2019 Dodge Challenger
Independent review & score by Carivo
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 | $2,600 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 389 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $28,045–$34,497 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2019 Dodge Challenger at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Safety at 6.6/10 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. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this sports's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. Safety is a notable gap at 6.6/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.2/10. The Dodge Challenger delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $28,045–$34,497, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Dodge Challenger sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. The 7.0/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Dodge Challenger is a passable sports but not a standout one. Weaknesses in safety hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2019 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 $28,045 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 39%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$15,440 ($3,088/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Recall repairs | $0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers |
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Dodge Challenger scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2019'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 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $28,045 | |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $27,055 | Read review → |
| 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 with our free VIN recall checker.
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 10/09/2020 · 20V191000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger… |
|---|---|
| Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel 14/03/2019 · 19V203000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor… |
| Service brakes 24/10/2019 · 19V758000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2019 Dodge Challenger that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
We rate the 2019 Dodge Challenger's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #291 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 8% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2019 Dodge Challenger starts at $28,045 and ranges up to $34,497 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Challenger years we've rated are 2016 (6.8/10), 2015 (6.8/10), 2021 (7.0/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
The documented issues for the 2019 Dodge Challenger are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Back over prevention, Electrical system, Service brakes (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
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