The 2023 Dodge Challenger lineup: engines and trims

The 2023 Dodge Challenger came in three main trim levels — SXT, GT, and R/T — each paired with specific engine options. The SXT used a 3.6-liter V6 producing 305 horsepower. The GT and R/T both used a 5.7-liter V8 producing 370 horsepower, though the R/T added performance upgrades like a performance suspension and upgraded brakes. A high-performance 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 807 horsepower was available only on the R/T, marketed as the R/T Scat Pack.

Transmission options depended on the engine: the V6 came with an 8-speed automatic, while both V8 engines could be paired with either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard across all configurations, and all-wheel drive was not offered on the 2023 model year.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Challenger offered three trim levels (SXT, GT, R/T) with the SXT using a 3.6-liter V6 and the GT and R/T using a 5.7-liter V8 as standard.
  • The R/T Scat Pack variant featured a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 807 horsepower, available only on the R/T trim.
  • V6 engines came only with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while V8 engines offered a choice between 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual.
  • All 2023 Challengers were rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive was not available for this model year.
  • Interior and exterior packages varied by trim, with higher trims including upgraded materials, technology, and comfort features.

SXT trim: the base V6 configuration

The SXT was the entry-level trim and the only one powered by the 3.6-liter V6 engine. This configuration produced 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, paired exclusively with the 8-speed automatic transmission. The SXT came with standard features including a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and air conditioning.

The SXT interior used cloth upholstery and included a manual driver's seat adjustment. Exterior features were basic: 18-inch steel wheels, a single-tip exhaust, and no hood scoop. This trim was designed for buyers prioritizing affordability over performance, though it still delivered the Challenger's distinctive styling and presence.

GT trim: mid-level V8 performance

The GT trim stepped up to the 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between the 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The GT added performance-oriented features compared to the SXT, including a performance-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes with larger rotors, and a dual-tip exhaust.

Inside, the GT featured upgraded cloth or available leather upholstery, power seat adjustments, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Exterior upgrades included 20-inch alloy wheels, a functional hood scoop, and more aggressive styling cues. The GT represented a significant step up in driving dynamics and interior refinement without reaching the highest performance tier.

R/T trim and R/T Scat Pack: high-performance variants

The R/T trim came standard with the same 5.7-liter V8 as the GT (370 horsepower) and offered both automatic and manual transmissions. However, the R/T Scat Pack variant — a special performance package available only on the R/T — featured the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque, paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission only.

The R/T and R/T Scat Pack shared upgraded suspension tuning, performance brakes, and a more aggressive exterior appearance. The Scat Pack added distinctive badging, a unique grille, and a more prominent hood scoop. Both R/T variants came with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a larger touchscreen, and premium audio systems. The Scat Pack's 807 horsepower made it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production engines available at the time.

Transmission choices and driving dynamics

The 8-speed automatic transmission was available on all engine options and was the only choice for V6 buyers. It offered smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy compared to the manual. The 6-speed manual transmission was available exclusively on V8 models (both the standard 5.7-liter and the supercharged 6.2-liter) and appealed to drivers who wanted direct control over gear selection.

Rear-wheel drive was the only drivetrain configuration for 2023. This setup gave the Challenger its classic muscle car feel but meant that winter driving or slippery conditions required more careful throttle management, especially on the higher-horsepower variants. All models came with electronic stability control and traction control as standard safety features.

Interior and technology features by configuration

Base SXT models included a 7-inch touchscreen with standard connectivity features. GT and R/T trims upgraded to an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The R/T Scat Pack added a premium Harman Kardon audio system and additional customization options for interior trim materials.

Climate control, power windows, and power locks were standard across all trims. Higher trims added heated seats, ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The R/T and R/T Scat Pack offered leather-wrapped steering wheels and upgraded interior lighting. Infotainment systems across all trims supported smartphone integration, though the exact features depended on the touchscreen size and the phone's operating system.

Exterior styling and wheel options

The SXT came with 18-inch steel wheels and basic exterior trim. The GT upgraded to 20-inch alloy wheels and added a functional hood scoop and dual-tip exhaust. The R/T and R/T Scat Pack offered 20-inch performance wheels as standard, with larger brake rotors visible behind them. The Scat Pack added unique badging, a more aggressive front grille, and a more prominent hood design.

All 2023 Challengers maintained the classic Challenger proportions and wide stance. Paint options and stripe packages were available across all trims, allowing buyers to customize the exterior appearance. The hood scoop on GT and higher trims was functional on supercharged models and decorative on standard V8 models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could you get a manual transmission with the V6 engine?

No. The 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT trim came only with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmissions were available exclusively on V8 models — both the standard 5.7-liter and the supercharged 6.2-liter engines.

Was all-wheel drive available on any 2023 Challenger configuration?

No. All 2023 Dodge Challengers were rear-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive was not offered as an option on any trim level or engine configuration for the 2023 model year.

What was the difference between the R/T and R/T Scat Pack?

Both used the R/T trim, but the Scat Pack added the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (807 horsepower) instead of the standard 5.7-liter V8 (370 horsepower). The Scat Pack also included unique badging, a more aggressive grille, and premium interior features, though both shared the same suspension and brake upgrades.

Did the 2023 Challenger offer any hybrid or electric powertrain options?

No. The 2023 Challenger lineup consisted entirely of gasoline-powered engines: the 3.6-liter V6, the 5.7-liter V8, and the 6.2-liter supercharged V8. No hybrid or electric variants were offered for the 2023 model year.

Could you order a GT with the supercharged engine?

No. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 was available only on the R/T trim as the R/T Scat Pack variant. The GT trim was limited to the standard 5.7-liter V8 engine.