The Bottom Line
What do the Guide Rating stars mean?
The Challenger R/T is the new mid-level Challenger; it fits neatly between the 250 horsepower Challenger SE and the 425 hp Challenger SRT8. Outside, the R/T is distinguished by its lack of hood stripes (though this neat looking R/T tape-stripe logo is a $200 option) and a body-color trunk spoiler. Under the hood is Chrysler's familiar 5.7 liter HEMI V8, tuned for 372 hp and 401 lb-ft with the 5-speed automatic transmission and 376 hp and 410 lb-ft with the extra-cost ($995) 6-speed manual. So how does it stack up? Read on.
Larger photos: Front - rear - interior - all photos
Pros
- Great power, great noises
- Outstanding manual transmission
- One of the best looking cars on the road
- Delivers 95% of the Challenger SRT8's thrills for 75% of the price
Cons
- Dull interior
- Lousy visibility
- Still pretty pricey
Description
- R/T is the mid-level Dodge Challenger
- Price range: $29,995 - $39,095
- Price as tested: $39,055
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 15 MPG city/23 MPG highway (manual), 16/23 (automatic)
Guide Review - 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
Chrysler gave me a chance to try both automatic and manual R/Ts. I took a brief drive in the automatic -- zzzz! -- and spent most of my time with the stick-shift. That's the one to have. The shift lever is a modern-day interpretation of Chrysler's classic pistol-grip shifter. Shift feel is stellar and the clutch effort is just right -- heavy enough to make you feel manly, but not so heavy that you'll rue the day you bought the car every time you get stuck in a traffic jam.
The R/T's suspension, steering and brakes are a bit more tame than those found on the SRT8; that said, unless you're going wheel-to-wheel on a racetrack, you're not missing out on much. And the difference in acceleration doesn't feel anywhere near as great as the 50ish-horsepower gap would lead you to believe -- the R/T produces great noises and big grins, and enough power to flick the tail sideways, if you're into that sort of thing. (And trust me, if you buy a Challenger R/T, you may find yourself very much into that sort of thing.)
The R/T has all the foibles of other Challengers -- dreary interior, lousy sightlines, cave-like back seat -- though it does get antilock brakes and electronic stability control as standard (as it should). Besides, with the pistol-grip shifter in my hand and the HEMI V8 answering my beck and call, I had no problem forgiving every one of the Challenger's sins. In my Challenger SE test drive, I said I'd take a six-cylinder Ford Mustang over a six-cylinder Challenger -- but for V8 power, I wouldn't think twice about passing up a Mustang GT in favor of a Challenger R/T. No question, the R/T manual is the jewel of the Challenger lineup. I want one! -- Aaron Gold
Read more: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE test drive