Compare the2023 Dodge ChallengerVS 2022 Lexus RC F

The Challenger has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The RC F doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Challenger offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The RC F doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the Challenger and the RC F have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

There are almost 10 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Challenger’s warranty.

The battery on the Challenger is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Challenger’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The RC F’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Lexus vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is ranked 6th.

The Challenger R/T automatic’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 5 lbs.-ft. more torque (400 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The Challenger R/T manual’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 13 more horsepower (485 vs. 472) and 80 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The Challenger SRT Super Stock’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 335 more horsepower (807 vs. 472) and 312 lbs.-ft. more torque (707 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 6.4 V8 is faster than the Lexus RC F (automatics tested):

As tested in Motor Trend the Challenger SRT Hellcat 6.2 supercharged V8 is faster than the Lexus RC F 5.0 (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the Challenger gets better mileage than the RC F:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Challenger 5.7/6.4 V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The RC F doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Challenger has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the RC F (18.5 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Challenger offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The RC F doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

All wheel drive, available in the Challenger, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Lexus RC F is not available with all wheel drive.

For better stopping power the Challenger Hellcat/Redeye’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RC F:

The Challenger stops much shorter than the RC F:

For better traction, the Challenger SRT Super Stock’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC F (315/40R18 vs. 255/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Challenger offers optional 20-inch wheels. The RC F’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Challenger’s wheelbase is 8.5 inches longer than on the RC F (116 inches vs. 107.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Challenger is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the RC F.

The SRT Hellcat Redeye handles at .96 G’s, while the RC F pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The SRT Widebody Hellcat Redeye executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the RC F (24.3 seconds @ .82 average G’s vs. 24.9 seconds @ .8 average G’s).

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Challenger has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The RC F uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Challenger a Compact car, while the RC F is rated a Subcompact.

The Challenger has standard seating for 5 passengers; the RC F can only carry 4.

The Challenger has 14.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RC F (93.7 vs. 79.4).

The Challenger has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front hip room, 7.8 inches more front shoulder room, 2.1 inches more rear headroom, 5.8 inches more rear legroom and 7.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC F.

The Challenger has a much larger trunk than the RC F (16.2 vs. 10.1 cubic feet).

The Challenger’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The RC F doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The Challenger has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The RC F has no towing capacity.

The Challenger has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The RC F doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

The Challenger’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The RC F does not have an oil pressure gauge.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Dodge Challenger will be $11257 to $39946 less than for the Lexus RC F.

The Dodge Challenger outsold the Lexus RC by over 15 to one during the 2021 model year.