The
2010 Dodge Challenger is a four-passenger coupe with nostalgic styling from its 1970s ancestors. Powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the SE trim offers only one transmission which is a five-speed automatic transmission, while the R/T trim sports a 5.7-liter V-8 engine paired to a five-speed automatic with a six-speed manual transmission as an option. The SRT8 comes with a prodigious 6.1-liter V-8 engine and a choice of either the automatic or manual transmission.
The Dodge Challenger is a rear-drive vehicle that features a retro body, a distinctive on-road presence, and spaciousness, including ample back seat legroom. With 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space, the coupe presents a nice sized trunk. Government crash testing gave the Dodge Challenger top scores, while its EPA-rated fuel economy came in at 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway.
New for 2010
Since the Dodge Challenger was introduced in 2009, the 2010 model received only minor changes, which included stability control becoming standard on SE models, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls becoming part of the UConnect MultiMedia and UConnect Navigation packages, and the R/T trim receiving automatic headlamps, LED-lighted cup holder, and door handle lights.
Essentials
Engines: 3.5L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Body Style: Coupe
Trims: SE Coupe, R/T Coupe, SRT8 Coupe
On the Outside
A re-creation of the 1970s design, the Dodge Challenger is a looker, especially when brightly-colored with cool accent stripes on the sides.
From the Inside
Inside the Dodge Challenger, there's plenty of room for four passengers, and the seats are quite comfortable; however, the design is somewhat bland and boring.
Driving Performance
While the Dodge Challenger SE's 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 250 pound-feet of torque isn't very exciting, the R/T's 5.7-liter V-8 engine churns out 372 horsepower and 400 pound-feet which ups the ante, and the SRT8's 6.1-liter engine spews out 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet for the most excitement.Unfortunately, the car's large size and hefty curb weight reduce its nimbleness.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety systems on the Dodge Challenger include stability control, dual-stage front impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, and seatbelt pre-tentioners for the front passengers.
Gas Mileage
SE: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
R/T Automatic: 15 mpg city/24 mpg highway (manual); 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway (automatic)
SRT8: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Plusses
- Retro design
- V-8 engine note
- Roomy interior
Minuses
- Curb weight
- Plain-Jane interior
Rating
Retro-styled coupe with muscle
People Who Like the 2010 Dodge Challenger Also Like
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Ford Mustang