2021 Dodge Challenger vs. 2022 Dodge Challenger: Which Is Better?

Don’t expect a lot of upgrades from the 2022 Dodge Challenger. Aside from one new trim offering, these muscle cars are almost identical.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
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The 2022 Dodge Challenger will set you back at least an extra thousand dollars compared to the 2021 model—but the only new thing is the special edition Jailbreak trim.
The Challenger has been a mainstay of the Dodge lineup since the 1970s. The horsepower has only increased with every Challenger generation—it’s easy to see how the Dodge Challenger defines a muscle car. So, maybe you’re wondering what makes the 2021 and 2022 Challenger special.
Jerry
, the
car insurance
comparison app, is here to compare the latest two model years. We’ll cover what’s new to the 2022 model, compare the specs, and help you decide which model is worth it. Plus, we’ll give you tips for saving on
Dodge Challenger insurance costs
.

2022 Dodge Challenger vs. 2021 Dodge Challenger: what’s the difference?

It’s pretty clear that the 2022 model isn’t a redesign—there’s just not that much difference between this and the previous year (other than the higher prices). There are some minor differences, of course. For instance, the 2022 R/T Scat Pack trim level includes a deluxe security alarm, while the 2021 doesn’t.
The biggest change to the lineup is the new Jailbreak package for the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody trim. While it boasts the same crazy 807 horsepower as the Super Stock trim, you’ll get access to all new color options with the Jailbreak. If you truly want to personalize your Challenger, you’ll have tons of opportunities with this new offering—you can customize everything from the brake calipers to the seatbelt colors!
Let’s walk through the vehicle specifications for these two model years.

Pricing

You’ll see a sharp increase in price for each trim level on the 2022 Dodge Challenger. In most cases, there’s a $1,000 price jump between the two years, but by the time you reach the premium SRT trim levels, the pricing difference is over $2,000! Check out the specific pricing differences in the table below.
Model
2022 MSRP
2021 MSRP
$34,200
$33,000
$37,500
$36,000
$38,800
$36,700
$44,600
$41,800
$68,100
$62,500
$76,700
$74,100
2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak
$83,700
n/a
Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
$85,700
$83,500
MORE: Dodge Challenger SXT ground clearance

General specs

There’s quite a variation in price between the trim levels but is there a noticeable difference in performance? The quick answer is no—both Challengers have the exact same powertrain and towing capacity. Driving either Challenger feels distinctly old-school. And although you’ll notice how much weight you have under the wheel, the car responds easilyt, which makes it fun to drive.
2022 Dodge Challenger
2021 Dodge Challenger
Base engine 
3.6-liter six-cylinder engine (303 horsepower)
3.6-liter six-cylinder engine (303 horsepower)
Upgrade engine (R/T)
5.7-liter eight-cylinder engine (375 horsepower) 
5.7-liter eight-cylinder engine (375 horsepower) 
Top trim engine (SRT Super Stock)
6.2-liter eight-cylinder engine (807 horsepower) 
6.2-liter eight-cylinder engine (807 horsepower) 
Transmission
Eight-speed shiftable automatic
Eight-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Maximum towing capacity
1,000 lbs
1,000 lbs
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MORE: How to pick out and install a Dodge trailer hitch

Fuel economy

The 2021 and 2022 Challenger models have the same powertrain. Since the cars have the same build and weight, the EPA gives them the same fuel ratings. Although fuel efficiency depends a lot on how and where you drive, these are the EPA’s estimated mileage ratings:
  • Base engine (3.6-liter six-cylinder engine): 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
  • Upgrade engine (5.7-liter eight-cylinder engine): 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined
  • Top trim engine (6.2-liter eight-cylinder engine): 13 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined
The Dodge Challenger doesn’t sip gas, it guzzles it! This isn’t surprising, though—every trim level packs a powerful engine (especially the SRT Super Stock). If you’re looking for the Challenger with the best fuel economy, stick with the 2021 or 2022 base model.

Safety ratings

Unfortunately, the Challenger doesn’t stand out for its safety features—the limited selection is optional. These include forward collision warning (without automatic emergency braking), adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a blind spot monitor.
Since the Challenger only offers the most basic safety features, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a four-star rating (for both 2021 and 2022). While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Challenger “Good” ratings in several categories, it did get a “Marginal” for the car’s body and structure. The safety cage design even got a “Poor” ranking.

Styling and interior changes

Expect the same interior on the 2022 Challenger. Reviewers usually feel underwhelmed by the design and styling, although the interior boasts:
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Proximity keyless entry
  • 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Two USB ports
  • Heated and power seats
  • Six-speaker stereo
  • Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
The plastic trim of the interior tends to look a little cheap, especially when compared to the Challenger’s less expensive rivals, the
Ford Mustang
and
Chevy Camaro
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Special edition

The all-new Jailbreak Package for the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody model is really the only new addition to the 2022 Challenger lineup. This package sits right between the SRT Hellcat Redeye and SRT Super Stock trims. 
The Jailbreak Package sounds cool, but is it anything to write home about? You’ll love this special edition if you want to customize every aspect of your new Challenger. Dodge unlocks new colors and design combinations, so you can truly put your mark on your muscle car. Plus, it gets the same insane 807 horsepower as the top-of-the-line trim level!
MORE: Are Dodges expensive to maintain?

2023 Dodge Challenger vs. 2022 Dodge Challenger: which should you buy?

If you’ve narrowed your muscle car purchase down to the 2021 Dodge Challenger and the 2022 Dodge Challenger, we’d recommend going for the cheaper 2021 model. After all, they have the same engine and performance specs, but you could save a few thousand dollars (and the 2021 will be cheaper to insure).
However, if you want to customize your dream Dodge, you may want to splurge on the 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak. It’s a mouthful, but you can control every aspect of the car’s appearance without sacrificing the top performance that comes from the Challenger line.
If you’re still shopping, don’t forget to check out the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. These tend to be less expensive, and their design is more modern and exciting, especially compared to the Challenger’s 1970s retro feel.

How to save on Dodge insurance

Insuring a new (or slightly new) Dodge Challenger can be expensive—it’s typically pricier than a Dodge Charger. Need to cut car insurance costs? Keep the coverage and find the savings with
Jerry
.
Here’s how it works: download Jerry’s
trustworthy insurance comparison app
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Our team of experienced insurance agents will handle the paperwork to get you switched over. We’ll even check for better rates when it’s time to renew, so you know you’re always getting the best deal on
car insurance
.
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