Why is the Dodge Challenger being discontinued?

Driving forces behind the decision

• Electrification push: Dodge is aligning with Stellantis’ broader plan to move toward electric performance vehicles under its Dare Forward 2030 strategy.


• Market demand shifts: Two-door coupes have fallen out of favor as crossovers and SUVs dominate sales, squeezing demand for the Challenger’s traditional footprint.


• Cost of modernization: Updating the aging rear-wheel-drive platform and powertrain to meet future emissions and safety standards would be increasingly costly.


• Portfolio realignment: Resources are being redirected toward new EV platforms and models rather than developing a direct ICE successor to the Challenger.


• Last Call era: In the run-up to the discontinuation, Dodge launched limited “Last Call” editions to celebrate the end of an era for gas-powered performance.

Timeline of announcements and plans

1. 2022: Dodge announces the Last Call limited-edition roadmap, signaling the final chapter for the gas-powered Challenger and Charger and generating excitement among enthusiasts.


2. 2023 model year: Production of the Challenger and Charger winds down; 2023 is widely cited as the final year for the current ICE-era lineup, including the Challenger’s iconic V8 variants.


3. 2024–2025: Stellantis outlines its Dare Forward 2030 plan, emphasizing electrification and the pivot to electric performance models, with no direct ICE Challenger successor planned in the near term.

What this means for enthusiasts and the market

Impact on collectors and resale value

Dealers and everyday buyers

What comes next for Dodge

Electric performance trajectory

What fans should watch for

Summary

Will Dodge ever bring back the Challenger?

While nothing is officially confirmed, it's highly possible Dodge will bring back the Challenger, but likely in a smaller, next-generation form based on the STLA Large platform. This new version would be positioned differently from the new Charger, potentially as a two-door, more direct competitor to the Ford Mustang. The new Challenger is also expected to be a different size and shape than the previous generation, which was discontinued in 2023. 
You can watch this video to see a digital rendering of a future Dodge Challenger: 54sNext-Gen CarYouTube · Aug 2, 2025
Potential future for the Challenger

• New platform: The next-generation Challenger could be built on the STLA Large platform, which is also used for the new Charger, but it would be a different-sized model. 
• Different size: The new version is expected to be shorter than the previous generation to avoid the "boat-like" proportions and to better compete with the Mustang. 
• Shared components: The new Challenger would likely share parts with other Stellantis vehicles, such as the upcoming Charger and a potential Alfa Romeo collaboration, to help keep costs down. 
• Potential for V8: There is a strong possibility that the return of the Challenger could include a V8 engine option, as there is significant demand and internal discussion about bringing the Hemi V8 back. 
• Increased competition: The return of the Challenger would give Dodge a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang, which is important for the brand's future in the muscle car segment. 

Why is Dodge discontinuing the Challenger?

Dodge is discontinuing the gasoline-powered Challenger and Charger to shift its focus to electric vehicles (EVs). This move is driven by the company's strategy to embrace electrification, meet stricter emissions regulations, and develop new high-performance, modern platforms. While the traditional muscle car is ending, Dodge plans to reintroduce these models in the future as electric vehicles.
 

• Electrification strategy: Dodge is preparing for an all-electric future, with new EVs planned to replace the current V8-powered muscle cars. 
• Stricter regulations: Tighter emissions standards and CAFE requirements make it increasingly difficult and costly to produce and sell vehicles with traditional, high-displacement engines. 
• Modernizing the platform: The current platforms are becoming outdated, and Dodge is transitioning to newer, more advanced architecture that can support modern EV technology for potentially greater performance. 
• Market trends: The automotive industry is moving towards EVs, and Dodge is following this trend to stay competitive and align with evolving consumer interests and environmental concerns. 
• Future of the models: The Challenger and Charger names are expected to live on, but in new, electrified forms, with the first EV versions expected to arrive soon. 

Why are Hellcats getting 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

What car is replacing the Challenger?

The Dodge Challenger's replacement is the next-generation Dodge Charger, which will be available in both all-electric and gasoline-powered versions and will offer 3-door and 5-door body styles to replace both the previous Charger and Challenger. The gasoline models are expected to feature an inline-six engine, while the fully electric models will have varying levels of horsepower.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the new Dodge Charger Daytona: 50sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Apr 28, 2025

• Models: The new vehicle will be called the Dodge Charger and will replace both the Challenger and the previous Charger. 
• Body styles: It will be available in both two-door and four-door versions, with the two-door model specifically replacing the Challenger. 
• Powertrain: Buyers will have options for either an all-electric or a gasoline-powered powertrain. 
• Gasoline engine: The gasoline versions will feature a new twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, with horsepower expected to be around 420 hp or 550 hp depending on the trim. 
• Electric powertrain: The electric models will have varying levels of horsepower, with performance levels reaching up to 800 hp or more in the high-performance SRT variants. 
• Production timeline: Production of the new Charger began in 2024, with the gasoline and electric models entering production in late 2024 and 2025, respectively.