The 2023 Dodge Challenger lineup: trims, engines, and what sets them apart

The 2023 Dodge Challenger came in five main trim levels — SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and SRT Hellcat — each with different engine options, features, and price points. The entry-level SXT used a V6 engine, while the GT and R/T models stepped up to V8 power. The high-performance Scat Pack and Hellcat trims offered the most powerful engines and the most aggressive styling. Understanding which trim matched your needs meant knowing what engine came with each one, what features were standard, and which options you could add.

Dodge discontinued the Challenger after the 2023 model year, making 2023 the final year of this generation. If you were shopping for a used 2023 Challenger or wanted to understand what configurations existed, the trim and engine breakdown mattered most because it determined performance, fuel economy, interior features, and resale value.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Challenger offered five trims: SXT (V6), GT (V8), R/T (V8), R/T Scat Pack (V8), and SRT Hellcat (supercharged V8), each with different power outputs and standard features.
  • Engine choices ranged from a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT producing 305 horsepower to a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the Hellcat producing 807 horsepower.
  • All 2023 Challengers came with an eight-speed automatic transmission; manual transmission was not offered that year.
  • Higher trims included more aggressive exterior styling, upgraded interiors, and performance-focused features like launch control and line lock on the Scat Pack and Hellcat.
  • Popular options across trims included the Harman Kardon premium audio system, leather seating, and the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen.

SXT and GT: The entry-level and mid-range V8 options

The SXT was the base trim and the only 2023 Challenger to use a V6 engine — a 3.6-liter unit producing 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect. The SXT was the most affordable way into a Challenger but offered the least power and the fewest performance features.

The GT stepped up to a 5.7-liter V8 producing 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, also paired with the eight-speed automatic. The GT added more aggressive exterior styling than the SXT, including a hood with a power dome, a more prominent grille, and sport-tuned suspension. Inside, the GT included an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, cloth sport seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The GT represented the sweet spot for buyers who wanted V8 power without the price tag of the R/T.

R/T: The performance standard with 370 horsepower

The R/T used the same 5.7-liter V8 as the GT, producing 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. The differences between the GT and R/T were mainly in styling and interior appointments rather than engine output. The R/T featured more aggressive exterior trim, a sport-tuned suspension, and a more driver-focused interior with upgraded materials.

The R/T came standard with the 8.4-inch Uconnect system, leather seating surfaces, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also included performance features like electronic line lock (which allowed the rear tires to spin while the front brakes held, useful for burnouts) and launch control. The R/T was the entry point into Dodge's true performance lineup and offered a significant step up in handling and braking compared to the GT.

R/T Scat Pack: 485 horsepower and track-ready features

The R/T Scat Pack used a 6.2-liter V8 producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque — a substantial jump from the standard R/T. This engine came paired with the eight-speed automatic and delivered noticeably quicker acceleration. The Scat Pack also included a performance-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and a limited-slip differential to improve traction during hard acceleration.

Exterior styling on the Scat Pack was more aggressive, with a wider hood, a more prominent grille, and unique badging. The interior featured sport seats with aggressive bolstering, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. The Scat Pack also came with performance features like launch control and line lock, making it suitable for both street driving and occasional track use. This trim represented the last step before entering supercharged territory with the Hellcat.

SRT Hellcat: The supercharged extreme with 807 horsepower

The SRT Hellcat was the flagship 2023 Challenger, powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. This engine was significantly more powerful than anything else in the lineup and made the Hellcat one of the most powerful production muscle cars available. The Hellcat came exclusively with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Hellcat's exterior was unmistakable, with a large hood scoop to feed air to the supercharger, a more aggressive grille, wider fenders, and unique badging. The interior featured premium leather seating, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and the 8.4-inch Uconnect system. Performance features included launch control, line lock, and a performance suspension tuned for the extreme power output. The Hellcat also came with upgraded brakes and a limited-slip differential. This trim was built for drivers who wanted maximum straight-line performance and were willing to accept lower fuel economy in exchange.

Transmission, suspension, and braking across the lineup

All 2023 Challengers came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Dodge did not offer a manual transmission in 2023, marking a shift from earlier model years when a six-speed manual was available on some trims. The automatic provided smooth shifting and helped optimize fuel economy across the lineup.

Suspension tuning varied by trim. The SXT and GT used a standard suspension designed for comfort and everyday driving. The R/T, Scat Pack, and Hellcat received sport-tuned suspensions with stiffer springs and dampers, lower ride heights, and improved handling characteristics. Braking also scaled with power — the Hellcat came with the largest brakes in the lineup to handle the extreme power output, while lower trims used smaller brake packages adequate for their respective engines.

Common options and packages across all trims

Several options and packages were available across multiple trims. The Harman Kardon premium audio system was a popular upgrade that replaced the standard audio setup with a higher-quality system. Leather seating surfaces could be added to most trims, and the Uconnect infotainment system with the 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard on most trims but could be upgraded with additional features like navigation.

Exterior options included different wheel designs and sizes, paint colors, and stripe packages. The Dodge Performance Pages package added performance-focused features and was available on higher trims. Sunroof options, heated seats, and premium lighting packages were also available depending on the trim level. Options and their availability varied by trim, so checking the window sticker on a specific vehicle was the best way to see what was included or available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the 2023 Challenger come with a manual transmission?

No. All 2023 Challengers came exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmissions were not offered in 2023, though they had been available on earlier model years. This was one of the final changes Dodge made before discontinuing the Challenger after the 2023 model year.

What was the difference between the GT and R/T if they had the same engine?

Both used the 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower, but the R/T had more aggressive styling, upgraded interior materials, sport-tuned suspension, and performance features like launch control and line lock. The R/T was positioned as a true performance car, while the GT was a mid-range option with V8 power but fewer track-focused features.

How much more powerful was the Hellcat compared to the Scat Pack?

The Hellcat produced 807 horsepower compared to the Scat Pack's 485 horsepower — a difference of 322 horsepower. The Hellcat's supercharger made the difference; both used 6.2-liter V8 engines, but the Hellcat's forced induction created dramatically more power and torque.

Could you get a manual transmission on any 2023 Challenger trim?

No. The eight-speed automatic was the only transmission offered across all 2023 Challenger trims. If you wanted a manual Challenger, you would need to look at 2022 or earlier model years, when manual options were still available on some trims.

What was the base price difference between the SXT and the Hellcat?

Prices varied by region and dealer, and the market changed throughout the 2023 model year. The Hellcat was significantly more expensive than the SXT due to the supercharged engine and performance features, but exact pricing would depend on when and where you were shopping. Checking dealer inventory or automotive pricing sites would give you current market prices for specific configurations.