Someday I’m going to look back on this 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT review and kick myself for being such a curmudgeon.
At the time of this writing, I can’t help but to think that it’s too big for its own good, too sloppy in the corners, and I hate the fact that it’s very difficult to see out of. The blind spots are horrendous.
That said, it’s one hell of a nostalgic throwback to simpler times. There’s something to be said about being fully analog – and a little 1970s.
My full review of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT
I drove the all wheel drive SXT you see in these pictures from Los Angeles to San Diego in a mix of city and freeway driving. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t that exciting.
FYI: The SXT is the base model in the Challenger lineup. That said, this car was fairly well optioned – to the point that it didn’t feel “base model sh*tbox” at all.
First impressions
Walking up to this all white 2023 SXT for the very first time was nothing like walking up to the 2023 Charger R/T that I recently reviewed. I felt weak in the knees approaching that one. But the SXT? The only thing I felt was embarrassed to be holding the key fob to a V6 muscle car.
Styling and design
I will admit that even in base model form, the Challenger almost looks tough enough to be cool. It’s fat in all the right places, and there’s no denying it’s muscle car roots. It’s unapologetically retro from nearly every angle.
My only complaint is how big it is. It’s extremely wide, and the front and rear overhangs are huge. I can only imagine how good this thing would look after a fairly rigorous weight loss program.
The interior
You’d never even know that the SXT is a base model Challenger just from sitting in the drivers seat. Yeah, there’s plastic everywhere. It rattles like a dump truck on nearly any surface. But boy does it ever feel good.
It’s actually one of my favorite automotive interiors of current times – at least in terms of comfort and coziness.
Easily the most disappointing thing about the interior is the small infotainment screen. Not only is it difficult to see in bright sunlight, it’s also not very responsive. The worst part? It’s not even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible!
Performance
I know. Nobody buys a SXT for the performance. But F me if I’m not going to talk about how much of a missed opportunity it was to offer a non-aspirated V6 in a car like this.
The 303hp Pentastar V6 (featuring 268 lb-ft of torque) isn’t exactly a weakling – especially when mated to a fairly responsive 8-speed transmission. But it just doesn’t provide enough power to get this 3,840 lb behemoth moving in a way commensurate with how badass it looks.
Dodge claims a 0 to 60 time of 6.0 seconds. That’s not slow. But it didn’t feel anywhere as fast as the 2021 EcoBoost Mustang that I reviewed.
Handling
This is obviously not the car for anyone who demands snappy cornering and precision steering feel. It plows through the corners as lazily as it looks. Steering feel is vague. But – these aren’t necessarily bad things.
This thing absolutely rules at high-speed highway cruising. It’s as smooth as a 2022 Chevy Malibu, tracks dead straight, and is surprisingly quiet at 75mph.
In regards to the all-wheel-drive system: Honestly? I didn’t even notice. It drove exactly like the rear wheel drive version does. No better. No worse.
Gas mileage
You’d be a fool to buy the SXT for the way it handles. But buying it for the fuel economy? That’s the move. With the Pentastar V6, the base model Challenger gets up to 20% better fuel economy over a Hemi powered version.
I averaged 22.5 miles per gallon on my admittedly spirited drive from LA to San Diego.
Pros and cons
There are probably more benefits to buying a 2023 Challenger SXT then I care to admit. It’s actually not a bad car. It’s just boring. Slightly out of style. And extremely difficult squeeze into tight parking spots. It could be a fun daily driver though (at least compared to something like a stinkin’ 2017 Kia Forte) so I guess I can’t complain too much.
Pros
- It’s easily one of the most “anti-blob” cars you can purchase. It’s hard to knock it for looking unique!
- The interior (at least the front seat area) is deceptively phenomenal. It just feels so good.
- They made like a billion of these things, so getting parts and service will be a piece of cake.
Cons
- Good luck squeezing into the back seat of this thing. I don’t know why they even bothered.
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- A car that looks this tough needs to have the power to back it up. The V6 isn’t enough.
- Holy blindspots Batman!
