2018 Dodge Challenger

2018 Dodge Challenger Highlights

The 2018 Dodge Challenger continues to evolve, offering an impressive range of performance options for everyday drivers and hardcore enthusiasts. This model year brings several additions to the Challenger lineup, reaffirming its status as a modern muscle car icon.

The most significant introduction for 2018 is the SRT Demon, a limited-production variant designed for drag racers. This powerhouse boasts a supercharged V8 engine with an astounding 840 horsepower when running on 100-octane racing fuel. The Demon is purpose-built for quarter-mile dominance, featuring specialized equipment like a transbrake, drag radial tires, and an optional passenger seat delete for weight reduction.

Another notable addition is the Hellcat Widebody, which enhances the potent Hellcat with wider tires for improved traction and handling. This variant combines the raw power of the Hellcat V8 with enhanced cornering capabilities, offering a more well-rounded performance package. Dodge also introduces various updates to trims and color options. The return of the iconic Plum Crazy purple exterior color pays homage to the Challenger's muscle car heritage.

The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are competitors in the performance coupe segment, and higher-end Challenger versions compete with entry-level luxury sports cars to some extent.

Key Details

• Full-size coupe body style
• Engine options ranging from a 3.6-liter V6 to a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8
• Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) on the GT trim
• Manual and automatic transmission options
• Retro-inspired styling with modern technology

Benefits

• Wide range of performance options to suit various preferences and budgets
• Spacious interior compared to most competitors in its class
• Available all-wheel drive for improved all-weather capability (GT trim)
• Retro-inspired styling that stands out in the performance car segment
• User-friendly technology features with the Uconnect system
• Comfortable ride quality, especially in non-performance trims
• Extensive customization options through trims and packages

Related: The Best Year For The Dodge Challenger

2018 Dodge Challenger Overview

Performance

The 2018 Dodge Challenger offers a wide array of powertrain options:

3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine:

• 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on SXT and GT trims
• Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission

5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine:

• 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on R/T trim
• Available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission

6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine:

• 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on R/T 392 and SRT 392 trims
• Available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission

6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8 engine (Hellcat):

• 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on SRT Hellcat trim
• Available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission

6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8 engine (Demon):

• 808 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque (840 hp on 100-octane fuel)
• Exclusive to SRT Demon trim
• Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2018 Dodge Challenger a top five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features across all 2018 Dodge Challenger models include:

• Advanced multistage front airbags
• Supplemental front and rear side-curtain airbags
• Front seat-mounted side airbags
• Driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag
• Electronic stability control
• All-speed traction control
• Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes

Safety technology available on select trims includes:

• Forward collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rearview monitor
• Rear parking sensors

Driving

The 2018 Dodge Challenger driving experience varies significantly depending on the trim and powertrain. Across the range, however, the Challenger provides a comfortable ride and composed handling, especially considering its size.

The base V6 engine delivers smooth acceleration and ample power for everyday driving. It's well-matched to the eight-speed automatic transmission. Moving up to the V8 engines, the Challenger's muscle car heritage truly shines. The 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI engines offer robust acceleration and an exhilarating exhaust note. The six-speed manual transmission available with these engines provides an engaging driving experience for enthusiasts who prefer to row their gears.

The Hellcat and Demon variants take performance to extreme levels. The Hellcat's 707 horsepower demands respect and management skills, especially in corners. With its drag racing focus, the Demon offers blistering straight-line acceleration but is less suited for daily driving or twisty roads.

The Challenger's steering is precise, though some drivers may find it a bit heavy at low speeds. The car's large dimensions can make it feel less agile than some competitors in tight turns, but it offers excellent stability on highways and sweeping curves.

Visibility can be challenging due to the Challenger's high beltline and thick pillars, but available safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring help minimize these issues.

Interior

The 2018 Dodge Challenger has a spacious cabin that blends retro-inspired design with modern amenities and a driver-centric dashboard. One strong point of the Challenger is abundant legroom and headroom in both rows, something the Mustang and Camaro can’t claim. However, due to the two-door configuration, all three vehicles share the challenge of accessing the back seat.

Lower trims offer decent material quality, while higher editions offer premium touches like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Another Challenger advantage over the competition is cargo space. With 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space, it offers practical utility uncommon in performance coupes.

2018 Dodge Challenger interior features available on select trims include:

• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory function
• Leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Premium audio systems (Harman Kardon available)

Technology

Infotainment for the 2018 Dodge Challenger is offered through the Uconnect system with its user-friendly interface and responsive touchscreen. Key technology features available on select trims include:

• Uconnect 4C system with 8.4-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Navigation system
• 7-inch customizable driver information digital cluster display
• Alpine or Harman Kardon premium audio systems
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• Performance Pages (for tracking performance metrics)
• Remote start system

Fuel Economy

The 2018 Dodge Challenger's fuel economy varies significantly depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

3.6-liter six-cylinder:

• RWD (mpg): 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined

5.7-liter eight-cylinder:

• Manual/RWD (mpg): 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined
• Automatic/RWD (mpg): 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined

6.4-liter eight-cylinder:

• RWD (mpg): 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined

6.4-liter supercharged eight-cylinder (Hellcat):

• RWD (mpg): 13 city / 22 highway / 16 combined

2018 Dodge Challenger Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book gave the 2018 Dodge Challenger an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. This Dodge scores particularly high for its reliability, quality, styling, and comfort.

Reasons to Buy It

• Numerous powerful engine options
• Passenger-friendly second row
• Optional all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Daily driver capable (most trims)
• Numerous trim and package options

Problems

• Fuel economy, especially in V8 models
• Limited visibility due to high beltline and thick pillars
• Less agile handling compared to some competitors
• Advanced safety features not standard on all trims
• It can be expensive in higher-performance trims

Review: Which Years Of Used Dodge Challengers Are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

The 2018 Dodge Challenger offers a compelling package for muscle car enthusiasts and those seeking a powerful, comfortable coupe. Its range of engines, from the efficient V6 to the extreme Demon, provides options for different performance preferences and budgets.

The Challenger's strengths lie in its straight-line performance, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. It stands out from competitors with its retro-inspired styling and all-wheel drive availability on the GT trim.

However, the Challenger has several compromises. Its size and weight impact agility, making it less nimble than some rivals in tight corners. Fuel economy, particularly in V8 models, can concern budget-conscious buyers.

While spacious and comfortable, the interior may not feel as modern or premium as some competitors, especially in lower trims. Additionally, some advanced safety features are only available on higher trims or as options.

2018 Dodge Challenger FAQs

Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger a reliable car?

The 2018 Dodge Challenger gets good grades for dependability, with NHTSA and carcomplaints.com showing few problem areas or patterns. The only main issue to look out for is troubles with the electrical system. Like with any used car under consideration, a 2018 Challenger should undergo a thorough pre-purchase inspection to check for trouble spots.

How many miles will a 2018 Dodge Challenger last?

A 2018 Dodge Challenger can last 200,000 miles or more with proper upkeep. Vehicle longevity

can vary significantly depending on:

• The specific engine and drivetrain configuration
• How the vehicle is driven (daily commuting vs. frequent high-performance use)
• Adherence to recommended maintenance schedules
• Climate and road conditions

V6 models have the potential for higher mileage. At the same time, high-performance variants like the Hellcat or Demon may require more frequent maintenance. They may not typically see high mileage due to their specialized nature and potential to be driven more aggressively.

Is 2018 a good year for the Dodge Challenger?

Yes, 2018 is generally considered a good year for the Dodge Challenger. It introduced significant new variants, like the SRT Demon and Hellcat Widebody, expanding the model's performance range. The 2018 model year benefits from several years of refinements to the third-generation Challenger, which debuted in 2008.

What are the trims for the 2018 Dodge Challenger?

The 2018 Dodge Challenger comes in several grades:

• 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT
• 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus
• 2018 Dodge Challenger GT
• 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T
• 2018 Dodge Challenger T/A
• 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker
• 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus
• 2018 Dodge Challenger T/A Plus
• 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus Shaker
• 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
• 2018 Dodge Challenger T/A 392
• 2018 Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker
• 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT 392
• 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
• 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody
• 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Check Out: Are Dodge Challengers Reliable? A Complete Breakdown