transmission options all align with an emphasis on driver engagement and power to the rear wheels.
What to watch for in the future
As of 2025, Dodge has not announced a Challenger variant that adopts front-wheel drive. The Challenger remains a rear-wheel-drive model, with ongoing emphasis on V8-powered performance and manual or automatic transmission choices. For customers seeking all-wheel-drive muscle-car practicality, the Charger remains Dodge’s AWD option within this family, while the Challenger continues to prioritize rear-drive dynamics.
Summary
The Dodge Challenger is not front-wheel drive. It is built as a rear-wheel-drive car on the LX platform, with manual and automatic transmission options and no factory AWD configuration for the Challenger lineup. This setup aligns with the model’s performance-focused heritage and its role within Dodge’s muscle-car lineup.
Is a Dodge Charger front wheel drive?
No, a Dodge Charger is not front-wheel drive; it is primarily rear-wheel drive (RWD), with some models also offering an all-wheel drive (AWD) option. The RWD is a classic muscle car setup that provides a more performance-oriented driving experience.
This video explains the difference between RWD and AWD Dodge Chargers: 56sDriven By KendoYouTube · Jul 8, 2025
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): This is the standard drivetrain for most Dodge Chargers, aligning with its muscle car heritage and prioritizing performance.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available on certain trims, AWD is offered as an option to provide better traction on slippery surfaces like rain or snow.
- 2026 Model: The new 2026 Charger models will feature an all-wheel drive system that can switch to rear-wheel drive as needed, offering both performance and all-weather capability.
You can watch this video to see a 0-60 test comparing AWD and RWD Dodge Chargers: 36sDavidProductions345YouTube · Nov 9, 2023
Is a Dodge Challenger front or rear-wheel drive?
The Dodge Challenger can be either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on the trim level. While most trims are RWD, the SXT and GT models offer an available AWD option, which is unique for a two-door muscle car.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Standard: Rear-wheel drive is the traditional and standard setup for most Challenger trims.
- Performance: This configuration is known for a sporty and traditional muscle car driving feel.
All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Available on: Available on the SXT and GT trims, making the Challenger the only two-door muscle car with this option.
- How it works: The AWD system typically defaults to RWD for better fuel economy and automatically engages the front axle when it detects a need for additional traction, such as during rain or snow.
- Benefit: It provides enhanced traction and all-year-round drivability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
What year did the Challenger become AWD?
2017
For the 2017 model year, a GT model was introduced with an all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the SXT Plus, making the Challenger the only two-door muscle car with available AWD. The Challenger GT uses the same AWD system and suspension as the Dodge Charger Pursuit.
Is the Dodge Challenger RWD or AWD?
While the Challenger has traditionally been known for its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, the introduction of AWD to the lineup has expanded its appeal and performance capabilities. The AWD system in the Dodge Challenger is a game-changer, especially for those who seek the perfect blend of power, traction, and handling.
