2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review: All-Season Muscle Car’s Four-Wheel Traction Beats The Chevrolet Camaro And Ford Mustang

Jan 29, 2017 12:37 AM EST | Ed Saludes

The Dodge Challenger first came out in 1958 as the Dodge Silver Challenger. Since then, the vehicle had three generations with the fourth and current generation introduced in 2008 to compete with fifth-generation Ford Mustang and the fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro. The 2017 model year of the muscle car features an all-wheel drive version of the SXT Plus, known as the GT AWD.

Dodge added the AWD system to the Challenger for the GT. The AWD system includes an active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system. It is reportedly capable of seamlessly transitioning between rear-wheel drive and AWD with no driver input required. This gives the Challenger a slight advantage over the Camaro and Mustang.

According to Driving Canada, the AWD system allows the 2017 Dodge Challenger's front axle to engage fairly seamlessly. This is dependent on a number of factors including temperature, wheel spin, and throttle position. The AWD system makes the car more flexible, driving-wise, despite the added 200 lbs. Even parasitic losses are prevented by the front-axle disconnect feature.

Dodge chose to equip the car with its 305-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 and 8-speed automatic transmission. This is a wide decision for Dodge because V-6 engines are more marketable than V-8s and manuals.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger's all-wheel-drive system and P235/55R19 Michelin MXM4 Primacy all-season tires are taken from the AWD Dodge Charger. Dodge shortened a driveshaft, rerouted the exhaust, and modified other elements of the underbody.

The Challenger GT has three electronic stability control modes including normal, sport, and off. EPA ratings are impressive at 21, with 18mph for city and 27 for highway.

Inside the GT's cabin, there is a standard heated steering wheel and optional Nappa leather seats with Alcantara inserts. The car boasts of FCA's revised Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system which offers crisper graphics, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity.

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