Is Dodge Challenger rear-wheel drive?
The Dodge Challenger is predominantly a rear-wheel-drive car, but there is an all-wheel-drive option available on one trim. For most buyers, the Challenger will feel like a traditional RWD muscle car; however, if you need extra traction in poor weather, the Challenger GT provides AWD.
Drivetrain at a glance
The following points summarize how the Challenger’s drivetrain is laid out across the current lineup as of the latest model year.
- Most Challenger trims are rear-wheel drive (RWD), including the higher-powered variants.
- The Challenger GT is the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option in the lineup, pairing AWD with the V6 engine on that trim.
- High-performance trims focused on track-level capability (such as the Hellcat/Redeye) are typically RWD and do not offer AWD.
In practice, if you want AWD, the Challenger GT is the model to consider; otherwise, you’ll be shopping for a rear-drive variant.
Which Challenger trims offer AWD?
To help buyers understand availability, here is a concise view of AWD versus RWD by trim.
- Challenger GT — all-wheel drive (AWD) with the V6 engine; designed for better traction in rain or snow.
- Other trims (SXT, R/T, Scat Pack, Hellcat, etc.) — rear-wheel drive (RWD) only in most configurations.
- AWD availability is limited to the GT; performance-focused, abundant power trims remain RWD.
For most customers, the key takeaway is that AWD is not common across the lineup; if AWD is essential, the GT is the option to choose, while other trims emphasize rear-wheel-drive dynamics.
Summary
The Dodge Challenger is primarily a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, aligning with its muscle-car heritage. The notable exception is the Challenger GT, which adds all-wheel drive for improved traction in adverse conditions. Always verify the drivetrain configuration for the exact model year and trim you’re considering, as features can evolve with updates or regional offerings.
