What is the cheapest version of Challenger?
The cheapest version of the Dodge Challenger is the base SXT trim, which uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine and is the entry point into the lineup.
In practice, that means if you’re shopping a Challenger new from the factory, the SXT is the model to look for. However, Dodge has signaled the current Challenger generation will end after the 2023 model year, so today buyers are mostly choosing from remaining dealer stock or used models. The GT adds all-wheel drive but costs more, while higher-performance variants—R/T, Scat Pack, and Hellcat—offer more power at substantially higher prices.
Trims and what you get for the price
Here’s how the cheapest Challenger options typically line up in recent years.
- Challenger SXT — entry-level model with the 3.6-liter V6 and 8-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive; basic interior and tech; starting price roughly in the low-$30k range before destination.
- Challenger GT — same engine and more with all-wheel drive; generally a few thousand dollars more than the SXT.
- Note — any higher trims (R/T, Scat Pack, Hellcat) leap in price and power; they are not the cheapest options.
In short, the SXT represents the cheapest path into a new Challenger, with the GT offering AWD as a trade-off for a higher starting price. Today, though, new Challenger purchases are largely constrained to remaining stock or used models from previous years.
Smart ways to secure the lowest price
To minimize cost, consider these strategies:
- Buy used or certified pre-owned Challenger with low mileage to reduce depreciation impact.
- Look for dealer promotions, year-end or model-year clearance events, and regional incentives.
- Consider a leftover 2023 model if you want a new-ish Challenger at a discount, given the generation’s end-of-life status.
- Avoid optional packages; stick to the base SXT or GT to keep price down.
- Negotiate the price and consider financing offers; compare quotes from multiple dealers.
By focusing on the base trim or late-year stock and taking advantage of promotions, you can minimize the total outlay for a Challenger while still getting the car you want.
Summary
The cheapest Challenger is the base SXT trim with a 3.6-liter V6, serving as the entry point into the lineup. However, production for the current generation ended after the 2023 model year, so buyers today are typically seeking used examples or leftover stock. The GT adds AWD and a modest price premium, while higher-performance variants command substantially higher prices. For budget-conscious buyers, shop smart: consider low-mileage used models or 2023 leftovers, and look for dealer incentives and straightforward base-trim configurations to keep costs down.
