2015 Dodge Challenger Becomes 5-Star Safety Champ

2015 dodge challenger

At this stage in the game, the 2015 Dodge Challenger is likely best known for its fire-breathing Hellcat model, which happens to be the quickest, most powerful muscle car ever unleashed on the U.S. public. But it turns out that Dodge engineers must have spared some time from supercharging the Hellcat's 707-hp HEMI V8 to work on the Challenger's safety performance. After all, the 2015 model just took home a 5-star Overall Safety Score in the New Car Assessment Program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Now, the NHTSA ratings don't actually apply to the Hellcat or other SRT models, since they haven't been tested separately by the administration, but the rest of the 2015 Dodge Challenger lineup qualifies for the 5-star honor with: a 5-star rating in the NHTSA side-crash evaluation, 4 stars in the front-crash test and 4 stars for rollover protection. The Challenger also chalked up a separate recognition for offering a forward-collision warning system, which is among NHTSA's list of recommended safety technologies.

Speaking of which, the brand further boasts that the 2015 Dodge Challenger offers "more than 70 safety and security features," including not only a forward-collision system but also adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection.

Said Scott Kunselman, senior vice president-Vehicle Safety and Regulatory, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles-North America: “The new Dodge Challenger coupe further demonstrates our commitment to broaden the proliferation of advanced safety technologies, such as driver-assist features."

For those curious about the muscle-car competition, the 2015 Chevy Camaro also is a 5-star NHTSA performer—with 5-star scores across the board—while the brand-new 2015 Ford Mustang is still in the testing queue. None of the 2015 muscle cars have been evaluated for the IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition, either.

Added Kunselman: "The 2015 Challenger checks all the boxes. It affords premium safety and security in a stylish package that delivers a sporty driving experience.”

And it does so at a fairly strong price point, too, since the 2015 Dodge Challenger starts from $26,995 with a 305-hp V6, offers a 390-hp HEMI at $31,495 and even brings the Hellcat in at less than $60K—the range-topper for the 2015 Challenger team starts at $59,995.