Squaring up against the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang, the 2022 Dodge Challenger has the last laugh with its pure muscle car formula.
For many people, the Dodge Challenger represents the American muscle vehicle. Like the rest of its Dodge family, the Challenger has been boldly strong and audacious from the start. Over the decades since its 1970 debut, Dodge has extensively modified the Challenger, keeping it fresh and up-to-date. The newest edition of the Challenger still has a timeless appearance and feel.
After introducing an SRT Super Stock model, the 50th Anniversary Edition appearance packages, and making minor updates to interior and exterior styling in 2020, the brand expanded availability of the Widebody package the following year. Other than adding a deluxe security alarm to the R/T Scat Pack trim level, the 2022 model year doesn’t bring many notable changes to the Challenger lineup. It boasts some powerful engine options, lots of interior space, and user-friendly technology.
Here’s why the Dodge Challenger was the best-selling muscle car of 2022.
10 The 2022 Dodge Challenger Is Available With All-Wheel Drive
A huge reason why Americans love SUVs – besides the size and practicality that comes with them – is the availability of the all-wheel-drive system.
Unlike Dodge’s primary competitors, which don’t offer AWD at all across their lineups, the Dodge Challenger comes with a standard rear-wheel and optional all-wheel drive. This greatly broadens its appeal in the muscle car market. Thanks to the available all-wheel drive, you’ll have an extra level of grip in slick road conditions.
9 The 2022 Challenger Lineup Has Dragstrip-Worthy Hellcat And SRT Super Stock Models
If you plan on taking this for a spin on the drag strip, you’ll be glad to know that the fastest model across the 2022 Dodge Challenger lineup is the SRT Super Stock. This model can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.25 seconds and run a quarter-mile in just 10.5 seconds.
This speed is, of course, thanks to its standard 6.2-liter high-output supercharged Hemi V8 tucked underneath the hood, which churns out an impressive 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. Due to its tires, though, the Challenger SRT Super Stock only climbs to a top speed of 168 mph.
With a top speed of 203 mph, the Challenger Hellcat Redeye model is another most desired model across the 2022 Challenger lineup. Unlike the SRT Stock, the Hellcat Redeye makes 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. The standard Hellcat tops out at 199 mph, slotting between the Hellcat Redeye and the SRT Stock.
8 The 2022 Dodge Challenger Is A Practical Muscle Car
When you think of performance cars, the first thing that comes into your mind probably isn’t a family car. The Dodge Challenger, on the other hand, is actually quite roomy and provides a genuinely remarkable amount of rear legroom.
Despite only having two doors, this coupe is simple to enter and exit, making it a good choice for smaller families. And thanks to an adult-friendly back seat and best-in-class trunk room, the Challenger offers a level of utility that you won’t find anywhere else. With around 16.2 cubic feet in the trunk – which, by the way, is the largest in its class, the 2022 Dodge Challenger is as practical as it is fun.
7 The 2022 Dodge Challenger Has Iconic Styling
One of the most interesting things to note is that the 2022 Challenger belongs to the third version of this car, which made its debut in 2008. It’s amazing to see just how the Challenger’s appearance has gradually evolved.
You can’t miss the Dodge Challenger when it rolls down the street. Its exterior features a bulky, squared-off design and four headlights, which, along with the engines, pay homage to the original Challengers of the ’70s and ’80s. Each of the trim levels has a distinctive flair, even though the general body shape is the same throughout the line. There are different hood designs and stripes, for instance.
Additionally, there are 13 paint colors available, including striking choices like Go Mango, Frostbite, and Hellraisin. The Challenger also offers a variety of appearance options that enable you to create the precise look you desire. It also would have been great to have had a convertible option. Likewise, the interior is outstanding on the quality and design fronts, with nicer touches consisting of Nappa leather upholstery and suede trimmings.
6 The 2022 Dodge Challenger Is Available With The Widebody Package
Select trim levels are eligible for a widebody package that makes the 2022 Challenger even more stylish while also enhancing its performance.
Adding it to the R/T Scat Pack gives the Challenger widebody fender flares, an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. When you add the widebody package to the SRT Hellcat Redeye, you also get the thrilling SRT Power Chiller, which increases the quantity of cold air that gets to the engine.
Aside from the Widebody package, there is the Blacktop, Plus, Shaker, Laguna Leather package, and the Painted Black Satin Graphics package, which, depending on the trim level, add a level of flair to the 2022 Dodge Challenger.
5 The 2022 Dodge Challenger Has Lots Of Engine Options
Of course, one of the Challenger’s biggest attributes is power. The powertrain options start with the standard 3.6-liter V6, with 303 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. If you need more output, you can opt for the 5.7-liter V8 that will pump out up to 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Even crazier is the available 6.4-liter V8 that puts out 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.
The SRT Hellcat has a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 with 717 horsepower and 656 pound-feet of torque. Dodge bumped up the output to 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet for the SRT Hellcat Redeye. On top of the food chain is the SRT Super Stock, which has a standard 6.2-liter high-output supercharged Hemi V8 with 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque.
4 The 2022 Dodge Challenger Is Available With A Manual Transmission
Because it offers lots of practical features, most people assume the Challenger lost its edge. But, that couldn’t be further from the truth. A model with the available six-speed manual transmission is the best choice for those who want to truly feel in charge of all that power. The manual gearbox isn’t an option on the standard V6, but can go with most versions of the V8.
3 Endless Personalization With The Jailbreak Model
If you want a 2022 Challenger that truly represents your sense of style, you could opt for the SRT Jailbreak model. According to the brand, you can alter every aspect of this car, even the way the harnesses look.
Additionally, you can change the badging, hood design, and paint color. Since it is an SRT, the 807-horsepower motor is included as standard equipment.
2 The 2022 Dodge Challenger Rolls Out State-Of-The-Art Tech Features
It’s hard to find a performance-oriented car that’s also blessed on the tech front. More often, such vehicles are a little lacking when it comes to tech features, particularly ones that are standard.
That is not the case for the 2022 Challenger. The base model comes with two USB ports, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker stereo. Other standard features include the proximity keyless entry and the dual-zone automatic climate control.
Moving up the family tree gets you upgrades such as satellite radio, an 18-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo, navigation, and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen.
1 The 2022 Dodge Challenger Has Engaging Driving Dynamics
Overall, the 2022 Dodge Challenger is a fun vehicle to drive, thanks to its precise steering and handling. While the Dodge Challenger isn’t renowned for its ability to turn, it is virtually unbeatable in a straight-line battle.
On top of that, the Challenger’s engaging three-pedal transmission goes a long way. Some would argue that the slight body roll makes driving this vehicle more enjoyable. Long trips are also a breeze, thanks to excellent driver-assist technology such as the Adaptive cruise control and the forward collision warning system.
Sources: Dodge, Stellantis
