Some day I’m going to look back on this 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT review and probably regret being so critical. At the time of writing, it’s hard to ignore the feeling that it’s simply too bulky, not sharp enough in handling, and plagued by terrible blind spots.
However, it undeniably offers a nostalgic trip back to simpler automotive times. There’s a certain appeal to its analog feel and clear 1970s inspiration.
Image: Scott looking unimpressed while driving a white 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, highlighting the author’s initial skepticism about the base model muscle car.
My Full Review of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT
My experience with the all-wheel-drive SXT model pictured here involved a drive from Los Angeles to San Diego, encompassing both city streets and freeways. Spoiler alert: the drive wasn’t particularly thrilling.
It’s worth noting that the SXT is the entry-level trim in the Challenger lineup. Despite this, the test vehicle came with a decent array of options, preventing it from feeling like a completely stripped-down base model.
First Impressions: More Nostalgia Than Muscle?
Approaching this bright white 2023 SXT for the first time didn’t evoke the same knee-weakening sensation as my walk-up to the 2023 Charger R/T I reviewed recently. The Charger R/T felt genuinely imposing. The SXT? My primary feeling was slight embarrassment at holding the keys to a V6 “muscle car.”
Image: A pristine white 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT showcasing its classic front design, emphasizing the retro styling of the vehicle.
However, acknowledging my own advancing years (and recognizing the hypocrisy of criticizing something for looking “old” when I am too), I can’t dismiss the genuine retro vibe of the 2023 Challenger SXT.
Image: A detailed rear three-quarter view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, highlighting its iconic taillights and wide stance, reinforcing its muscle car heritage.
But honestly, the SXT version, especially in this very basic, rental-car-esque specification, doesn’t ignite any excitement as you approach it.
Image: Tire rubber residue on the rear quarter panel of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, suggesting potential for spirited driving despite being the base model.
Spotting rubber marks on the lower quarter panel did spark a glimmer of hope. Could this mean surprising performance, maybe even smoky all-wheel-drive burnouts?
Exterior Styling: Retro Cool or Just Fat?
I must concede that even in base SXT trim, the Challenger manages to look almost convincingly tough and cool. It’s generously proportioned in a way that aligns with muscle car aesthetics, and its retro design is undeniable from nearly every angle.
My main criticism lies in its sheer size. It’s incredibly wide, and the front and rear overhangs are excessive. One can only imagine the improved aesthetics after a significant weight reduction.
Image: A front three-quarter angle of the white 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT showcasing its aggressive front fascia and wide body, enhancing its muscle car appeal.
While I’m not a fan of the base model SXT in general, I’m not completely devoid of appreciation for its somewhat muscular and even slightly cool appearance from a low front three-quarter perspective.
Image: The side view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT reveals its classic long hood and sloping roofline, though the reviewer notes it can appear less ‘muscular’ from this angle.
However, similar to my own self-assessment in a mirror, the side view is the least flattering. It reads more as “fat” than “muscle.”
Image: Detailed shot of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT headlight, emphasizing the intricate design and modern lighting technology integrated into the retro styling.
Fortunately, some design elements are genuinely redeeming. The headlights and turn signals, in my opinion, are truly artistic.
Image: The standard 19-inch wheels of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, which are considered decent looking but perhaps too understated for true muscle car enthusiasts.
Can you believe this car rides on 19-inch wheels? They are aesthetically pleasing, but too subtle to command respect from hardcore muscle car fans. They’ll likely still scoff at you.
Image: Interior perspective from the backseat of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, showing the rear window, dashboard, and front seats, giving a sense of the car’s spaciousness.
Look, while I might not be a complete enthusiast, I do appreciate that it avoids resembling a generic blob – *cough* 2023 Tesla Model 3 *cough*.
Image: A close-up of the retro fuel filler cap on the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, highlighting a detail that reinforces its classic muscle car design.
Image: Chrome door handle of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, a small detail that contributes to the overall retro aesthetic.
Image: The side mirror design on the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, showing its functional yet stylish integration with the car’s overall design.
Image: Front fender detail of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, showcasing the side marker light and the vehicle’s robust fender design.
Image: Decorative hood scoop on the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, a visual cue to its muscle car styling, despite being non-functional in the SXT trim.
Image: “All Wheel Drive” badge on the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, indicating the drivetrain of this particular model and its enhanced traction capability.
The Interior: A Surprisingly Nice Place to Be
You’d never guess the SXT is the base model Challenger just by sitting in the driver’s seat. Yes, plastic is abundant, and rattles are present on most road surfaces. But surprisingly, it feels genuinely good inside.
In fact, it’s one of my favorite current automotive interiors, at least regarding comfort and a sense of coziness.
Image: Spacious and comfortable interior of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, highlighting the seating and dashboard layout.
Despite being the entry-level version, the SXT’s interior is surprisingly legitimate. It’s nearly as pleasant as the interior of the 2020 Challenger R/T I recently spent time in.
Image: Driver’s perspective of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT interior, focusing on the steering wheel, gauges, and dashboard, emphasizing the sporty and comfortable design.
How they managed to create such a snug and sporty interior in a car this large is beyond me. It genuinely feels good.
Image: A comprehensive view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT interior, showing the front and rear seating areas, dashboard, and center console, giving a full sense of the cabin’s design and space.
I’ve never encountered an interior that looks this dated yet feels so appealing. I’m completely serious.
Image: Driver’s point-of-view from the seat of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, capturing the view over the hood and dashboard, highlighting the commanding driving position.
Dare I say it, despite the abundance of cheap plastics throughout the interior, sitting in the driver’s seat makes me feel more masculine than I probably am.
Image: The retro-styled gauge cluster of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, blending analog dials with a digital information screen for a classic yet functional display.
I have no complaints about the gauge cluster. It’s rowdy and old school in the best way!
The most disappointing aspect of the interior is undoubtedly the small infotainment screen. It’s difficult to see in bright sunlight, and its responsiveness is lacking. Worse, it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility!
Image: The infotainment screen of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT displaying the main menu, showing the system’s interface and available functions.
Image: Climate control settings displayed on the infotainment screen of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, illustrating the integrated controls for vehicle temperature and airflow.
Image: The media and music interface on the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT’s infotainment screen, showing options for audio sources and playback controls.
Image: Physical knobs and buttons for climate and audio controls in the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, appealing to drivers who prefer tactile controls over touchscreen interfaces.
What is this, 2008? Physical knobs and buttons for climate and audio! For those who think I’m complaining, I was actually a big fan of 2008.
Image: Comfortable front seats of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, showing the cloth upholstery and supportive bolstering for a pleasant driving experience.
Image: Steering wheel controls in the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, providing easy access to audio, cruise control, and vehicle information without taking hands off the wheel.
Image: Traditional gearshift lever in the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, emphasizing the conventional automatic transmission setup and driver engagement.
Image: Power window and door lock controls located on the armrest of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, standard features for convenience and accessibility.
Image: Start-stop button in the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, enabling keyless ignition and adding a modern touch to the classic muscle car.
Image: Adjustable headrest of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT’s front seat, ensuring passenger comfort and safety for various body types.
Performance: The Pentastar V6 – Muscle Car or Just…Car?
I know, nobody buys an SXT for blistering performance. But I have to point out what a missed opportunity it was to put a naturally aspirated V6 in a car styled like this.
Image: The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine in the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, the standard engine option providing a balance of power and fuel efficiency.
Behold the mighty 3.6L Pentastar V6 (said no one, ever). At least it’s not a four-cylinder, I suppose.
The 303hp Pentastar V6 (with 268 lb-ft of torque) isn’t exactly weak, especially when paired with a responsive 8-speed transmission. However, it simply doesn’t deliver enough power to move this 3,840 lb behemoth in a way that matches its aggressive appearance.
Dodge claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.0 seconds. That’s not slow, but it didn’t feel nearly as quick as the 2021 EcoBoost Mustang I reviewed.
Image: Another view of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine in the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, highlighting the engine bay layout and components.
Nope, it doesn’t look any more exciting from this angle either. Sadly, you can almost hear the valves ticking just by looking at this photo.
Image: The hood raised on the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, showcasing the engine compartment and the placement of the V6 engine within.
“That thing got a Hemi?!” Uh… not exactly. Never, ever raise the hood of this car unless you’re adept at explaining the virtues of a V6 over a V8.
Image: Scott driving the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT with a somewhat unimpressed facial expression, reflecting the car’s adequate but not thrilling performance.
“Outta my way, mofos! I’m about to unleash the power of the Pentastar!!” (Not really.)
Image: Driver’s perspective while driving the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, showing the road ahead and the car’s interior, suggesting a comfortable but not overly sporty driving experience.
Straight-line acceleration in the 2023 SXT is anticlimactic, to say the least. It’s not slow, but the 2018 Challenger R/T Scat Pack I drove would absolutely embarrass this model in both sound and acceleration force.
Handling and Ride: Highway Cruiser, Not Corner Carver
This car is definitely not for anyone seeking sharp cornering and precise steering feedback. It navigates corners with the same laziness it visually projects. Steering feel is vague. However, these aren’t necessarily negative attributes for everyone.
Image: The 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT cruising comfortably on a freeway, highlighting its capability as a high-speed, long-distance cruiser.
It’s not all bad news. The SXT is actually a very capable and comfortable high-speed freeway cruiser. It would be an excellent choice for a cross-country road trip from New York to Los Angeles. Just crank up some classic rock and enjoy the ride!
This car excels at high-speed highway cruising. It’s as smooth as a 2022 Chevy Malibu, tracks straight, and is surprisingly quiet at 75 mph.
Regarding the all-wheel-drive system: Honestly, I barely noticed it. It drove almost identically to the rear-wheel-drive version. Neither better nor worse.
Fuel Economy: The Unexpected Benefit
You’d be misguided to buy the SXT for its handling prowess. But considering it for fuel economy? That’s actually a smart move. With the Pentastar V6, the base model Challenger achieves up to 20% better fuel economy than a Hemi-powered version.
I averaged 22.5 miles per gallon during my admittedly spirited drive from LA to San Diego.
Image: The 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT at a gas station, emphasizing its fuel efficiency for a muscle car and the potential surprise of onlookers.
I’d bet almost anything that at least one person in the queue of cars behind is assuming I’m about to drain this Shell station dry. Little do they know about the Pentastar V6’s excellent fuel economy!
Image: The key fob of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, a standard car key with remote functions, representing the vehicle’s everyday usability.
Image: Exterior styling details of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, capturing its retro design cues and overall aesthetic appeal.
Image: The trunk space of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, illustrating its practicality and ample cargo capacity for a muscle car.
Pros and Cons: The Verdict on the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT
There are likely more advantages to buying a 2023 Challenger SXT than I initially want to admit. It’s not a bad car; it’s just a bit unexciting. Slightly outdated in some respects and definitely challenging to maneuver in tight parking spaces. However, it could be an enjoyable daily driver, especially compared to something as mundane as a 2017 Kia Forte. So, perhaps I shouldn’t complain too much.
Pros
- It’s one of the most distinctly styled cars available, resisting the “blob” trend. Its unique look is undeniable.
- The front interior, particularly the driver and passenger area, is surprisingly excellent in comfort and feel.
- With a high production volume, parts and service should be readily available.
Cons
- The back seat is cramped and impractical. It feels like an afterthought.
- Lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is a significant tech drawback in 2023.
- A car with this aggressive appearance needs more power to back it up. The V6 feels insufficient for the image.
- Blind spots are exceptionally large and problematic.
