2022 Dodge Challenger Trim Guide: SXT, R/T, Scat Pack, and Hellcat Compared
From the 303 HP V6 SXT to the 807 HP Hellcat Redeye, the 2022 Challenger lineup spans a massive range. Here's exactly what you get with each trim, what the key differences are, and which one makes the most sense for different budgets and goals.
The 2022 Challenger Lineup at a Glance
The 2022 Challenger is sold in more configurations than almost any other car in its segment. Understanding what each level actually offers — and what you give up by going up or down — is essential before buying.
SXT (Base, V6)
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 — 303 HP / 268 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic standard; 6-speed manual not available
Starting price: ~$30,000
What you get: Full infotainment system, solid build quality, great fuel economy (21/30 MPG), comfortable daily driver. The Pentastar V6 is genuinely reliable and low-maintenance.
What you miss: Real performance. The V6 is 0–60 in about 6.4 seconds — not slow, but not muscle car fast either.
Who it's for: Buyers who love the Challenger's looks and daily driver personality but don't need performance, or buyers with tight budgets who plan to enjoy the car mostly as a daily driver.
GT (AWD-Optional V6)
Engine: Same 3.6L Pentastar — 303 HP
Available with AWD: The only Challenger with all-wheel drive
Starting price: ~$33,000
The GT exists primarily for all-weather usability. The AWD system adds weight and reduces the pure rear-drive muscle car feel, but it genuinely helps in snow and rain. If you live in a snowy region and want one Challenger year-round, the GT AWD makes that viable.
R/T (5.7L HEMI)
Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8 — 375 HP / 410 lb-ft
Available transmissions: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
Starting price: ~$38,000
This is where the Challenger becomes a proper muscle car. The 5.7L HEMI is a characterful V8 with a great sound and excellent torque. 0–60 in approximately 5.1 seconds (auto), 5.4 seconds (manual).
Key R/T options to look for:
- Performance Axle Group (3.92 gears) — improves strip performance significantly
- Plus Group — adds adaptive suspension, heated seats, performance pages
- SRT hood with functional vents on the R/T Plus
Who it's for: The sweet spot for most buyers — real V8 performance without the Scat Pack premium. Excellent modding foundation. The manual transmission availability makes this the driver's enthusiast choice.
Scat Pack / Scat Pack Widebody (6.4L HEMI)
Engine: 6.4L HEMI V8 — 485 HP / 475 lb-ft
Available transmissions: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
Starting price (Narrowbody): ~$48,000
Starting price (Widebody): ~$51,000
A meaningful jump in performance over the R/T. The 6.4L makes 110 HP more than the 5.7 and the difference is felt everywhere — acceleration, in-gear passing, and response to modifications. 0–60 in approximately 4.2 seconds (auto).
The Widebody model (see dedicated article) adds wider tires, adaptive suspension, and a noticeably different visual stance.
Who it's for: Serious performance buyers who want the best bang-per-dollar ratio. The Scat Pack at the drag strip and on a back road is a genuinely fast car that rivals sports cars costing twice as much.
SRT Hellcat (Supercharged 6.2L)
Engine: 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 — 717 HP / 656 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic only
Starting price: ~$62,000
The Hellcat is a different category of car. 717 HP from a factory vehicle is extraordinary — 0–60 in 3.6 seconds, quarter mile in the 11-second range on factory tires.
Important: The Hellcat only comes in automatic. The supercharger physically cannot be accommodated with the manual transmission mounting.
SRT Hellcat Redeye (797 HP) and Super Stock (807 HP)
The Redeye uses a larger 2.7L supercharger producing 797 HP. The Super Stock adds drag-specific tuning and sticky tires for 807 HP. Both are automatic only.
Quick Recommendation by Use Case
| Use Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Daily driver / budget | SXT or R/T |
| Enthusiast driver, mods planned | R/T or Scat Pack |
| Drag racing | Scat Pack with Performance Axle Group |
| Road course / autocross | Scat Pack Widebody |
| Maximum straight-line performance | Hellcat / Redeye |
| Manual transmission must-have | R/T or Scat Pack |
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