Used 2021 Dodge Challenger for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Dodge Challenger cost?

Prices have softened 2.38% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,332 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable range of choices.

Is the 2021 Dodge Challenger a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Dodge Challenger earns a 4.9/5 user rating and a 7.0/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its power, comfort, and unique styling, and they also highlight the impressive technology, features, and driving experience. The Challenger’s use-case is clear: you’re buying it for straight-line speed and muscle-car character, not for broad everyday versatility. The trade-offs are handling that trails the competition and a cramped back seat.

The market still shows 30.5% good or great deals, which means there are worthwhile listings to find if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Dodge Challenger reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience for many drivers, with praise for the car’s long-term appeal, power, and comfort. The expert review reinforces that sense of durability by describing the Challenger as a car that backs up its strong performance with a full warranty and a loyal customer base. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about the car’s core appeal and more about finding an example that hasn’t been abused or neglected.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Dodge Challenger?

At 68.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Focus on signs of hard use, uneven wear, and any evidence that the car has been driven aggressively or in poor conditions. Because this model is often bought for performance, condition matters as much as mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base SXT is described as decent but not especially impressive, while upper trims add softer Nappa leather seats, contrast stitching, faux-suede headliners, carbon fiber on the dash, and thicker steering wheels with metal shift paddles.
• Powertrain: The base 3.6-liter V6 is quiet and efficient but not much fun, while the R/T brings a 375-hp 5.7-liter V8 with a six-speed manual, and higher trims add even more power.
• Safety package: No driver assists are standard. Adaptive cruise control is optional, and blind-spot monitoring is available along with optional forward emergency braking.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 8.4-inch screen should be standard, and Performance Pages adds real-time vehicle data and recording features.
• Fuel efficiency: The performance review notes fuel economy can reach 30 mpg in some configurations, while other versions can drop to 20 mpg or much lower depending on output.

Which 2021 Dodge Challenger trim should I buy?

The 2021 Dodge Challenger is offered in 3 trim levels: SXT, GT, and R/T.

Here's the short version:

• SXT: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Challenger’s style, the standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the lowest starting price. It makes sense if you want the look and space without paying for V8 power.
• GT: This trim adds the same basic V6 formula with all-wheel drive availability, which can matter if you want extra traction. It still leans more toward cruising than excitement, so it’s best if you value the Challenger shape and everyday usability over performance.
• R/T: This is the best-value trim if you want the Challenger to feel like a true muscle car. It brings the 375-hp V8, a six-speed manual, an active exhaust, and an upgraded suspension, making it the trim most aligned with the car’s core personality.

Advanced safety features are not standard, and adaptive cruise control remains optional.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Dodge Challenger?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,332 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.38% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,169, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Dodge Challenger's resale value?

The current average of $31,481 sits slightly below last year's $32,249.

That softer pricing suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, trim, and how well the car has been maintained. Well-kept examples with desirable powertrains should hold attention better than rougher, heavily used ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Dodge Challenger safe?

The Challenger earns a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the government's tests mask the weaknesses of this old body structure.

It earns 4/10 safety score from our experts.

The Challenger’s safety story is mixed because the IIHS results are much tougher than the NHTSA score. The car is rated good in only two IIHS tests, acceptable for roof strength and head restraints, marginal for the driver in the small overlap front test, and poor for body structure. The optional forward emergency braking feature is rated only basic. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise are the only other driver assists available.

Should I buy a 2021 Dodge Challenger or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 68.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.38% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its serious, high-tech dragster character and broad powertrain range.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,237, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,481 average.
• It blends retro styling with modern technology and heart-pounding performance.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of current-market value and the 2021 model year’s performance appeal, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path.

How does the 2021 Dodge Challenger compare to the 2021 Ford Mustang?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Dodge Challenger:

• Pros: Incredible performance value, Multiple powertrain options, Plenty of cargo space.
• Cons: Handling outclassed by the competition, Cramped back seat, Advanced safety features not standard.

2021 Ford Mustang:

• Pros: Stylish design, Fun to drive, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Poor visibility, Cramped back seat, Not much cargo space.

Our experts score the 2021 Dodge Challenger 7/10 and the 2021 Ford Mustang 8.2/10. The Challenger gives you more cargo space and a wider range of powertrains, while the Mustang is the sharper all-around driver’s car. If you care most about straight-line value and muscle-car presence, the Challenger has the edge; if you want the more engaging sports coupe, the Mustang is the stronger pick.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.