If your goal is off-roading, the Dodge Challenger R/T
isn’t the best choice—but you can modify the Challenger to become a more trail-friendly vehicle if you’re more experienced in car modifications. It’s really fun to have a powerful, sleek vehicle when you’re heading off the road, but it’s also important to have a vehicle with the right specs for the job. But which elements make the Challenger R/T a poor choice for off-roading?
Jerry
, the super app
that saves drivers money on car insurance
and more, will help you understand the specs of the Challenger—and which ones might need improvements if you want to spend some time on the trail. We’ll also look at some alternative vehicles that you might consider instead of the Challenger.Can the Dodge Challenger go off-road?
While the Dodge Challenger R/T can go off-road, you might want to modify the vehicle’s original design to enjoy your off-roading experience. The Challenger wasn’t designed with off-roading in mind, so it’s a better choice for an experienced off-road driver who wants a car with a specific look.
The Challenger R/T has a starting price of $30,430, but adding off-roading modifications might raise the price anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more.
So, which parts of the 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T are off-road ready, and which ones might need some modifications? To learn more, it’s time to explore the specs.
Ground clearance
Depending on the trim level you choose, the 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T has a ground clearance of between 4.5 inches and 5.2 inches. This places your car pretty close to the ground, so it’s one of the things you’ll want to change before taking your Challenger off the beaten path.
It’s usually recommended that your car has a ground clearance of 8.8 inches to 10.8 inches for off-roading. This gives you ample space for navigating rocky or uneven terrain.
If you want to increase the ground clearance on your Challenger, you could purchase larger tires, install some coil spring spacers, or purchase a suspension lift kit. Be sure to hire a professional to do the work if you’re not experienced with car mods!
Torque
When you’re looking for an off-roading vehicle, it’s best to opt for a car with high torque at a low RPM—aka low-end torque. This will give you more turning power, which is really important when you’re not driving on asphalt.
The 2021 Challenger R/T has a maximum torque of 475 lb-ft. at 4,100 RPM. While this is quite a lot of power, it’s also a pretty high RPM. Translation: the Challenger has pretty mediocre torque for off-roading, particularly compared to vehicles designed for off-road driving.
One way to improve the low-end torque in your Challenger is to invest in some high-quality sparkplugs. Copper sparkplugs are best. You can also replace the ignition lead with better shielding.
Tires
Off-road vehicles also need great tires with good traction. Since the Dodge Challenger R/T wasn’t specifically designed for off-road driving, you’ll need new tires if you want to take your car off the road.
If you plan to use your vehicle for both off-roading and regular driving purposes, it’s usually recommended that you opt for all-terrain tires
, or A/T tires. While the all-season tires that come standard on a Dodge Challenger are great for their longevity, all-terrain tires will work better when you’re not driving on pavement. Drivetrain
This is one of those categories where you won’t have to change a thing. The Dodge Challenger R/T is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle, which is exactly what you want for maximum traction and control when driving on uneven ground.
Angles
If you’re into off-roading, you need to consider angles—specifically, the approach angle and departure angle:
Approach angle is the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference
Departure angle is the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
While specs aren’t available for the angles of the Challenger, this is something you’ll want to ask about if you’re considering taking yours for an off-roading adventure.
Off-road rating: In a pinch
Now that we’ve discussed some of the details of the dodge Challenger R/T, let’s take a look at its overall off-road rating using Jerry’s
super-technical DIRT rating system:
| | |
|---|
| | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
| | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
| | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
| | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
Unfortunately, the Dodge Challenger R/T earns an I rating. While the Challenger does have AWD and a maximum torque that will allow you to drive off-road in certain areas for short periods, it’s best to stick to the highway unless you want to make some serious modifications to your car.
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Start earning nowThe best off-road alternatives to the Dodge Challenger R/T
While it’s not great for off-road driving, the Dodge Challenger R/T is still a popular muscle car. But before you invest lots of time and money in modifications, it’s a good idea to compare models and evaluate your options.
In the following table, you’ll find some of the best alternatives to the Dodge Challenger, including the best alternative that Dodge has to offer:
| | | |
|---|
Best alternative for increased horsepower | | | With the EcoBoost Fastback and 2.3L, four-cylinder engine, the Mustang can reach 310.0-hp. |
Best affordable alternative | | | This two-door coupe is about $5,000 cheaper than the Challenger, but it still packs a punch with its 275.0-hp engine. |
Best alternative in the Dodge lineup | | | The most commonly compared Dodge models are the Charger and the Challenger—and for good reason. While the Charger’s RWD drivetrain isn’t great for off-road adventures, it’s still an awesome alternative to the Challenger if you’d like to stick to the Dodge brand. |
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Insuring an off-road vehicle of any kind can be expensive—and the Dodge Challenger R/T is already an expensive car to insure, even without modifications. Off-roading puts your vehicle at a higher risk than regular driving, so your insurer will charge a higher rate.
To combat this price increase, try shopping with Jerry
for the lowest rates. As a licensed insurance broker
, Jerry will compare rates from over 55 top insurers to find the best deals for the coverage you need in under 45 seconds. Jerry users save an average of over $800 per year on car insurance. So if you want to purchase expensive mods for your Challenger, you could use that extra cash to purchase the equipment you need!
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is the future of car insurance! I downloaded the app, entered the information, picked my insurance rate, and paid my fee. I even switched insurance providers easily! Jerry saved me $182/month so quickly!” —Paulina F.
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