Road Test: 2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD

Specifications:

Price: $39,245 (MSRP)

Engine: 3.6L DOHC 24-valve Pentastar V6

Trans: 8-speed TorqueFlite auto

Power: 305 hp@ 6,350 rpm

Torque: 268 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,106 lbs./ 1,862 kg

Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 12.8/8.7

New for 2018: The Dodge Charger remains relatively unchanged from 2017 save for the new 840 horsepower Demon model, a larger standard touchscreen, standard rearview camera, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Segment Competitors: Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger

The Skinny: I’ll admit it. When I first heard the Challenger that was being offered on the local FCA media fleet was a GT AWD V6 model I was slightly disappointed. Sure it would still have the same great looks as the V8 models but a couple of years previous, I had the opportunity to drive the R/T 392 Scat Pack Shaker hood model and loved every minute of it as that truly represented what a muscle car is supposed to be. Big, loud, brash and fast in a straight line. At the time, we were in the middle of winter which is less than ideal conditions of a traditional muscle car (despite our lack of snow in Vancouver) and that maybe this would be the perfect time to try out the more practical model. A couple of days into my test week, we experienced one of our worst snowstorms in years on the West Coast and I soon found out that the Challenger GT AWD was perfect for the snow and even quite fun. The wide stance coupled with the AWD system allowed me to plow through some pretty deep and slippery terrain all while garnering a few confused looks from people trying to figure out how this bright red muscle car was outperforming there much more practical rides in deep snow.

Pros: Given what I experienced during my testing, I have to mention its snow-driving capability and the fact that it has the largest backseat of any of the current muscle cars being offered today.

Cons: I get what Dodge is doing here by offering the Challenger with an AWD system to better suit Canadian winters, but I think if this test had been in the middle of a dry summer, I wouldn’t have been quite as thrilled.

The Verdict: As I mentioned, due to the conditions I experienced this car had me sold the second I took it out in the snow. It performed admirably and looked great while doing so. There is a case to be made for the GT AWD Challenger as it provides you with year round driving that you may not be able to experience in a V8, rear-wheel drive model. If that’s more important to you than screeching your tires off a stop light with the roar of a V8 coming from under the hood, than this may be the car for you.