Did you know that there are seventeen different versions of the modern third generation Dodge Challenger available here on Autotrader? From the base SXT, to the GT, to the R/T to the R/T Scat Pack to the SRT, to the Hellcat to the … well you get the idea. It keeps going. Spotting the differences on the street can be a challenge, but we’re here for you. Here’s a quick spotter’s guide for deciphering the numerous Dodge Challenger versions!
First, here are all the designations of the modern Challenger used on Autotrader — GT, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Scat Pack, Rallye Redline, Scat Pack, SE, SRT, SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Redeye, SRT Demon, SRT8, SRT8 Core, SRT8 Yellow Jacket, SXT, SXT Plus and T/A! Whew.
To keep this simple, I’ll start with the new 2019 Challenger lineup, plus the Demon, since it’s pretty recent. If you’re in the market for a new Challenger, you can choose from half a dozen versions. Here’s a quick chart showing the 2019 SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, Hellcat Redeye and the Demon (you can still find a few new 2018 cars):
Even to the discerning enthusiast eye, it’s hard to tell them apart isn’t it? So here are some tips.
Grill Logo
Look for the model designation in the front grill! All "regular" Challengers have the word "Challenger" written on the left side of the grill. The base SXT has nothing on the right side, but the GT, R/T, and R/T Scat Pack have their logos right there on the front. Of note, the R/T Scat Pack uses the classic script font, versus the block letters on the others. Unless … you choose that as an option on another Challenger. More on that later. Once you get up into the SRT models like the Hellcats you get "SRT" text, plus the Hellcat cat on the grill. The Demon simply says "SRT" on the front grill. Plus, it looks like it wants to kill you — because, whether or not you’re driving it, it does!
Side Logo
Similarly, the SXT — and also the slightly up-market GT, which both sport the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 and are both available with AWD — don’t get any badge love just behind the front wheels. However, the R/T has a "HEMI" logo, the R/T Scat Pack has a cool traditional angry racing bee logo, and the Hellcats (obviously) feature the Hellcat logo. The Demon has a, well, it’s a demon.
Rear Logo
Only the Hellcats and Demon have a logo on the rear spoiler. It says "SRT," so that’s an easy way to spot the beasts in traffic.
Hood
All Challengers feature some type of aggressive-looking hood. The SXT, R/T, and R/T Scat pack all have the smaller single scoop hood, which resembles the early gen-three Challengers. The 2019 GT got a hood makeover and is now sporting the SRT-style single center air intake. The HEMI-equipped models are available with an optional Shaker intake, while the T/A package gives you the SRT hood, which can be painted matte black. With the T/A model, you can also add old school throwback hood pins, which is pretty cool.
Both new 2019 Hellcat models come with a dual snorkel hood. This new hood design gave an increase of 10 horsepower to the traditional Hellcat and the Redeye boasts an astounding 797 hp. Of note, the older 2015-2018 Hellcat models have a single scoop hood, with two vents facing back towards the driver which has ducts to allow the supercharged 6.2-liter engine to purge some heat. The SRT Demon comes with one massive scoop roughly the size of a Honda Fit. So, two scoops equals Hellcat, one massive scoop equals a Demon and the rest are the lesser Challengers.
Wide Body
For 2019, the R/T Scatpack and both the Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye are available with the $6000 "Widebody" package, which comes with 20-in x 11-in Devil’s Rim Forged Aluminum Wheels, 305/35ZR20 All-Season Performance Tires, Widebody Competition Suspension, and Widebody Fender Flares. This all adds an additional six inches to the overall width of the car, giving it a meaner stance. The Demon is very wide as well, and you can’t miss the extra width. There are also some outlier packages just to spice things up and make this more challenging. Get it? Challenging!
- The "Blacktop package" is available for the SXT, GT, and R/T. You don’t get any performance upgrades, but you get more black bits for your Challenger.
- The "R/T Classic package" is what you would assume, some black R/T Classic Side Stripes and "Challenger" Script Fender Badge.
- The "T/A package" adds the 392 Fender Decal, T/A Spoiler Decal and a ton of other aesthetic mods like a T/A Bodyside Graphic among others.
And all of that can magically appear on basically any other model through the magic of the aftermarket and the Mopar parts counter at your local dealer. So forget all that stuff I said, as it’s really hard to tell which Challenger is which unless you’re a die-hard fan. Thankfully I had one on hand, and thanks to Brendt for being my Mopar guru on this one! If I missed something, and I’m sure that I did, post it in the comments. Find a Dodge Challenger for sale
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