Choosing a new car can be challenging, especially when choosing between two trims of the same model. One model trim can have more features, or both trims may be in the same trim level but focus on different aspects such as performance and comfort. With the help of experts, we will help you choose whether to go for the Challenger SXT or GT.
Choosing whether to get the Dodge Challenger SXT or GT will depend on how much you want to spend since both trims have the same powertrain. If you want more of a base model, go for the SXT, and opt for the GT for a more premium trim.
Since both cars are very similar in performance, your choice should depend on how much you are willing to spend or what features catch your attention. For more information about the Dodge Challenger, keep reading below.
Dodge Challenger SXT Vs. GT
Choosing the right Challenger trim level can save you a bit of money. When choosing between the SXT and GT, you don't have to worry about the powertrain.
The Challenger SXT and GT have a 3.6-liter V6 24 valve VVT engine that pushes out 303 hp at 6,350 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800rpm. They are also both available in RWD and AWD drivetrains.
Below are some of the features you can find on the Challenger SXT.
- 13 available colors
- 3 different wheel choices (Satin Carbon, Black Noise, Satin Carbon)
- 2 available wheel options (All-Season Performance, BSW All-Season Performance)
- Compact spare tire
- 3 available entertainment displays (Uconnect 4 with 7-inch screen, Uconnect 4C with 8.4-inch screen, Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch screen)
- SiriusXM
- Alpine audio group with subwoofer
- Power sunroof
- 6 available packages & equipment groups
Below are some of the features you can find on the Challenger GT.
- 13 available colors
- 5 different wheel choices (Satin Carbon, Black Noise, Satin Carbon)
- 2 available wheel options (All-Season Performance, BSW All-Season Performance, Lights Out, Mid Gloss)
- Compact spare tire
- 5 available interior seat colors
- 3 available entertainment displays (Uconnect 4 with 7-inch screen, Uconnect 4C with 8.4-inch screen, Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch screen)
- SiriusXM
- 2 available speaker systems (Alpine audio group with subwoofer, Harman Kardon audio group with subwoofer
- Power sunroof
- 8 available packages & equipment groups
When looking at the exterior of both the Challenger SXT and GT, you will notice that the GT has a different hood and a larger splitter on the lower part of the front bumper. The hood of the Challenger GT is similar to the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and R/T Scat Pack widebody.
The interior of the Challenger SXT and GT are also very similar, with the main difference being the Challenger GT has more buttons and a paddle shifter. The paddle shifters are an excellent addition for people who like to be more hands-on when driving.
The SXT and GT are great cars and perform on the same level. It's best to go for the Challenger SXT if you don't need premium add-ons and don't mind that it does not have a paddle shifter. But if you want a more premium and hands-on model, the Challenger GT is your best bet.
What Engines Are On The Dodge Challenger?
Knowing what engine is on a vehicle you are interested in is essential since this is what will power your car. Fuel consumption and power output are something you must consider when looking at a vehicle's engine.
The Dodge Challenger came out in 1969 and was released as a 1970 model. Since then, this vehicle has earned a reputation for having a powerful engine. Below are the engines available for the more recent releases of the Dodge Challenger.
3.6 Liter Pentastar V6
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is an engine available for two of the base models of the Challenger, the SXT and GT. This V6 engine pushes out 303 hp at 6,350 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
The Pentastar V6 is paired with a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission and has the option of RWD or AWD drivetrains. Though the V6 is not as strong as a V8, it has superior fuel economy.
5.7 Liter HEMI V8
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is the first V8 engine you will encounter when choosing from different Dodge Challenger trim levels. With the HEMI V8, you will feel like you are in a proper muscle car.
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 comes standard on the Challenger R/T. This V8 engine pushes out 375 hp at 5,150 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. With this V8, you also get a fuel saver feature that alternates between using all 8 cylinders and only 4 cylinders.
392 HEMI V8
With the 392 HEMI V8, you are getting into the more powerful engines. These engines can withstand and push out a ton of power which is helpful when you plan to bring your Dodge Challenger onto the track, whether for drag or circuit racing.
The 392 HEMI V8 pushes 485 hp at 6,100 rpm and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. You can get the 392 HEMI V8 engine when you acquire the Challenger R/T Scat Pack. This V8 is the last naturally aspirated engine available for the Dodge Challenger.
Supercharged 6.2 Liter HEMI V8
With the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, you are getting one of the most powerful engines available for the Dodge Challenger.
The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 has a power output of 717 hp at 6,000 rpm and 656 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This 6.2-liter V8 is powerful enough to beat most of the Challenger's rivals. This V8 comes standard on the Dodge Challenger Hellcat trims.
Supercharged 6.2-Liter High Output HEMI V8
The supercharged 6.2-liter High Output HEMI V8 is the most powerful engine the Dodge Challenger has. This supercharged V8 will outperform its rivals on a dragstrip. Having this V8 under your hood will give you the adrenaline rush most car enthusiasts want.
The supercharged 6.2-liter High Output HEMI V8 is pushing a whopping 797 hp at 6,300 rpm and 707 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. But that's not all. With the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock and SRT Jailbreak, this engine can output a whopping 807 hp.
You will hear and feel the power when driving a vehicle with this V8 under the hood. It's the pull and whine of the engine that gets people hooked on this engine.
Can You Daily Drive A Dodge Challenger?
Yes, you can daily drive a Dodge Challenger. Daily Driving a Challenger is feasible, especially for the lower models with a V6 such as the SXT and GT trims. These V6 engines run smoothly and consume less fuel than the powerful V8s.
A significant advantage of the Challenger SXT and GT is an option for AWD. The AWD drivetrain will benefit the Challenger SXT and GT when driving on snowy roads. The Challenger also has a high road clearance for a sports car, making it easier to go over speed bumps.
Challengers with V8s are also great daily drivers, especially for car enthusiasts, since you can enjoy the car's feel. They may use up a bit more fuel but are a comfortable ride.
Also, the interior of the Challenger is very comfortable. The vehicle does have second-row seating, but adults may have a hard time sitting at the back, especially ones with longer legs.
Like most muscle cars, the Challenger only has two doors. So going to the second row would be challenging (no pun intended), as you would have to move the front seat to gain access to the back.
Like all cars, the Dodge Challenger will have some downsides. Some downsides of daily driving a Dodge Challenger are they are big, use more fuel, have low visibility, and higher models may be too noisy for some people.
In Closing
Choosing between the Dodge Challenger SXT and GT should depend on your needs. Get the SXT if you want a Challenger but don't need the extra features, and get the GT for a more premium-feeling car.
You don't have to worry about performance because the Challenger SXT and GT have the same engine and transmission. They are also both offered in RWD and AWD drivetrains. These models will do great as daily drivers since they use a smaller engine than the Challenger's higher models.
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