5 Reasons The Dodge Challenger GT AWD is Actually Amazing

6-cylinder American muscle cars often get looked down upon in the gearhead and V8 enthusiast car communities. Speaking from experience if you have ever shown up with any muscle car (especially a Dodge) there is a 100% chance you will be asked this infamous question, "Does it have a Hemi?".  I'll admit, the growl of any V8 brings a smirk to my face because I grew up wanting a Hemi my whole teenage life.

Once I drove one it was love at first rev. This is why the Challenger GT AWD is perhaps the most misunderstood muscle car.

However, in this day and age, we face a different dilemma as V8 gearheads. What do we do with base models of the Mustangs, Camaros, Charger and Challengers? I have long been a doubter of these seemingly underpowered and undervalued cars, but I think the Dodge Challenger GT is so unique that it might win us all over. Introduced in 2015, The Challenger GT AWD package has given us V8 guys cause to pause. Let's get dive into the 5 reasons why the Dodge Challenger GT is actually amazing (plus one bonus).

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1. The All Wheel Drive (AWD) Package is Winter Approved

One of the many things I never understood about muscle car makers is their inability to develop an AWD beast. While it's not a Hemi, the Dodge Challenger GT AWD package is a thing of beauty. This traction package allows everyone to get the most out of their muscle car all year long, something the Mustang and Camaro can't offer. While the rest of us RWD Hemi guys have to let our V8 Muscle hibernate in the garage. The Dodge Challenger GT AWD is often the best choice for muscle car enthusiasts living in snowy states. To a Challenger GT AWD with an all-season tire dealing with dirt or snowy roads is just another day in the park for this car.

2. Premium Options Available

One thing Dodge knows about its customer base is they love options. Dodge really steps up its game by decking out even the standard models with top-tier features. If you ever sit in the seat of a well-equipped Dodge Challenger GT AWD coupe you just might think it's a premium R/T or SRT model. The driver gauge cluster, optional 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment screen, and real buttons for sound system and HVAC controls all bear resemblance to the SRT Hellcat design.

3. The 3.6 V6 That Truly Delivers Real Power & Torque

It would be easy to say that the 3.6L V6 is slower than the Hemi, but if you did you are not seeing the big FAST picture. The Dodge Challenger GT AWD still has 300HP and it knows how to use it. The AWD system keeps the car planted in the corners and the power is kept on the ground. This traction system truly delivers the speed to the tune of a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds and an estimated top speed of 143 MPH. It is amazing to see this peppy car in action, especially on a slippery or snowy road.

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4. Sports Car Performance in a Muscle Car Body

While the Challenger GT shares much of its powertrain with the base model SXT, it drives like a vastly different car. For one, the available stiffer Sports Suspension allow this car to handle corners and tight turns with ease and takes this muscle-looking car to a sports driving car level. Also, the Performance Steering option delivers a real feel driving experience that the electronic steering can't match. Despite tipping the scales at nearly 4,000 lbs, this Dodge's nimble handling will have you convinced it's much lighter on its feet.

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5. Great Gas Mileage While Having Fun

It's going to come to no surprise to any car guy that fewer pistons are going to get you better gas mileage. But get this, the Dodge Challenger GT takes regular unleaded gas and the MPG ratings are estimated at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 27 highway) for a 300 HP muscle car. For the average driver, a peppy 300 HP with great looks and pump savings is all they want and need. So, you can wave as you pass by all those thirsty Scatpacks, Hellcats and Demon 170 at the gas station.

Bonus: Most Affordable Year-Round Muscle Car

Depreciation hits V6 muscle cars harder than a punch from Mike Tyson in the 80's. So, finding a used Dodge Challenger GT AWD is always worth your while. You should be able to pick a good used one up for under $25k, while a well-optioned one could run you closer to $30k.

Ok, so it took some time for me to come around in seeing how good the Dodge Challenger GT AWD. This type of performance and year-round fun-ability shines a light and gives notice to the other car brands of Ford and Chevy to step up their AWD muscle game. And now that I also see the AWD light, I would have no problem recommending this car to anyone who is not a diehard V8 enthusiast. The power is there, the handling is there and it saves you gas money getting there.

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