How much does the 2021 Dodge Challenger cost?

Prices have softened 3.19% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,393 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $30,188.78, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Dodge Challenger a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Dodge Challenger earns a 4.88/5 user rating, and our experts give it a 7/10 overall score.

The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its power, comfort, and unique styling, and they also highlight the impressive technology and driving experience. The car’s distinctive presence and strong performance value come through clearly in owner feedback, which fits its role as a muscle car with a lot of personality.

The trade-offs are just as clear: handling is outclassed by rivals, the back seat is cramped, and advanced safety features are not standard.

That makes it a strong fit if you want a characterful coupe that prioritizes straight-line speed and everyday usability over balanced sports-car dynamics. With 27.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Dodge Challenger reliable?

Owners rate it 4.88/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with drivers repeatedly calling out its power, comfort, and trouble-free appeal over time. The expert review also describes it as offering reliable power and backing that up with a full warranty, which supports the case for long-term confidence.

For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about the engine’s appeal and more about how the car was treated, since this kind of performance model can be driven hard.

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

At 70.1% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has performance upgrades or signs of hard use. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the car has been modified or driven aggressively. Because this model can be bought in many power levels, the way a specific example was used matters a lot.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base car 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 lineup ranges from a 3.6-liter V6 to multiple V8 options, including a 5.7-liter V8, a 6.4-liter V8, and supercharged 6.2-liter V8 variants; the V6 is quiet and efficient, while the V8s deliver the real muscle-car experience.
• Safety package: Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise are the only other driver assists available, and the optional forward emergency braking feature is rated only at the lowest basic level.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the 8.4-inch screen should be the one you seek out, and performance pages add real-time vehicle data.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA figures mentioned range from 30 mpg to 20 mpg, while Hellcat models can drop below 10 mpg.

Which 2021 Dodge Challenger trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• SXT: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Challenger’s style and basic tech at the lowest price. It suits you if you want the look and everyday usability without paying for V8 power.
• GT: This trim keeps the V6 formula but adds all-wheel drive availability, which may appeal if you want extra traction in poor weather. It still prioritizes cruising over excitement.
• R/T: This is the best-value trim if you want the Challenger to feel like a real muscle car. It brings the 375-hp V8, a six-speed manual, an active exhaust, and an upgraded suspension, making it the trim most buyers should start with.

Safety-package note: advanced safety features are not standard, and the available driver-assistance list remains limited.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,393 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.19% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,188.78, 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 $32,285 sits slightly below last year's $33,351.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, 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 was maintained. Well-kept examples with desirable powertrains and clean histories should hold up better than neglected ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.88/5, 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 content also notes that it scores 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, and blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise are the only other driver assists available.

That means you should treat safety as a relative weak point for the model year, especially if you want modern crash protection and a broader suite of standard driver aids.

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:

• 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.19% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.88/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model year stands out for its broad powertrain spread and strong performance value.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $29,457, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $32,285 average.
• It blends retro styling with modern technology and heart-pounding performance.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of current-market selection, owner satisfaction, and performance variety, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the smarter value play, especially if you find a clean example with the features you want.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.