The Best Dodge V8 You Can Buy in 2025 (That Won’t Wreck Your Wallet)

Alright, listen up.

You want a Dodge V8 in 2025.

You want the growl, the attitude, the burnouts.

You want something that’ll still make your neighbors look twice and your kids brag at school pickup.

But let me hit you with the truth:

Most Dodge V8s? They’re either on life support, jacked up in price, or burning oil faster than they burn rubber.

I’m Danny. Mechanic. Shop owner. I’ve torn down more HEMIs than I can count. Some are gold. Some are hand grenades wrapped in chrome.

So if you’re hunting for a Dodge V8 that won’t ruin your life (or your bank account), keep scrolling.

Let’s get greasy.

The 2025 Dodge V8 Landscape: Where Did All the Muscle Go?

First, let’s clear the smoke: If you want a new Dodge with a V8 in 2025, your list is shorter than a Hellcat’s rear tire lifespan.

Dodge killed the Challenger and Charger V8s in ’23.

The all-new Charger “Sixpack” isn’t a V8 at all—it’s got a twin-turbo six.

The electric Charger Daytona? Don’t even ask.

So the last V8 standing? The Durango.

This makes the 2025 Durango a unicorn. It’s the only 3-row SUV left in its segment with a V8 option.

Dodge is celebrating 20 years of the HEMI-powered Durango this year. There’s even a new 20th Anniversary edition—pure Mopar nostalgia, modern tech.

Why does this matter?

Because in a world going hybrid and electric, the HEMI still roars, and the market knows it. Prices, options, and trim lines have shifted fast.

2025 Dodge Durango R/T (5.7L HEMI): The Everyday Beast—But Read the Fine Print

This is the only new Dodge V8 you can actually walk into a dealership and buy in 2025.

Dodge killed off the Challenger and Charger V8s in '23. The new Charger Sixpack?

It’s rocking a twin-turbo six. Not a V8.

That leaves one SUV standing: the Durango R/T.

It’s got the 5.7L HEMI V8. 360 hp. 390 lb-ft. 0-60 in 6.2 seconds. Tows up to 7,400 lbs.

It rumbles. It moves. It works.

The R/T trim isn’t flashy, but it’s got the goods. And you don’t need to sell your organs to get one.

MSRP sits around $51,000 to $69,980 depending on trim, with “Plus,” “Premium,” and “20th Anniversary” variants loaded up with everything from suede seats to Harman Kardon sound.

Key Specs & Real-World Numbers:

• Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8, 360 hp / 390 lb-ft
• Towing: 7,400 lbs max
• Real-world MPG: 14–18 city, 22–25 highway
• Price: $51,590 (R/T) to $69,980 (R/T 20th Anniversary Premium)
• Known issues: "HEMI tick," broken exhaust manifold bolts, occasional oil consumption
• Yearly upkeep: $800–$1,500 if you keep up on oil changes and routine service

Owner Watch:

• R/T Plus and Premium trims are the sweet spot—better tech, heated seats, and adaptive cruise all standard above base.
• Go 20th Anniversary if you want rarity—these could hold value longer if Dodge truly kills the V8 after 2025.

Shop Story:
Guy rolls in with a 2023 Durango R/T.

Complains of ticking. Thinks it’s a rod knock.

Nah. Classic HEMI tick. Lifters going soft.

Pulled the valve cover—cam lobe starting to wear. Could’ve caught it earlier with better oil.

$2,200 later, he’s back on the road.

I told him: synthetic only. Don’t cheap out.

Owner’s Reality Check:
“Absolutely love the power and space, but I’ve heard the lifter tick for a year. Dealer says ‘normal.’ I just run better oil and it’s fine.” – Brian, r/DodgeDurango forum

Verdict:
For daily driving with real muscle? This is your ticket.

But hold up—because Dodge didn’t stop there.

2025 Durango SRT Hellcat (6.2L Supercharged): The Street-Eating Monster, Now With Special Editions

This is the beast Dodge kept alive for the lunatics.

The Durango SRT Hellcat comes in at 710 horsepower. 645 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds. Tows 8,700 lbs. All-wheel drive.

And for 2025, it comes in several “Last Call” special editions—Brass Monkey, Hammerhead, Silver Bullet—with unique wheels, stripes, and interiors.

These are instant collectibles and will likely become the most desirable V8 SUVs when the dust settles.

It’s a three-row family SUV that moves like a muscle car.

It sounds like a thunderstorm doing donuts in your driveway.

But this kind of muscle? Ain’t cheap.

Base SRT Hellcat: $86,590. Top trim (Brass Monkey, Hammerhead, Silver Bullet): north of $113,000.

Specs That Matter:

• Engine: 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8, 710 hp / 645 lb-ft
• 0-60: 3.5 seconds
• Towing: 8,700 lbs
• MPG: 12 city / 17 highway
• Price: $86,590 to $113,720
• Maintenance needs: Synthetic every 3–5k miles. Supercharger inspection every 15–20k. Brakes? Tires? Expect to replace them early.
• Insurance: Expect $3,000+ per year depending on where you live

Shop Story:
One of my buddies snagged a Brass Monkey edition.

First oil change? Sticker shock.

Needed full-synthetic, high-performance filter. $180.

Then his teenage son floored it into a curb. One wheel and control arm later, he was out $3,800.

Still grins every time he fires it up.

Owner’s Reality Check:
“These things EAT tires. I went through the rears in 9k miles. But it tows my car trailer and outruns Corvettes.” – Mitch, Dodge Garage forum

Market Watch:

• Hellcat Durangos are expected to be future collectibles—2024s are already being flipped at auctions for $10k over sticker.
• Limited production means better long-term resale value than the average V8 SUV.

Verdict:
It’s bonkers. And brilliant. And expensive.

Buy it if you’ve got deep pockets and a short attention span for speed.

But if your wallet isn’t lined with Mopar stock options, we gotta talk used.

Used Dodge Charger & Challenger (5.7L & 6.4L V8s): The RWD Gold Rush Isn’t Over

Dodge killed these off in 2023.

But the used lot? Full of V8 Chargers and Challengers begging for a second chance.

And some of them? Total bargains.

What To Actually Shop For in 2025:

• 2015–2018 Challenger R/T (5.7L): You’ll find 'em under $28k with decent mileage. 375 hp. Easy to mod. Just watch for the HEMI tick.
• 2017–2020 Charger R/T Scat Pack (6.4L): 485 hp. Naturally aspirated. Better cooling than early models. Expect to pay $33k–$40k for a clean one.
• 2019–2021 Challenger Scat Pack Widebody (6.4L): The sweet spot. Great suspension tuning, aggressive look, and killer bang for buck. Expect $42k–$48k.

Research Backed:

• The best “reliability years” for used Chargers and Challengers are 2018-2021—updated electronics, fewer MDS (cylinder deactivation) glitches, and improved cooling.
• “Avoid 2011–2014 if you don’t want to spend your weekends chasing electrical gremlins and cam lifter failures.” – CoPilot used car survey

Common Repairs:

• 5.7L: Known for lifter failures if oil neglected
• 6.4L: Generally reliable, but known to run hot
• Typical shop jobs: Valve cover gaskets, thermostat housings, engine mounts
• Price spread: $22,000 (older R/Ts) to $50,000+ (Scat Pack Widebody)
• Depreciation slows after year 4

Owner Reality:
“Bought a ‘17 Charger R/T for $23k last year.

75k miles, clean Carfax.

Needed a new thermostat and two engine mounts but nothing major. Still pulls strong.” – u/BurntRubber81, Reddit

Shop Story:
Had a college kid bring me a 2016 Charger R/T. Said he "got a deal."

I scanned it. Misfire codes.

Pulled the plugs—two fouled.

Leakdown showed compression loss on cylinder 3.

Worn lifter wiped the cam. Total teardown. $4,700 bill. He cried. Then Ubered home.

Verdict:
Used V8s are a gamble.

But if you do your homework and budget for surprises, they’re the best bang-for-buck in the Dodge muscle world.

Used Hellcat Models (2015–2023): Street-Legal Mayhem for Less

You want a real Hellcat? You don’t need six figures.

Used Hellcat Chargers and Challengers from 2015 to 2023 are flooding the market now that Dodge moved to EVs.

And some of these are serious performance steals.

Shop Smart:

• 2016–2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat: 707 hp. Find 'em around $44k–$55k. Watch for high-mile cars with burned tires and no maintenance records.
• 2019–2022 Charger Hellcat Widebody: Better cooling, wider track, improved handling. These land in the $52k–$65k range with under 50k miles.
• 2020+ Redeye models: 797 hp, beefed-up internals. Closer to $60k–$75k. But the extra speed also means extra wear. Tread carefully.

What the Research Says:

• “Cooling and rear diff bushings are the Achilles’ heel. Do NOT drag race these without upgrading fluids and bushings.” – Dodge Garage tech notes
• Common repairs: Supercharger coupler, driveshaft carrier bearing, rear diff leaks
• Insurance: $3,000–$4,000/year depending on location

Shop Story:
Had a 2017 Challenger Hellcat towed in with overheating issues.

Radiator was gunked.

Previous owner ran stop-leak. Supercharger belt was shredded too.

Flushed the whole system, new pulley, new belt, bled the air out. Told the new owner: do not treat this like a Camry.

Owner’s Reality:
“My 2018 Hellcat Widebody cost $4k in maintenance the first year, mostly tires and brakes. But it’s faster than anything at this price.” – Chad, Hellcat.org forums

Verdict:
Used Hellcats are dangerous—financially and literally.

But if you do your homework, get a clean PPI, and plan for upkeep, nothing on the road comes close.

6.4L HEMI (392) Deep Dive: The High-Revving Workhorse

Not supercharged. Not boosted. Just pure, old-school displacement.

The 6.4L HEMI (aka 392) makes 485 hp and 475 lb-ft.

It’s been stuffed into Chargers, Challengers, Durangos, even Wranglers and Grand Cherokees.

If you want the most reliable balance of performance and longevity in the Dodge V8 world, this is the one.

Best models to shop:

• 2015–2020 Charger/Challenger Scat Pack
• 2018–2021 Durango SRT 392
• 2020+ Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (same motor, better cooling)

What the Market Says:

• Price range: $32k (early Scat Packs) to $58k (late-model Durango SRTs)
• Strengths: No forced induction = less heat stress. Built-in oil cooler. Holds up well with basic mods.
• Weak spots: Heat soak in tight engine bays, especially Chargers. MDS cylinder deactivation can create long-term wear if abused.
• Maintenance: Oil every 5k, plugs every 30k, cooling flush every 2 years

Shop Story:
Buddy of mine daily drives a 2016 Scat Pack.

114k miles. Still on original engine.

Only issues? Replaced thermostat and rear brakes.

He tracks it once a year. Drives it like he stole it. And it keeps asking for more.

Owner Review:
“I track my ‘18 Scat Pack every summer, over 80k miles now. Still rips. Biggest expense has been tires, not the motor.” – @SRTStreet, Twitter

Verdict:
The 392 is the people’s champ.

Plenty of grunt. No blower headaches.

If you want a V8 that’s fast, mean, and won’t bankrupt you by 75k miles, this is it.

Used Ram 1500 (5.7L V8): The Workhorse in a Hoodie

You don’t need a muscle car badge to get a HEMI.

The Ram 1500 with a 5.7L HEMI?

Still everywhere. Still running strong.

Whether it’s the 2014 Express, a 2019 Big Horn, or a 2021 Rebel, these trucks pack real power and utility.

Just don’t expect racecar vibes.

Specs & Numbers:

• 5.7L HEMI from 2003–present: 345 hp / 375 lb-ft
• Real-world MPG: 12–15 city, 18–22 highway
• Common issues: Broken exhaust bolts, cam/lifter wear, MDS (cylinder deactivation) glitches
• Price: $18,000 (older gen) to $40,000+ (lightly used 2021+)
• Towing: Up to 12,750 lbs (depending on config)
• Most reliable years: 2018–2022 have improved cam/lifter metallurgy, fewer MDS complaints

Shop Story:
Fleet customer dropped off a 2017 Ram with 186k miles.

Still on original drivetrain.

Only major service? Replaced water pump at 130k.

Said it hauls trailers daily.

I asked what oil he uses. "Mobil 1. Every 5,000. No excuses."

Owner Feedback:
“2019 Ram Laramie 5.7—used for landscaping. 121k miles. No major issues, just regular brakes and fluids. Still passes emissions.” – Mark, CarGurus review

Verdict:
Solid option for buyers who want utility first, muscle second.

Just avoid neglected ones. And ditch the MDS if you want fewer headaches.

What To Avoid: Neglected 5.7L HEMIs With High Miles and No Records

I don’t care if it’s in a Charger, Ram, or Durango.

If it’s got 120k+ miles, lifter noise, and zero service history?
Run.

The 5.7L is tough.

But once those lifters fail and start chewing into the cam?

That engine's days are numbered unless you drop big cash.

What to Watch For:

• Full cam/lifter job: $3,000–$6,000 depending on shop
• Telltale signs: Ticking at startup, cylinder misfires, loss of power
• Most failures trace back to long oil intervals, wrong oil, or neglect

Shop Story:
2014 Challenger R/T gets towed in. Wouldn’t start.

Customer says it "ran great last week."

Cam sensor code. Pulled valve cover.

Lifter stuck. Cam wiped. Metal shavings in the oil. Engine toast.

He walked away. Car got parted out.

Owner Warning:
“Bought a cheap 2013 Charger R/T, engine lasted 3 months. Cam wiped, had to swap the motor. Never again without maintenance records.” – u/HemiDown, Reddit

Verdict:
Trust but verify.

And always scan for misfire codes before buying used.

If it sounds like a sewing machine? It’ll soon cost like one.

What About Depreciation, Insurance, and True Cost? Don’t Ignore These

Let’s be real: V8s aren’t the bargain they once were.

Insurance, fuel, and depreciation all matter.

• Depreciation: Durangos drop 30–40% over 5 years. Hellcat and 392 “specials” hold up better, especially rare trims.
• Insurance: Expect $2,700/year for a Durango R/T; $3,500+ for Hellcats; used Chargers/Challengers run even higher if you’re under 30.
• Fuel: Hellcats and 392s are thirsty. Budget $2k+ more per year in gas if you drive heavy.

Forum Reality:
“Insurance on my Hellcat is more than my mortgage. But I don’t regret it for a second.” – @MoparOrNoCar, X

Final Verdict: Best Dodge V8 in 2025?

Want new muscle?
Durango R/T 5.7L is your move. Balanced, reliable (with upkeep), and actually affordable.

Want pure insanity?
Durango Hellcat 6.2L is king. But bring your wallet, and maybe your financial advisor.

Used Charger or Challenger?
Great value—if you buy smart and scan deep.

Used Hellcat?
Performance bargain with a warning label. Know what you’re buying.

Need muscle for work?
Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI gets it done, without the track-day price tag.

The unsung hero?
That 6.4L 392. Naturally aspirated muscle that won’t chew itself apart.

In 2025, the V8 isn’t dead. It’s just pickier about who it plays nice with.

So choose wisely. Or you’ll end up in my shop—with a busted cam, an empty wallet, and that look I know too well.

You’ve been warned.

Now go make some noise.