2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD | Sons of Speed

We spend a week with the 2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD trying to figure out, who is this car for? We think we figured it out - what do you think?
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[@BigMikeTH3V1K1NG]

I wish we could get a review of this car on its own merits. I feel like every review is through the frame of “this is not a hellcat or scat pack”. Like I already know that.

[@GloomGaiGar]

It's for people who want an all-weather muscle car.

[@hemi5.7awdpursuit5]

GloomGaiGar aha so it’s a muscle car????

[@zarthemad8386]

@@hemi5.7awdpursuit5 yea it is. its not MOPAR.. but its higher than most classic muscle.

[@guyontheinternet8891]

@@zarthemad8386 Yeah its faster then most classic V8 Muscle cars anyway so it is a muscle car in my opinion despite what haters say...

[@LamontBoucherville]

It's made for us Canadians

[@lclnbm]

Just slap a supercharger on and it'll wake up

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

I’m not concerned about it being a muscle car, I just want a car I can drive all season thru snow and is cool af. Still want a Challanger GT AWD!!!

[@drock2322]

It has the look and power to hold its own for sure! I live in Salt Lake and you aren't getting away with a RWD in the winter. I just purchased mine and am having it shipped out to me. Hope you have/are getting yours soon!

[@Kuhladestkyicky]

Quit the video at 7:09. I’d take that on a road trip. Big comfy cruiser.

[@MrCrs65412hhll]

Tbh this car serves its purpose. Especially for where I live. I definitely love the one I own.

[@ohioken1]

Reviews trying to compare it to Hellcats and RT's are totally missing the point. I get it! It is not a muscle car! Wasn't intended to be! Like you said near the end of your review, this is a car for someone who loves the styling and comfort of a Challenger, but lives in snow country and wants an all year around Daily driver that is sure footed under bad winter conditions. I am tired of buying muscle cars that I have to park for 6 months in winter.

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

ohioken1 so true

[@Ryzenberg78]

Yes, totally true. I live in Syracuse NY and want a Challenger, but don't like the idea of RWD in winter. I would absolutely buy one and likely will be. It's 305HP, does 130mph, gets to 60 in just over 6 seconds, runs the quarter mile in less than 15 seconds and is AWD. Reasonable performance figures with great utility. This is the definition of a Grand Touring car.

[@thebecause8468]

ohioken1 w

[@gone_inc]

I agree..I just want a 2 door car that looks cool and has AWD. It's a pretty short list. Challenger gt is at the top of it. Cant wait to get it!

[@hemi5.7awdpursuit5]

ohioken1 that sucks

[@780cornerpocket]

Please remember that this car was designed to be an awd car. Capable in snow and ice. And I believe it is an amazing crossover type vehicle. Excellent fuel mileage and plenty of horsepower. Not supposed to be a hellcat. For what it was designed for it’s an💯

[@leustad]

You said the exact customer base for this car. I live somewhere where we do have long snowy winters and the number of GT's I see on the road is much more than any other RWD muscle/pony cars. I own a 2018 GT with the same color, and it's amazing for the purpose I bought it for: a faster, AWD car where I can drive when it snows/rains/shines...

[@leustad]

BTW, if anyone is wondering, removing the mufflers causes droning a lot for this car. Those mufflers are going back in tomorrow.

[@pilsplease7561]

yep, thats been known for a bit. The car is really fine as is. its a loud car for a v6. You dont hear it as much due to noise dampening stuff. BUt it is. I floored it once on my street and a cop got called.

[@Buzzkilljoy1248]

@@pilsplease7561 Imagine if it had a twincharged V8 with glasspacks. You'd probably have the whole precinct pulling up on you.

[@pilsplease7561]

They have Lamborghini cop cars here.@@Buzzkilljoy1248

[@Buzzkilljoy1248]

@@pilsplease7561 Probably worth getting arrested for of it means riding in one of those things.

[@bufjayup7774]

To all the nay-sayers - You've got to be kidding right? This is DESIGNED to be an all season sedan....NOT a performance vehicle. I bought a 2018 Challenger GT AWD SPECIFICALLY for the AWD feature. As a side note, I love MINI Coopers, but by the time I optioned out a MINI in AWD with all the options I wanted, it was over 43,000. Uh....no. So I looked at Ford....and Chevy.....no AWD in any body style I wanted. So I bought this. This thing has been great. Period. Excellent snow / ice traction, excellent 509 watt 8.4 Touchscreen, heated / cooled Napa Alacantra seats. and I've averaged over 29 MPG for 25,000 miles. There were times that I had to be reminded of crappy road conditions (ice) that I wasn't even aware of until nailing the breaks and ABS kicked in. No, it's not a Hellcat, but I don't really care. It's an immensely comfortable two door sedan that I can drive without fatigue at any distance, and in pretty much any weather. For $35k loaded,. I thought it was a deal then, and I still feel the same a year later.

[@DoubleAIV]

The purpose of this beautiful car is to be in my parking lot

[@gregoryaparker]

I drive my GT here in Germany on the autobahn and it's fantastic! If my speed limit was below 70mph then I wouldn't bother with a muscle car because it would be pointless.

[@Retread268]

I am five years late to this video, but it deserves a comment for the algorithm. I have been recently researching this vehicle, and this was the perfect review. You summed it up just right, an option for a stick and a V8, or even a small super charger. Both going the way of the Dodo bird. I would like them to make better use of the car size, shorten the nose enough tot give rear seating and trunk space. I would also like to see lift backs make a come back, but only Audi and Kia took a swing at it. Anywho, dozens of canned videos a watched, I am glad I found this one.

[@CarguyEd5150]

It's designed for those who love the look of the new Challenger and would like to have the higher horsepower versions of them, but need a practical car that will get them through the harsh winters of the midwest. Not many have the budget to own a Scat Pack or Hellcat Challenger and only drive it for a few months a year and use a vehicle just for winter. Buying the Challenger GT AWD, lets you drive a great looking car all year around, that you can add more features, decals, etc, to improve it, and not fear snow. Plus at 300 hp, it's not a complete dog when you want to have a little fun with it. It never was intended to be a muscle car and you shouldn't compare it to one.

[@Kuhladestkyicky]

I’m an RT owner with every option. Put an aftermarket supercharger on it. Mucho fasto. Had a 6 banger as a rental. Solid car. Great daily driver and has enough hustle. Blue color is sharp.

[@TopSecretVid]

Just looked at a few GT’s today. Really nice cars. A friend of mine is thinking of getting one they look cool and living in NY would be decent year round car for her. And you can not beat the lease deals.

[@martinstyblo6355]

Good review; I agree with most of the comments. And I am enjoying every mile in 2020 GT AWD. She is really a great looking cruiser (rather than a true muscle car - let's leave this to the V8 trims), comfortable to ride in, spacious (with some compromise on my leg length she can serve even as a family car for 5) and despite the basic engine not completely slow in the traffic though. The sound of V6 is in fact not that bad, definitely better in reality than you can hear on many videos (namely inside I found the sound quite pleasant). Yes, she is a big heavy car, one feels the weight (but the car handles nicely) and of course one cannot neglect the size when parking or driving on narrow roads, namely here in the middle of Europe:-)

[@MrCrs65412hhll]

The only think I they should’ve done differently on this trim is allow the car to lock into RWD versus it kicking in the AWD when there’s a lil rain.

[@SonsofSpeed]

Justyn Fawkes we would agree!

[@greggalletta8679]

Nice job DODGE!!!! I live in the hills of Connecticut and want a sporty car. Until now, what was available? WRX, Focus RS? I don't think so. I love my Challenger GT. Would I like a V*? Probably, but I wouldn't pay $5000 extra for it. 305 HP is just enough. The car is still fun and It'll get me to work in the winter. What could be better than that?? The people who don't understand this car don't drive in the snow.

[@SonsofSpeed]

I think you hit the nail directly on the head, Gregg!

[@acrspeed]

You can drive RWD in the snow. I've been doing it for a few years and I have been fine.

[@lucasbetterhavemysun7732]

Gregg Alletta love your comment, man. I feel the same way. Would I prefer a v8 AWD? Of course but I’m completely happy with my v6 awd that I can use all year round.

[@aj3751]

Same here in NY! Can't miss work for bad weather, so I need AWD. There is no AWD vehicle I'd rather have than this one!

[@pilsplease7561]

I like my v6 with just rwd because its fine for california it only rains here never snows near me, so i dont need it, but man is it fun as hell to drive, and i can just barely drive a challenger glad i stopped growing lol. I get endless compliments and people check my car out on a nearly daily basis. Its kind of odd being in a car that gets so much attention. Went to pickup some paperwork from the local lumberyard and a guy came out looked at it and went and bought one.

[@Awkwamanwitdastang]

Need a gas cap lock because haters might put sugar in my fuel tank

[@dano7145]

My comments are clearly late to the party where is video is concerned; but the current year is now 2023, and I am considering the Challenger as a second car. This and other Challenger videos speak to the large dimensions of the Challenger (compared to those of the Mustang and Camaro), and frankly that particular gripe has worn thin for me. It is what it is. Just as the original 1950s Thunderbird did, the Challenger has "grown up." And frankly, I view this car more as an updated take on the 60s and 70s 2-door-only Charger or even a sportier Cordoba than a pony car. And I'm just fine with that because I appreciate that the Challenger is based on the current 4-door Charger's platform. I like the Challenger's retro styling, its AWD, the available options, and even its ride and handling, which are obviously better suited for boulevard and interstate use than on "twisties." As for Mustang and Camaro devotees who live in the snow belt, I recommend a good set of winter tires!

[@millwrightman99]

True .this is a challenger .But its only challenging bad weather .A turbo would make this car a good buy ,just because it would shut them all up .400 HP. nice round number !

[@SonsofSpeed]

millwrightman99 we couldn’t agree more.

[@pilsplease7561]

Thing i like is you can install the shifters and the car can still be driven somewhat like a manual even with the automatic transmission, you can put it into manual and shift it yourself with the paddles.

[@zarthemad8386]

its the best V6 car on the market currently...

[@ZeleKnez]

Cons: - Too heavy - Doesnt do well on corners - Did terribly in crash test, even doll was left withouth legs - Terrible wheel shifters - Side door space is equal to zero - Very little space on back seats for legs - European cars offer way more for same money

[@keithdodd3570]

The worst and one of the slowest on the market. For 40k. Once again it is a nice family V6. The king of V6's is Camaro sport car at 335 hp. Even the new Eco boost 2020 V6 ford mustang will now be 330 hp. That gt is heavy and 310 hp. A Nice Family starter suppose to be a muscle car. Be good fellow Americans.

[@kinsmen1764]

@@keithdodd3570 are the camaros and mastangs AWD and I don't think they compare in terms of back seat space.

[@keithdodd3570]

AWD does not help with a heavy car with less horse power. Like i said Its a nice famliy v6 with good trunk space for family stuff. Oh yeah they have that same look for 10 years. Also terrible exhaust sound on the V6 challenger. V6 camaro stock exhaust is 10 x's louder. Do you have 275 hp or 310 hp. Hmmm be good

[@kinsmen1764]

@@keithdodd3570 i agree with you on everything else, but for looks, they target different markets, Camaros, or mustangs could work for you in terms of looks but they don't for me or someone else. Also this specific look is the trademark for this car, you don't want to mess with it so much same as wrangler. And for the mustang the looks haven't changed in 10 years, Camaro has now been out what 3-5 years they haven't changed either. Look what GMC did, they messed with the looks of the old blazer and oh boy,! many chevy fan-boys are not happy with the new looks, only soccer moms seem happy. In my opinion, chevy would have just named it something else.

[@xpower30]

As a owner of a GT, yes they should make a 5.7 or 6.4 manual GT

[@DEEPCYCLEGARAGE]

Add 100-150+hp with Ripp supercharger. I'm thinking of getting into one.

[@doublehh666]

Hellcat/Demon Challenger owners should thank their lucky stars this car is sold and produced en masse. The revenue and chassis tuning from the base models sold allows FCA to take financial and inventory risks to produce the fire breathing versions. similar to how Porsche 911 owners owe a debt to Cayenne/Macan owners.

[@aj3751]

I'm so happy to hear someone review this car for what it is: A sporty looking daily driving car. Plenty of HP and AWD for bad weather. One thing I don't like, which really is no big deal, is that there is no CD player :/ Anyway I was really wondering how is the visibility in this car? Can you see a car on the highway riding in your blind spot?

[@SonsofSpeed]

Thank you, Anthony - glad you enjoyed the review! To answer your question, visibility is generally good, but as with any two door, blind spots can be an issue. You can, however, add the driver convenience group package for $1,095, which includes: Blind-Spot and Rear Cross-Path Detection High Intensity Discharge Headlamps Power Multi-Function Mirrors with Manual Fold-Away Remote-Start System (N/A w/Manual Trans) Universal Garage Door Opener The blind spot monitoring works very well, but always check with your eyes, too!

[@aj3751]

I see. Well it sounds worth while if it means keeping this baby like new. Thanks!

[@pilsplease7561]

I have had issues parking every other car i have owned, and this sucker is ironically while having the biggest blind spots the easiest for me to drive.

[@gone_inc]

No FCA cars have had a CD player for quite some time now

[@cadsux]

Good review. I am surprise the gentleman tape-measured the Challenger GT's width as 69" when various online specs say 75.7." My Mustang is 75" wide, and the side mirrors barely clear the garage door opening by about 1.5" on each side. If the Challenger GT is narrower, I should be able to fit it in my single car garage quite nicely!

[@rdesigninc5756]

The 69" is only the actual front nose of the car, the car widens to 75.7" as you go further back.

[@cadsux]

Thanks. The Mustang also has a rear track that's wider than the front.

[@hemi5.7awdpursuit5]

If not a total v8 at least 10-20 horsepower would definitely help with dodge brand awd.

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Or replace the hood, deck lid, and roof for carbon fiber versions.

[@jamesthurber4730]

The Chassis on the Challenger is 2" shorter, I believe.

[@chrisbalmes5031]

Cool review. Love the Sons!

[@coop4274]

The Challenger is not the same chassis as the charger. It's about 4 inches shorter wheelbase.

[@SonsofSpeed]

Technically, the LC platform the Challenger sits on is just a shortened version of the LX platform the Charger sits on, so yes, it is shorter but the Challenger still derives its chassis from the Charger. Good point!

[@pilsplease7561]

Its still a big car lol, its the land yacht of today, it feels hard to park in certain store parking lots because it just feels big. You do get used to it.

[@austinp6863]

Coop427 it actually is the same platform

[@lb5825]

What a tool. I’m about looks and I live in a state where traffic is congested asf and top speed limit is 60 mph. I have no use for a car that goes 0-60 in 4 seconds. This is a damn good looking car. Enough for me.

[@Ryzenberg78]

Anyone know if Chrysler has corrected the casting sand/heater core issues on the newer model vehicles with the Pentastar 3.6l? This is a common and well documented problem with 3.6l equipped vehicles. No point in an AWD 3.6l Challenger if it will lose heat at 50k miles.

[@CarGuy11]

Did FCA provide you this vehicle to review? If so how?

[@ArticWolf2016]

The intro music seems really familiar from a level based shoot em up from way back in the day called sodium one. Had some major nostalgia and I’m wondering where you got it :)

[@SonsofSpeed]

Not sure if it was used elsewhere, but we license all of our music from audioblocks.com.

[@ArticWolf2016]

@@SonsofSpeed Would you by chance, know what the title is? It would make my day to find this piece of my childhood lol

[@WGHorrorFilms]

The Purpose? Snow =-)

[@aquarius9491]

When will chevy make an allwheel drive Corvette?

[@SonsofSpeed]

If the Vette goes hybrid at some point, we think then you'll see it go AWD.

[@keithdodd3570]

King of v6 camaro 335 hp. Challenger nice family v6 310 hp. Be good

[@jamesthurber4730]

Why does everyone continue to call this car big? It's the same size as the old Mid-size vehicles. What are you all driving, Fiat 500's? We live in a world surrounded by monster pick ups and you rattle on about a car that in my experience doesn't feel big at all.

[@cnwtrains]

Can the back seat fold down?

[@SonsofSpeed]

cnw/union pacific trains yes, they can. Thanks for your question!

[@cnwtrains]

@@SonsofSpeed No problem now I'm definitely thinking about getting one

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Most Porsches use a v6 engine...

[@ktoth29]

Its for people who want to buy a full size sedan but are willing to settle for a two door because they no longer make full size sedans.

[@memonk11]

Dodge dropped the ball. No reason for it not to be a v-8.

[@SonsofSpeed]

We agree, and hope Dodge fixes that ASAP.

[@robo08ify]

Iirc, (I may be wrong, so please correct me if I am) only the police versions of the AWD Dodge cars have the V8 engine and it’s only the 5.7.

[@memonk11]

@@robo08ify Up until 2014 anyone could have purchased 5.7 V8 AWD charger. There is exactly zero reason they could not have made that the current GT.

[@Prosperiity]

Does it get to 60 faster than the sxt?

[@SonsofSpeed]

Thank you for the question! Actually, it's about 0.3 seconds slower to 60 than the SXT (6.3 v. 6.0), which is attributable to its higher weight.

[@yonihales9133]

Dodge building a 300 HP AWD is like God making a perfect woman (AWD) for a man but her not having a hole (300 HP) And PLEASE Dodge run your new electronics by someone external before putting them in a car or better yet contract with Honda to spec them out and build them.

[@hemi5.7awdpursuit5]

John Hales my 2015 sxt Rallye is 300 horsepower but gt challenger is 305

[@bikebudha01]

sigh, if it only had a manual....

[@freddyfrediere8275]

A-TA VA

[@dannysdailys]

Excuse me? The Dodge Charger/ Challenger ARE NOT PONY CARS! Where did you hear that? They were NEVER called that. How old are you? The Challenger is a 2-door coupe, and the Charger is a full size 4-door sedan. Nothing Pony about either one of them. If you're going to bother? AT LEAST GET IT RIGHT!. Why don't you fully embarrass yourself and call the 300 a pony car as well.

[@keithdodd3570]

Your review was very BORING. Be good

[@GL-qw3mo]

Car would get smoked by a Honda Civic. Don't waste your money.

[@horuslupercal3872]

And you missed the point.............

[@zarthemad8386]

but would you be caught dead in the Honda Civic?

[@Sticks1680]

Lmfao. Ok fanboy

[@midwestgrunt]

Lmao.... you can have your civic lol.

[@tedpendagast579]

Dark `Knight actually that’s not true 0-60 and quarter mile are both better than a civic, which takes almost a mile to get to 100 mph