Best Oil for the 2022 Dodge Challenger: 5.7, 6.4, and V6 Guide

Why Oil Matters More on a HEMI

The Gen III HEMI is a high-compression, aluminum-block pushrod V8 with a complex valvetrain that includes roller lifters and (on automatic models) Multi-Displacement System (MDS) hardware. The MDS lifters cycle constantly — opening and closing at highway speeds. Inadequate lubrication at idle RPMs is the primary cause of the dreaded HEMI tick/lifter failure.

Choosing the right oil and changing it frequently is the single most impactful thing you can do for long-term engine health.

5.7L HEMI — Oil Specification

Grade: SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic

Spec: Must meet MOPAR MS-12991 (FCA standard for Gen III HEMIs)

Capacity: 7 quarts with filter change

Recommended brands:

• Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 — excellent cold-flow properties, widely available
• Mobil 1 5W-20 Full Synthetic — proven long-term protection
• Valvoline Full Synthetic 5W-20 — great value, strong track record
• Amsoil Signature Series 5W-20 — top-tier if you want extended intervals (but still change at 5,000 mi)

Do not use 5W-30 in a 5.7L HEMI. The thicker oil restricts flow to the small passages in the MDS lifters. This mistake has been blamed for lifter failures.

6.4L HEMI (Scat Pack / SRT392) — Oil Specification

Grade: SAE 0W-40 Full Synthetic

Spec: MOPAR MS-12991, ACEA A3/B4

Capacity: 7 quarts with filter change

The factory fill for the 6.4L is Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40. This is a Euro-spec oil with superior high-temperature film strength — important for an engine that runs at higher cylinder pressures than the 5.7.

Recommended brands:

• Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 — factory fill, the benchmark
• Mobil 1 0W-40 — excellent, widely available
• Castrol EDGE 0W-40 — strong alternative
• Amsoil European Car Formula 0W-40 — premium extended-drain option

Do not substitute 5W-20 or 5W-30 in a 6.4L. The 6.4 runs higher cylinder pressures and temperatures and needs the 0W-40's superior film strength.

3.6L Pentastar V6 — Oil Specification

Grade: SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic

Spec: MOPAR MS-12991 or MS-10850

Capacity: 5.9 quarts with filter change

The Pentastar is an extremely reliable engine with far fewer valvetrain concerns than the HEMI. Standard 5W-20 full synthetic from any major brand works well. Change every 5,000–7,500 miles.

Oil Filter Selection

Use Mopar filters or equivalent. The 6.4L SRT owners specifically recommend:

• Mopar MO899 — OEM filter for the 6.4L
• Mopar MO218 — for the 5.7L

Aftermarket alternatives: Wix 57356, K&N HP-1017, or Purolator Boss. Avoid cheap no-name filters — the bypass valve and filtration media quality vary widely.

Synthetic vs Conventional

There is no reason to run conventional oil in any 2022 Challenger. All engines left the factory with full synthetic and should stay that way. The slight cost premium ($15–$25 more per change) is irrelevant compared to the protection benefit.

How Often to Change It

Ignore the OLM. The factory 10,000-mile interval is designed to reduce warranty claims and service visits — not to optimize engine life.

Change every 5,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Change every 3,000–4,000 miles if you:

• Do track days or drag racing
• Live in a hot climate and drive aggressively
• Do frequent short trips (under 10 miles) where the engine never fully warms up

The extra cost is about $80–$120/year. The cost of a lifter failure is $4,000–$8,500. Do the math.