With the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger now back in dealer showrooms, the pony car war is officially back on. As such, we decided that it would be the perfect time to take a closer look at the mid-level Dodge Challenger R/T.

The Challenger’s big V8 and muscle car stance may not be completely en vogue with the whole green movement, but we quickly found there is still plenty to love about the R/T model.

What is it?
The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car of the same name produced from 1970 to 1973. Although the Challenger R/T has sporting intentions, the big two-door fits much better in the pony car segment than it does in the sports car segment. That’s not to say it doesn’t offer crisp handling and confident braking – especially when compared to the original car — but the Challenger is much more at home at the drag strip than it is on a road course.

The R/T we’ve tested is the mid-level model, slotting above the V6 style without the substance SE and below the whole hog, big-buck SRT8.

What’s it up against?
Just like it was the early 1970s again, the Challenger finds itself in direct competition with the Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Camaro SS. Not much else competes in the rear-wheel drive coupe segment at this price point, but you could also include Hyundai’s new Genesis Coupe as a Challenger-rival and possibly even the new Nissan 370Z – if you really stretch things.

Any big breakthroughs?
On paper, the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T doesn’t offer anything we haven’t encountered before, but the car’s retro-cool look offers a “wow” factor that we haven’t seen since the launch of 2005 Ford Mustang. The Challenger’s interior isn’t so retro-chic – largely mirroring that found in Chrysler’s other LX-based vehicles – but at least has a few features of its own such as a push button ignition.

How does it look?
A lot like the original but with enough modern touches to justify the 2009 in front of its name. Chrysler managed to keep the production version of the Challenger very close to the concept that first surfaced in 2006, which was an extremely smart move.
Up front, the Challenger sports quad headlights with an angry looking brow, setting off the aggressive style of the car. A sculpted hood flows into twin air inlets which look great but are unfortunately for show only. The Challenger continues its retro theme with a Coke-bottle waistline, finished off with a rear fascia directly in line with that of the original.

And, as if the Challeneger’s overall retro shape wasn’t good looking enough, Chrysler designers made sure to include plenty of throw-back design cues. The Challenger R/T’s fascia wears a subtle chin spoil er — a la the 1970-73 cars — with side mirrors that look period-correct. The aluminum fuel door cap is one of the more brilliant touches in the automotive world today and the Challenger’s ducktail spoiler really improves the look of the rear of the car. We’d even go for our test car’s $200 R/T stripe package.

And the inside?
Admittedly, when we first laid eyes on the Challenger’s interior, we weren’t exactly impressed. But after spending a couple weeks with our blue beast, we really started to dig its cabin. There’s no denying the Challenger’s close links to its LX-platform brethren – the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 – but its simple interior really fits in with its retro theme – nothing is over thought or over done to make it a modern day muscle car. The Challenger’s interior just works.

Despite Chrysler’s less-than-spectacular track record with interior quality, the Challenger’s is actually top-notch. Soft touch materials abound and fit and finish is on par with cars a few levels up from this price point. No Jeep Patriot-style redo needed here.

That said, we would change one or two things about the Challenger’s interior. The first and most obvious is the Challenger’s parts bin steering wheel. We’re O.K. with the Challenger sharing parts with its four-door counterparts to save costs, but Chrysler really should have spent a couple of extra bucks to give the Challenger a unique and appropriately retro steering wheel. We also took issue with the Challenger’s interior door handles, which were low and not within easy reach.

Design aside, the Challenger’s cockpit is a comfortable place to spend a few hours. The Challenger’s driving position may be a tad lower than most are accustomed to, but the pony car’s seats are extremely comfortable with enough bolstering to keep you securely in place – even during spirited driving.

Back-seat passengers, however, aren’t so lucky. The Challenger’s rear seats are on the tight side for a car of this size, with those six feet or taller likely to be cramped. However, the Challenger is relatively roomy compared to other two-doors on the market.

The Challenger’s rear quarters also suffers from a difficult ingress/egress process. The driver’s seat doesn’t slide forward to allow access to the rear seats, which means everyone has to get in and out on the passenger’s side.

But does it go?
Although the Challenger R/T packs a 376 horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8, it does suffer from its rather bloated curb weight. At 4,100 lbs., the Challenger R/T tips the scale at about 240 lbs. more than the Chevrolet Camaro SS and a rather significant 510 pounds more than the Ford Mustang GT. That weight conspires against the Challenger R/T to produce ¼ mile times in the low-14 second range – decent for the real world but sub-par in the muscle car realm.

Although most typical muscle cars store all their torque down low, the Challenger R/T actually flexes most of its grunt right in the middle of the tach. Power comes on strong as the revs build, with a wave of V8 thrust ready to send you on your way – it’s just a matter of getting all the heft in motion.

Our tester was equipped with the standard five-speed automatic. Those who prefer to shift for themselves can pay an extra $995 for the pistol-grip six-speed, which also includes a limited slip differential and chrome wheels. The slushbox fired off rapid, firm shifts and always seemed in just about the right spot for power.

It’s worth noting that the R/T with an automatic includes Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation, even though it’s rated at an average 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

The Challenger’s porky curb weight also hurts it in the handling department. The R/T’s firmer suspension is solid and confident up to about 6/10th, but starts to lose composure soon after. The Challenger almost seems to wallow through tight corners, with tires continually fighting for grip.

Why you would buy it:
You want a modern-day muscle car but need more usable room than the Chevrolet Camaro and want something more unique than the Ford Mustang. You also have performance high-on your “must have” list, but don’t need an all-out rocket.

Why you wouldn’t:
A thoroughly modern interior design is a must-have and you enjoy going around corners quickly. You should also look past the Challenger if you’re not entirely sold on the whole retro thing.

Leftlane’s bottom line
The Challenger R/T may not be as fast off the line as the 2010 Camaro or as nimble in the corners as a Mustang, but what the big Dodge lacks in pure performance it more than makes up for in style and panache. The Challenger is just one of those vehicles you’d be happy to see in your garage day in and day out. While we understand its retro styling is not for everyone, the Challenger should be high on your list if you’re in search of a rear-wheel drive coupe.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T base price, $29,320. As tested, $36,015.
Customer Preferred Package 28J, $1,935; Electronic Convenient Group, $1,445; Power Sunroof, $950; R/T Hood to Fender Stripe, $200; uconnect gps, $1,390; Compact Spare Tire, $100; Destination, $675.

Words and photos by Drew Johnson.

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