2018 Dodge Challenger SXT: A Detailed Review

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT. This iconic muscle car offers a blend of retro styling, modern technology, and everyday usability. If you're considering buying one, this review will give you a comprehensive look at what to expect. We're talking performance, interior, features, and everything in between. So buckle up, and let's get started!

Overview of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT is the base trim of the Challenger lineup, but don't let that fool you. It still packs a punch and offers a lot of value for the money. Under the hood, you'll find a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivers a respectable 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient shifting. The SXT comes standard with rear-wheel drive, staying true to the Challenger's muscle car heritage. One of the standout features of the 2018 Challenger SXT is its spacious interior. Unlike some other muscle cars that sacrifice comfort for performance, the Challenger offers plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making it a great car for long road trips. The trunk is also surprisingly large, offering ample space for luggage or groceries. In terms of technology, the SXT comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. These features allow you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it a breeze to use while driving. The exterior of the 2018 Challenger SXT is just as impressive as the interior. It features a classic muscle car design with a long hood, wide stance, and aggressive lines. The SXT comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, but you can upgrade to larger wheels for a more sporty look. Overall, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT is a well-rounded muscle car that offers a great combination of performance, comfort, and technology. Whether you're looking for a daily driver or a weekend cruiser, the Challenger SXT is definitely worth considering.

Performance and Handling

When we talk about the performance of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT, we’re really talking about how well this car balances its muscle car roots with everyday usability. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine is a reliable workhorse, providing ample power for most driving situations. While it may not have the raw grunt of the V8 models, it still offers plenty of punch for merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a great match for the V6 engine, delivering smooth and precise shifts. It also helps to improve fuel economy, which is a welcome bonus for a muscle car. Speaking of fuel economy, the Challenger SXT gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These numbers are pretty respectable for a car of this size and power. In terms of handling, the Challenger SXT is surprisingly nimble for its size. The steering is well-weighted and provides good feedback, allowing you to confidently navigate corners. The suspension is tuned for comfort, but it still manages to keep the car relatively flat in the turns. The Challenger SXT also comes standard with a variety of safety features, including stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. These features help to keep you in control of the car, even in challenging driving conditions. One thing to keep in mind is that the Challenger SXT is a big car, and it can feel a bit cumbersome in tight spaces. Parking can also be a challenge, especially in crowded urban areas. However, the Challenger SXT does offer a rearview camera, which helps to make parking easier. Overall, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT offers a good balance of performance and handling. It's not the fastest or most agile muscle car on the market, but it's still a fun and engaging car to drive. And with its comfortable ride and spacious interior, it's also a great car for long road trips.

Interior and Technology

Let's step inside the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT and explore the interior and technology features. One of the first things you'll notice is the spaciousness of the cabin. The Challenger offers plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, making it a comfortable car for long trips. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and the driving position is excellent. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to read, with all of the essential controls within easy reach. The materials used throughout the interior are of good quality, and the overall fit and finish is impressive. In terms of technology, the Challenger SXT comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display, which is used to control the infotainment system. The system is user-friendly and responsive, and it offers a variety of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. You can use these features to access your favorite apps, make phone calls, send text messages, and listen to music. The Challenger SXT also comes standard with a six-speaker audio system, which provides decent sound quality. However, if you're a serious audiophile, you may want to upgrade to the optional Alpine or Harman Kardon sound system. Other available technology features include a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen display, navigation, a premium sound system, and a rearview camera. The rearview camera is especially helpful when parking, as it provides a clear view of what's behind the car. Overall, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT offers a well-equipped and comfortable interior. The technology features are modern and user-friendly, and the overall quality of the cabin is impressive. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the Challenger SXT will keep you connected and entertained.

Exterior Design and Features

The exterior design of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT is where this car truly shines. It's a modern take on a classic muscle car, with a long hood, wide stance, and aggressive lines. The Challenger's retro-inspired styling is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The SXT comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, which give the car a sporty and stylish look. However, you can upgrade to larger wheels for an even more aggressive appearance. The front of the Challenger features a bold grille with the Dodge logo prominently displayed. The headlights are sleek and modern, and they provide excellent illumination at night. The hood is long and sculpted, giving the car a muscular and powerful look. The sides of the Challenger are clean and uncluttered, with a simple character line that runs from the front fender to the rear taillight. The rear of the Challenger features a wide decklid and distinctive taillights. The taillights are inspired by the classic Challengers of the past, and they give the car a unique and recognizable look. The SXT comes standard with a rear spoiler, which adds to the car's sporty appearance. Other available exterior features include a sunroof, fog lights, and a variety of different paint colors. The sunroof allows you to let in some fresh air and sunshine, while the fog lights improve visibility in inclement weather. Overall, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT is a stunning car with a timeless design. Its retro-inspired styling and aggressive lines make it stand out from the crowd. Whether you're cruising down the street or parked at a car show, the Challenger SXT is sure to impress.

Reliability and Safety

When considering the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT, reliability and safety are key factors. The Challenger has a decent reliability record, with most owners reporting few major issues. However, like any car, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that it stays in good condition. The Challenger SXT comes standard with a variety of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and a suite of airbags. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe in the event of a collision. The Challenger has also been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In NHTSA testing, the Challenger received an overall rating of five stars, which is the highest possible rating. In IIHS testing, the Challenger received good ratings in most categories, but it received a marginal rating in the small overlap front crash test. This test simulates a collision with a narrow object, such as a tree or a pole. Overall, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT is a relatively safe car. However, it's important to be aware of its performance in the small overlap front crash test. To improve safety, you may want to consider adding optional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. These features can help you to avoid accidents and stay safe on the road. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Challenger SXT running smoothly and reliably. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, and address any issues promptly. With proper care, your Challenger SXT should provide you with years of reliable service.

Pros and Cons of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT

Let's break down the pros and cons of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

  • Retro Styling: The Challenger's classic muscle car design is a major selling point for many buyers.
  • Spacious Interior: Unlike some other muscle cars, the Challenger offers plenty of room for both front and rear passengers.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The Challenger's infotainment system is easy to use and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Smooth Ride: The Challenger's suspension is tuned for comfort, making it a great car for long road trips.
  • Strong V6 Engine: The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine provides plenty of power for most driving situations.

Cons:

  • Large Size: The Challenger's size can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
  • Fuel Economy: While not terrible, the Challenger's fuel economy is not as good as some other cars in its class.
  • Rear Visibility: The Challenger's thick rear pillars can make it difficult to see out the back.
  • Small Overlap Front Crash Test: The Challenger received a marginal rating in the IIHS small overlap front crash test.
  • Base Model Features: While well-equipped, the SXT is the base model, so some desirable features are optional.

Is the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Right for You?

So, is the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT the right car for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a stylish and comfortable muscle car with a strong V6 engine and user-friendly technology, the Challenger SXT is definitely worth considering. However, if you need a car that's easy to park and gets great gas mileage, you may want to look elsewhere. The Challenger SXT is a great choice for those who appreciate classic muscle car styling and want a comfortable and practical daily driver. It's also a good option for those who want a car that's fun to drive but don't need the raw power of a V8 engine. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Challenger SXT is right for you is to take it for a test drive. This will give you a chance to experience the car firsthand and see if it meets your needs and expectations.