What kind of engine is in a Challenger?

In short, a Dodge Challenger can be powered by several engines—from a 3.6-liter V6 to multiple versions of the 6.2-liter Hemi V8, including supercharged variants for high-performance models; the exact engine depends on the trim and model year, and production ceased after the 2023 model year.

This article outlines the primary engine options that have powered Challengers in recent years, highlights notable variants, and explains how engine choice aligned with trim and performance goals.

Core engine options

Below are the main engine families that have powered Challengers across different trims. Each entry notes the typical displacement, general output range, and the trims where the engine was commonly used.

• 3.6-liter Pentastar V6: approximately 303–305 horsepower and around 268 lb-ft of torque; used on base models (SXT/GT) in multiple model years.


• 5.7-liter Hemi V8: roughly 375 horsepower and about 410 lb-ft of torque; found on mid-range trims (R/T) in various years.


• 6.4-liter Hemi V8: about 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque; anchored the high-performance Scat Pack models.


• 6.2-liter Supercharged Hemi V8 (Hellcat family): typically around 700–707 horsepower in the original Hellcat, with later variants (Redeye) delivering about 797 horsepower; used on the Hellcat models and related versions


• 6.2-liter Supercharged Hemi V8 (Demon): 808 horsepower on 93-octane fuel, up to 840 horsepower on race gas; produced briefly in 2018 as the Demon model

Note: Transmission choices and exact output varied by year and configuration, and not every engine was available on every model year or trim. The most extreme, Demon-era power figures were limited to a short production window in 2018.

Notable engines by trim and era

To illustrate how engine choices mapped to specific Challengers, here is a quick guide to what you’d find on notable trims during the modern era.

• Base SXT/GT: 3.6-liter V6 with mid-range performance and efficiency.


• R/T: 5.7-liter V8 offering a step up in power and tone.


• Scat Pack (and similar): 6.4-liter V8 delivering strong straight-line performance without forced induction.


• Hellcat: 6.2-liter supercharged V8 delivering the early, iconic Hellcat power (and higher output in later Redeye variants).


• Demon: 6.2-liter supercharged V8 tuned for extreme power—808 hp on 93 octane, up to 840 hp with race fuel—limited production in 2018.

Across this spectrum, most Challengers used an 8-speed automatic transmission, with earlier or special-edition models sometimes offering alternate configurations. The exact pairing depended on the year, trim, and market.

What this means for buyers and enthusiasts

Engine choice in a Challenger is tightly tied to performance goals and budget. The V6 models prioritize daily usability and efficiency, while the V8 variants emphasize raw acceleration and roar. The most aggressive, supercharged variants—Hellcat, Redeye, and Demon—are designed for track-ready performance and come with higher maintenance considerations and price tags.

Historical context and production status

The Challenger’s engine lineup evolved with the model’s generational updates, culminating in a broad range of V6, V8, and supercharged V8 offerings through the 2010s and early 2020s. Dodge ended new Challenger production after the 2023 model year, making these engines primarily accessible in used Challengers and in the memories of enthusiasts. Still, the brand’s legacy lives on in the distinctive V8 soundtrack and the wide range of performance variants that defined the nameplate.

Summary

The Dodge Challenger has offered a tiered engine strategy: a efficient 3.6-liter V6 for the base models, a robust 5.7-liter Hemi for more power, a 6.4-liter Hemi for high-performance Scat Pack variants, and a family of 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8s for Hellcat, Redeye, and Demon models. Engine choice dictated not only performance but also price and maintenance considerations, and the Challenger line concluded with the 2023 model year, leaving a lasting legacy of V8-powered performance in American muscle car history.

If you’re researching a specific Challenger, it’s best to verify the exact engine and trim for that model year, as configurations can vary by production run and regional market.

Is a SRT 392 faster than a Hellcat?

The Hellcat accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and on through the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 117.3 mph. The last Durango 392 we tested needed (a still-quick) 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph and 13.2 seconds to run the quarter mile at 103.5 mph.

Which challengers have a V8?

Many Dodge Challenger trims have featured V8 engines, including the R/T, Scat Pack, Hellcat, and Demon models. The specific V8 engines range from the 5.7L HEMI in the R/T to the 6.2L Supercharged HEMI in the Hellcat and the high-output versions in the Redeye, Jailbreak, and Demon 170, which can produce over 800 horsepower.
 
V8 engine options by trim:

• R/T: Comes standard with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. 
• Scat Pack: Features the 392 HEMI V8 engine. 
• SRT Hellcat: Equipped with a 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 engine. 
• SRT Hellcat Redeye: Uses a high-output version of the 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8. 
• SRT Jailbreak and Super Stock: Use a high-output version of the 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8, producing 807 horsepower. 
• Demon 170: Features a 6.2L Supercharged V8 that can produce up to 1025 horsepower. 

Engine notes:

• Production: Production of V8-powered Dodge Challenger models ended on December 31, 2023. 
• Technology: Some V8 engines, like the 5.7L HEMI, include technology to switch between 8 and 4 cylinders for fuel efficiency. 
• Performance: The performance and horsepower of the V8 engines vary significantly across different models and trims. 

Which is faster, RT or SRT?

SRT is faster than RT because SRT models have more powerful engines, more horsepower, and better performance features. For example, a Challenger SRT has a more powerful engine with 475 horsepower compared to the 375 horsepower of the Challenger RT. This translates to quicker acceleration, with an SRT model achieving 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, while the RT model takes 4.3 seconds.
 
SRT

• Higher horsepower: SRT models typically have larger and more powerful engines, such as a 6.4L V8, producing around 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. 
• Quicker acceleration: The combination of more power results in faster acceleration, with some models reaching 0-60 mph in around 3.7 seconds. 
• Advanced performance features: SRT models come with performance-oriented features, including a sport-tuned suspension and other technology, according to Bomnin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Doral and Reddit users. 

RT

• Lower horsepower: RT models have a smaller engine, such as the 5.7L V8, that produces around 370-375 horsepower. 
• Slower acceleration: The RT's acceleration is still quick, but it is slower than the SRT. For example, the 0-60 mph time is around 4.3-5 seconds. 
• More affordable: RT models are often more budget-friendly and offer a balance between performance and practicality. 

Ultimately, the SRT is the faster and more performance-oriented option, while the RT is a more affordable and practical choice for drivers who want good performance without the highest price tag and fuel costs, notes Napleton's Northlake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

What engines do challengers have?

The Dodge Challenger has offered a range of engine options, from a standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 to powerful supercharged HEMI V8 engines. Available engines include the 5.7L HEMI V8, the 6.4L (392) HEMI V8, the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, and the high-output supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, with the highest output reaching up to 807 horsepower in some models. 
Engine options
This video provides an overview of Dodge Challenger trims and engine options: 50sMarspeedYouTube · May 22, 2023

• 3.6L Pentastar V6: This is the standard engine on models like the SXT and GT, providing 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. 
• 5.7L HEMI V8: A more powerful V8 option, standard on the R/T model, with up to 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. 
• 6.4L (392) HEMI V8: Found in the R/T Scat Pack, this engine delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. 
• Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8: The SRT Hellcat models feature this engine, which produces 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque. 
• Supercharged 6.2L High-Output HEMI V8: The most powerful option, available on models like the SRT Super Stock and SRT Hellcat Redeye, with up to 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. 

Engine availability

• Engine availability varies by model trim. 
• The Pentastar V6 is standard on lower trims like the SXT and GT. 
• The 5.7L HEMI V8 is standard on the R/T. 
• The 6.4L (392) HEMI V8 is standard on the R/T Scat Pack. 
• The supercharged HEMI V8 engines are reserved for SRT models.