Is Dodge discontinuing the Charger and Challenger?

Dodge, the iconic American automaker, has announced that it will be discontinuing its popular Charger and Challenger models by the end of 2023. This decision marks the end of an era for these two muscle car legends, which have been staples of the Dodge lineup for decades.

The Reasons Behind the Discontinuation

According to Dodge, the decision to discontinue the Charger and Challenger models is driven by a combination of factors, including changing consumer preferences, stricter emissions regulations, and the company's shift towards electrification.

• Changing Consumer Preferences: The demand for traditional muscle cars has been declining in recent years, as consumers increasingly favor more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. Dodge's decision to discontinue the Charger and Challenger reflects this shift in consumer preferences.


• Emissions Regulations: Stricter emissions regulations, particularly in Europe and California, have made it increasingly challenging for automakers to produce high-performance, gas-guzzling vehicles like the Charger and Challenger. Dodge's decision to discontinue these models is likely a response to these regulatory pressures.


• Electrification Shift: Dodge, like many other automakers, is shifting its focus towards electric and hybrid vehicles. The company has announced plans to introduce its first all-electric muscle car by 2024, which will likely replace the Charger and Challenger in the company's lineup.

While the discontinuation of the Charger and Challenger models may be disappointing for fans of these iconic muscle cars, it is a necessary step for Dodge to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

The Future of Dodge's Lineup

Despite the discontinuation of the Charger and Challenger, Dodge has assured its customers that it will continue to offer high-performance vehicles in its lineup. The company has hinted at the development of a new all-electric muscle car, which is expected to debut in 2024.

In the meantime, Dodge has also announced that it will be offering a limited-edition "Last Call" version of the Charger and Challenger models, which will feature unique styling and performance upgrades. These special editions will be available for purchase in 2023, providing a final opportunity for fans to own these iconic muscle cars.

As Dodge transitions towards a more sustainable and electrified future, the discontinuation of the Charger and Challenger models marks the end of an era for the brand. However, the company's commitment to high-performance vehicles and its plans for an all-electric muscle car suggest that the spirit of these iconic models will live on in the years to come.

Why is Dodge discontinuing the Charger and Challenger?

Dodge is discontinuing the gas-powered Charger and Challenger because of a strategic shift to electric vehicles (EVs), aging platforms, and tightening emissions regulations. The company is investing heavily in an electrified future, with plans to replace the V8 muscle cars with new EV models that retain the brand's performance ethos.
 
Reasons for the discontinuation

• Transition to electric vehicles: Dodge is moving towards an all-electric future, with a new generation of performance EVs planned to replace the Charger and Challenger. 
• Aging platforms: The platforms these models were built on were over 15 years old and required significant updates to meet current safety and emissions standards. 
• Emissions regulations: Stricter emissions rules made it difficult and expensive to continue producing the high-performance V8 engines. 
• Shifting consumer demand: Broader market demand has shifted toward SUVs and EVs, making the production of large, less fuel-efficient sedans and coupes less practical for the company. 
• Reallocation of resources: The company is reallocating resources to develop and build more efficient, electric vehicles. 

The future of Dodge muscle cars

• Dodge is working to translate the "muscle car ethos" into the electric age, promising to maintain high performance in its new electric models.
• The new generation of Charger and Challenger will be electric, and Dodge has already previewed some of its future EV concepts, such as the 2025 Dodge Charger. 

Are the chargers discontinued?

Yes, the traditional gasoline-powered Dodge Charger has been discontinued, with production ending in December 2023. Dodge is shifting its focus to electric vehicles, though a new generation of the Charger is expected to be released in 2025, including both electric and gas-powered options.
 

• Discontinued model: The production of the gasoline-powered Dodge Charger ended in December 2023. 
• Reason for discontinuation: The shift is part of a larger industry trend toward electrification and changes in consumer demand, with Dodge reallocating resources to develop new, high-performance EVs. 
• Future models: A new generation of the Charger will be available starting in 2025. This new model will include both battery-electric versions (like the Dodge Charger Daytona) and a gas-powered option (the Charger SIXPACK). 
• What this means for buyers: While new gasoline models are no longer being produced, you may still be able to find new or certified pre-owned versions through dealer inventory. 

What car is replacing the Challenger and Charger?

Line I would say in the new Charger. Right there in terms of length. The new Charger is 206.6. In long definitely significantly longer than this Challenger.

Why are Hellcats being banned?

Hellcats are not banned everywhere, but some models, specifically the high-performance versions of the Dodge Durango, are restricted or banned from sale in certain U.S. states due to strict emissions regulations set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These states require vehicles to meet more stringent emissions standards, which the supercharged HEMI V8 engines in trims like the Durango SRT Hellcat and R/T 392 do not currently meet. As a result, Dodge has limited sales of these specific trims to states that do not follow CARB standards.
 
This video explains why the Dodge Durango Hellcat is banned in certain US states: 53sKnockout 360YouTube · Sep 17, 2025

• Reason for restrictions: The primary reason is emissions, as the powerful V8 engines do not meet the stricter standards set by CARB. 
• CARB states: Seventeen states, plus Washington D.C., follow CARB's stricter rules, including California, New York, and Massachusetts. 
• Affected models: The ban applies to specific models with the higher-output V8 engines, such as the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and R/T 392. The base 5.7-liter HEMI GT version of the Durango is still available nationwide. 
• Dodge's response: Dodge has not yet gone through the lengthy and costly process of certifying these specific engines for CARB states, leading to the sales restriction. The company has stated it will continue working with CARB to try and expand availability to more states in the future. 

You can watch this video to learn about the Dodge Durango Hellcat being banned in these states: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Sep 16, 2025