Dodge Charger vs. Dodge Challenger

Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews

Dodge Charger

$652
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Dodge Challenger

$650
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Overall Reliability Rating

3
1
2
Above Average
The Dodge Charger Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 10th out of 12 for fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $652 which means it has average ownership costs. While repairs tend to be more severe than average, the number of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Charger.
3
1
2
Above Average
The Dodge Challenger Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $650 which means it has average ownership costs. While repairs tend to be more severe than average, the number of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Challenger.
Cost
Average annual repairs total
$652
inexpensive
expensive
$650
inexpensive
expensive
Frequency
Average annual repair shop visits
0.24
not often
very often
0.22
not often
very often
Severity
Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent
15%
not urgent
urgent
14%
not urgent
urgent

Overall Car Ratings & Details

5 (3)
4 (15)
3 (7)
2 (4)
1 (3)
The Dodge Charger ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in comfort.
“I would not recommend purchasing a Dodge Charger. At 40,000 (just after it went out of warranty) I had to replace the lifters in the engine. I have also had a number of other repairs - overall I...”
“I would not recommend purchasing a Dodge Charger. At 40,000 (just after it went out of warranty)...”
5
(0)
4 (4)
3
(0)
2 (1)
1
(0)
The Dodge Challenger ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
“This car is heavy , and needs more HP.”
“This car is heavy , and needs more HP.”

Vehicle Comparison Rundown

The Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger are both powerful options from the same carmaker. The Charger is a full-size, four-door sedan, while the Challenger is a two-door muscle car coupe. Both come with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

The Charger and the Challenger are mechanically very similar, sharing many components and performance levels. The Charger’s standard engine, with 292 horsepower, has slightly less than the Challenger’s standard 305-horsepower engine. But both progress up through several levels of Hemi V-8 engines, topping out with the tire-shredding, supercharged 707-horsepower Hellcat version.

The primary differences between the Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger are in their body styles and interior space. If you need the room and utility that a full-size sedan offers, go with the Charger. If you prefer that classic muscle car coupe look, then the Challenger should be your choice. Remember to use that power responsibly!