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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.6L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 8-spd |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 30 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,950 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 389 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $27,055–$32,093 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2018 Dodge Challenger earns a Good rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Value at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sports — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.9/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
The 8.7/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology comes in at 7.7/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $27,055–$32,093, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Dodge Challenger sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Dodge Challenger, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Dodge Challenger ranks #291 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 8% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $27,055 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 41%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Dodge Challenger scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.0 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $33,095 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $32,005 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.1/10 | $31,015 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.0/10 | $30,025 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $29,035 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $28,045 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $27,055 | |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $26,066 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.8/10 | $25,076 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $24,086 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) 12/07/2018 · 18E053000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could… |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission 01/05/2018 · 18V280000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission. |
| Electrical system / Wiring 17/05/2018 · 18V332000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500,… |
| Electrical system / Wiring / Front underhood 09/08/2018 · 18V524000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other sportss at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Dodge models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
