Dodge Challenger vs Ford Mustang
This page compares the Dodge Challenger and the Ford Mustang across the 14 model years both appear in our data (2010–2023). Both are classed as Coupe on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Ford Mustang averages about 29 mpg (UK) against 27 mpg for the Dodge Challenger. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Dodge Challenger (4.0 against 6.4), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2023
| Measure | Dodge Challenger | Ford Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 27 | 29 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 251 | 232 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $3,046 | $2,843 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 94 | 83 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 11 of 11 | 2 of 3 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 4.0 | 6.4 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 116 | 305 |
| Engine options across these years | 6 | 9 |
Year by Year
| Year | Dodge Challenger MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Ford Mustang MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 24 | — | 7 | 299 | 25 | — | 6 | 261 |
| 2011 | 25 | — | 6 | 193 | 28 | — | 5 | 466 |
| 2012 | 25 | — | 6 | 253 | 28 | — | 7 | 469 |
| 2013 | 25 | 5★ | 5 | 179 | 28 | 4★ | 6 | 271 |
| 2014 | 25 | 5★ | 5 | 149 | 28 | — | 4 | 359 |
| 2015 | 28 | 5★ | 6 | 126 | 30 | — | 11 | 437 |
| 2016 | 28 | 5★ | 2 | 78 | 30 | — | 5 | 378 |
| 2017 | 28 | 5★ | 3 | 49 | 29 | — | 6 | 265 |
| 2018 | 28 | 5★ | 4 | 75 | 28 | — | 4 | 194 |
| 2019 | 28 | 5★ | 3 | 58 | 30 | 5★ | 6 | 149 |
| 2020 | 28 | 5★ | 1 | 20 | 29 | — | 8 | 120 |
| 2021 | 28 | 5★ | 2 | 19 | 30 | — | 6 | 405 |
| 2022 | 28 | 5★ | 2 | 9 | 30 | — | 9 | 188 |
| 2023 | 28 | 5★ | 2 | 43 | 30 | 5★ | 0 | 138 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Dodge Challenger · Ford Mustang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Dodge Challenger or the Ford Mustang?
On its most efficient configuration the Ford Mustang averages about 29 mpg (UK) against 27 mpg for the Dodge Challenger. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Dodge Challenger has 11 of 11 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Ford Mustang has 2 of 3. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Dodge Challenger averages 4.0 recall campaigns and 116 owner complaints; the Ford Mustang averages 6.4 and 305. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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