Buying a used Dodge Challenger is more than just picking a muscle car, it’s about finding the right engine that matches your lifestyle, budget, and performance goals. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser, a daily commuter, or a performance enthusiast who thrives on horsepower, the Challenger lineup offers multiple engine choices that deliver a wide range of driving experiences.

At JStar, we’ve helped countless California drivers choose the right Challenger, ensuring they get performance and value that lasts. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the engines powering Dodge Challengers, covering everything from fuel efficiency to raw horsepower, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when shopping for a used Dodge Challenger in California.

Why the Engine Choice Matters (Especially in California)

Muscle cars are simple on paper: big power up front, drive it with a grin. In real life, engine choice affects:

• Performance feel: throttle response, mid-range punch, highway passing confidence.
• Operating costs: fuel type/consumption, maintenance intervals, insurance rates.
• Driveability: how the car behaves in stop-and-go traffic, in the heat, and on long grades (hello Cajon Pass).
• Resale value: demand varies by engine; some trims remain perennial favorites.
• California compliance: smog checks, CARB-legal mods, and how aftermarket parts can complicate inspections.

Your driving reality matters. If you’re mostly on the 405 and 55, a torquey V8 is fun but a calibrated V6 may keep you happier at the pump. If you live for Cars & Coffee and weekend cruises, the 5.7L HEMI might be your sweet spot. If your idea of a good Friday night is the soundtrack of a supercharger whine, you already know where this is headed.

The Dodge Challenger Engine Lineup

Below are the most common engines you’ll encounter when shopping. Exact specs vary by model year, transmission, and tune, but these figures capture the real-world ballpark and help frame your decision.

1) 3.6L Pentastar V6 

If you’re imagining the “base engine” as an afterthought, think again. The Pentastar V6 is a sweetheart: smooth, rev-happy, and quieter than you’d expect in a muscle coupe. Around town and on OC freeways, it’s more than enough, with the kind of effortless manners that make a daily driver easy to live with.

What it feels like:

• Strong enough to merge confidently and pass without planning.
• Calm at highway speeds; the 8-speed auto helps it stay relaxed and efficient.
• Balanced chassis without the nose-heavy feel of big-block power.

Why people buy it:

• Efficiency that won’t punish you during peak traffic weeks.
• Lower insurance and simpler maintenance compared to supercharged V8s.
• Affordability—often newer model years and nicer options for the same budget.

California angle: If your commute runs heavy (Santa Ana to Irvine, for example), this engine delivers a chilled-out, low-drama experience while still giving you Challenger looks and presence.

Who it’s for: First-time Challenger buyers, daily commuters, style-forward drivers who value total ownership cost as much as sound and speed.

2) 5.7L HEMI V8 

This is the Goldilocks engine for many California buyers. The 5.7L HEMI gives you the rumble, the low-end torque, and that unmistakable muscle car character without demanding supercar money at the gas station.

What it feels like:

• Punchy off the line, lively mid-range, satisfying highway passing.
• With the right exhaust, it sounds like America on a summer night.
• Paired with the 8-speed auto, it’s both playful and smooth in traffic.

Why people buy it:

• Classic muscle vibe—this is the soundtrack and shove you picture.
• Livable costs—you can daily it without constant fuel/maintenance anxiety.
• Strong resale—broad demand makes it easy to live with and to move on from later.

California angle: Perfect for weekend meets, PCH sunset drives, and the occasional canyon run without feeling like you brought a sledgehammer to a butter knife fight.

Who it’s for: Drivers who want the full Challenger experience sound, feel, presence while keeping ownership sane. If you’re asking “what’s the one to buy?” this is usually it.

3) 6.4L HEMI V8 (392) 

Step into a 392 (often found in Scat Pack or R/T 392) and you immediately notice the extra shove. Throttle response sharpens, the mid-range surge turns addictive, and the whole car feels like it braces when you prod the pedal.

What it feels like:

• Big lungs. Big pull. 0–60 mph in the low-4s (driver/conditions dependent).
• More engine braking and character—you drive this car, not just steer it.
• It wants to play; you’ll find yourself taking the long way home.

Why people buy it:

• Performance per dollar is phenomenal in the used market.
• Track-friendly manners with the right tires and cooling.
• Statement piece—even people who don’t speak “car” understand this one.

California angle: On winding roads (Ortega Highway comes to mind), the 392 feels alive. It’s the engine that turns “just a car” into a hobby.

Who it’s for: Enthusiasts who can’t stop thinking about torque curves and love the idea of a naturally aspirated V8 that feels hand-built for smiles.

4) Supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat V8 

You know why you’re here. The Hellcat isn’t just an engine; it’s a personality. A supercharger whine that makes bystanders turn before they even see the car. A tidal wave of torque that can reorder your priorities in third gear.

What it feels like:

• Effortless speed. Laugh-out-loud passes. Brisk becomes blistering.
• Demands respect: tires, temps, and traction all matter more here.
• Still surprisingly docile around town if you behave (you won’t, but you could).

Why people buy it:

• Icon status. The badge means something.
• Tuning headroom (respect local laws and smog rules).
• Event cred—you’ll never lack for friends at a Cars & Coffee.

California angle: Brilliant for show-and-go. If you frequent Pomona’s drag strip or cruise nights across LA/OC, this is the halo you park with pride.

Who it’s for: Experienced drivers, disciplined owners, and anyone who reads “717+ hp” and thinks “daily driver material.”

5) Supercharged 6.2L HEMI Demon 

A Challenger SRT Demon in the wild? That’s a story you’ll tell your grandkids. Designed with the drag strip in mind, it’s limited, collectible, and outrageous. If you find a clean, well-documented example and it fits your life, you won’t second-guess it.

What it feels like:

• Weapons-grade. The quarter-mile isn’t a “stat” here, it’s a mission.
• Race-fuel capability pushes output into myth territory.
• More asset than appliance; plan ownership like you would a classic.

Who it’s for: Collectors, dedicated racers, and the “buy what you love and never apologize” crowd.

Reliability: What Lasts, What to Watch

A used Challenger can run well past 200,000 miles with proper care—yes, even the V8s. But how you maintain and drive the car matters more than any single stat.

General truths from the service bay:

• V6 (Pentastar) cars often rack up miles inexpensively; fewer heat-related stresses than big boosted V8s.
• 5.7L HEMI tends to be a long-term sweetheart if oil changes and cooling are handled on schedule.
• 392 & Hellcat reward meticulous care: high-quality fluids, conservative warm-ups, and paying attention to temps.
• Aftermarket mods can complicate smog checks and reliability; stock or CARB-legal upgrades keep life simple.

Owner tip: Ask for service records and compression/leak-down results on higher-mileage V8s if available. A well-documented car beats a mystery “garage queen” every time.

Which Engine Fits Your Life? (Use-Case Matrix)

California-Specific Buying Tips

1) Smog & CARB Compliance

• Inspect for non-CARB-legal intakes, headers, or tunes. A clean visual and OBD readiness save headaches at smog time.
• Stock cats, stock PCV routing, and proper evap connections are your friends.

2) Heat & Hills

• High ambient temps and long grades punish weak cooling systems. Check radiator condition, coolant history, and fan operation, especially on 392/Hellcat cars.

3) Insurance

• Engine choice affects premiums. The V6 and 5.7 often price friendlier, supercharged models command a step up. Ask your agent to quote by VIN before you fall in love.

4) Fuel

• Many V8s prefer premium. Budget accordingly, especially if your daily is more 91 octane than 91 freeway.

5) Parking & Peace

• Some HOAs and buildings care about exhaust volume. Many modern systems keep things reasonable at idle/cruise but be mindful of cold starts at 6 a.m.

Test-Drive Script: How to Feel the Difference

Bring this checklist. It’s short, sharp, and works.

Cold Start

• Listen for ticking (could be normal lifter noise, should settle) and excessive belt squeal.
• Watch idle: it should stabilize quickly without hunting.

Around Town

• Note throttle response; any hesitation, stumble, or surging?
• Light brake application: feel for pulsation (rotors) or pull (caliper/geometry).

Highway

• Merge and pass: does power arrive cleanly? Any misfire under load?
• Cruise: listen for driveline whine or wheel bearing growl.

Hard Pull (if safe)

• One solid WOT run: watch temps, stability, no smoke in the mirror.
• Shifts should be decisive, not confused or flaring.

After

• Pop the hood: sniff for sweet (coolant), burnt (oil), or fuel smells.
• Check for fresh fluids and clean service labels—mechanics leave clues.

Trim–Engine Pairings You’ll See Often (Used Market CliffsNotes)

• SXT / GT → 3.6L V6 (occasionally AWD in some years)
• R/T → 5.7L HEMI (your classic entry V8)
• R/T Scat Pack / 392 → 6.4L HEMI (the enthusiast’s NA choice)
• SRT Hellcat / Redeye → Supercharged 6.2L HEMI (power escalates)
• SRT Demon → Supercharged 6.2L with drag hardware and lore

If you’re cross-shopping trims, start with how you drive today, not the hypothetical track days you might attend someday. Buy for your 90%, not your 10%.

Pre-Purchase Checklist (Save, Print, Bring)

• Records: Oil changes by mileage/time, coolant, plugs, differential/trans service (especially for V8s).
• Cooling: Radiator fins clean, fans cycle, no seepage at hoses or water pump.
• Exhaust: Factory cats, no stray welds that scream “quick fix.”
• Tires/Alignment: Even wear, no feathering (camber/toe issues), matching brands.
• Electronics: No warning lights. Scan for codes; even “history” codes tell stories.
• VIN Check: Title status, mileage consistency, accident history.
• Smog: Current certificate (or seller willing to provide).
• Drive Both: If you’re torn between 5.7 and 392, drive the pair. Your right foot will decide.

Choose the Engine That Feeds Your Miles and Your Smile

The Dodge Challenger offers something for every driver from efficient V6 engines for daily commuting to Hellcat and Demon V8s that dominate the track. By understanding the engine options, you can make an informed choice that balances performance, reliability, and budget.

If you’re ready to explore used Dodge Challengers in California, trust JStar Anaheim Hills to help you find the perfect match.

Your next great drive starts with the right engine. Let’s find it.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: Which Challenger engine gets the best fuel economy?
A: The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the efficiency champ, with highway numbers that make daily life easy in California traffic.

Q2: What’s the most reliable engine for long-term ownership?
A: Reliability is more about care than cylinders, but broadly: V6 for lowest running costs, 5.7L HEMI for a great balance of durability and fun. High-output V8s do fine with meticulous maintenance.

Q3: Are Hellcat engines expensive to maintain?
A: Plan on premium fuel, performance tires, and attentive service. It’s not outrageous for what you’re getting but it’s a step up from a V6/5.7.

Q4: How do I quickly assess engine health?
A: Warm start, steady idle, no warning lights; clean fluid history; no blow-by smoke on rev; consistent pull under load; no coolant/oil smells after a hard run.

Q5: Can I finance a used Challenger at JStar (including performance trims)?
A: Absolutely. We tailor options for everything from daily V6s to high-performance V8s. Bring a trade, we’ll run the numbers.

Q6: Will aftermarket parts cause smog issues?
A: If they’re not CARB-legal, yes. Look for EO numbers on intakes/exhausts, and keep emissions components intact.

Q7: Is the 392 too much for a daily?
A: Not if you love it. It’s civil around town and a riot on-ramp. Just budget a bit more for fuel/tires and you’ll be thrilled.

Q8: What about AWD Challengers?
A: Some V6 models offer AWD in select years, handy for mountain trips and wet weather, rare on the used market here but worth a look.

Q9: Do Challengers hold value?
A: Demand is strong for clean, well-specced cars especially 5.7, 392, and Hellcat examples with records and sensible miles.

Q10: Is the V6 “enough Challenger”?
A: If you ask the question, test-drive one. Many buyers are pleasantly surprised at how complete and enjoyable it feels.