Exhaust Guide
Best Exhausts for the
2015 – 2023 Dodge Challenger: Every Cat-Back & Axle-Back Compared
A complete comparison of cat-back and axle-back exhaust systems for the 2015–2023 Dodge Challenger — covering the 3.6L V6, 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L 392, and 6.2L Hellcat. Sound profiles, materials (304 vs 409 stainless), pipe diameter, pricing, and fitment notes from AWE, CORSA, Borla, Flowmaster, MBRP, MagnaFlow, and aFe.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison — Cat-Backs
| Brand / Kit | Sound Profile | Pipe | Material | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBRP Cat Back | Street / Race | 3" | Aluminized | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| JBA Cat-Back | Sport | 3" | 304 SS | 392 / Hellcat |
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SHOP → |
| Flowmaster American Thunder | Aggressive | 3" | 409 SS | 392 / Hellcat / Demon | $1,169 | SHOP → |
| AWE Track Edition | Track (Aggressive) | 3" | 304 SS | 392 / Hellcat |
|
SHOP → |
| Borla ATAK | ATAK (Loudest) | 2.75" | 304 SS | 6.4L 392 |
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SHOP → |
| CORSA Extreme | Xtreme | 2.75" | 304 SS | 392 / Hellcat |
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SHOP → |
At a Glance
Quick Comparison — Axle-Backs
| Brand / Kit | Sound Profile | Pipe | Material | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aFe MACH Force-Xp | Aggressive | 3" | 409 SS | 5.7L / 392 / Hellcat |
|
SHOP → |
| MagnaFlow Axle-Back (Hellcat) | Race | 3" | 304 SS | 6.2L Hellcat | $929 | SHOP → |
| MagnaFlow Race Series (5.7L) | Race | 2.5" | 304 SS | 5.7L 2015–2017 | $942 | SHOP → |
| MagnaFlow Race Series (V6) | Race | 2.5" | 304 SS | 3.6L V6 | $943 | SHOP → |
| CORSA Sport Axle-Back | Sport | 2.75" | 304 SS | 392 / Hellcat |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Cat-Back vs Axle-Back
A cat-back replaces the mid-pipe and mufflers from the catalytic converter back. More performance gain, full system upgrade. An axle-back replaces only the mufflers and tips from the rear axle back. Lower cost, easier install, less performance gain. Both install behind the cats and are 50-state emissions legal.
Sound Profile & Drone
Aggressive systems can drone at highway cruise. CORSA’s RSC (Reflective Sound Cancellation), AWE 180 Technology®, and Borla’s designs reduce drone. Research sound clips and reviews before buying. Drone-free options (CORSA Extreme, CORSA Sport Axle-Back) cost more but improve daily drivability.
Materials: 304 vs 409 Stainless
304 stainless is more corrosion-resistant and premium. 409 stainless is budget-friendly and still durable. Aluminized is lowest cost; expect shorter life in salt climates. For long-term ownership, 304 SS is the better choice.
Emissions & Warranty
Cat-back and axle-back systems install behind the factory catalytic converters, so they’re 50-state emissions legal. No tuning required. Check manufacturer warranty — CORSA and Flowmaster offer limited lifetime coverage on many systems.
MBRP Cat Back Exhaust System (Polished Tips): Dodge Challenger 3.6L V6 2015 – 2023
MBRP’s Cat Back Exhaust is the most affordable cat-back in this guide. The 3-inch mandrel-bent aluminized system delivers a street-friendly tone with optional Race Profile for a more aggressive sound. Polished tips add a clean look. Built for 3.6L V6 Challengers (2015–2023), it’s a solid entry-level upgrade.
Aluminized construction keeps cost down but is less corrosion-resistant than 304 stainless. Fine for dry climates; consider 409 or 304 SS if you drive in salt. MBRP offers a 3-year warranty. Bolt-on installation using factory hanger locations.
Pros
- Lowest-priced cat-back in this guide
- 3" mandrel-bent; street or race profile
- Bolt-on; 3-year warranty
Cons
- Aluminized steel; less corrosion-resistant
- 3.6L V6 only; excludes Hemi
JBA Cat-Back Exhaust System: Dodge Challenger 2015 – 2023 (6.4L 392 & 6.2L Hellcat)
JBA’s Cat-Back Exhaust delivers strong value for 392 and Hellcat Challengers. Full 3-inch 304 stainless construction, mandrel-bent dual exit, and a sport-oriented sound profile. USA-made with a reputation for fitment and durability. At under $800, it’s the best price-to-quality ratio for V8 Challengers in this guide.
Fits 6.4L 392 Scat Pack, SRT, and 6.2L Hellcat (2015–2023). Does not fit 3.6L V6 or 5.7L Hemi. Direct bolt-on with no cutting. Expect a noticeable bump in sound and flow over stock.
Pros
- Best value for 392/Hellcat
- Full 304 stainless; USA-made
- 3" mandrel-bent; sport sound
Cons
- 392/Hellcat only; excludes V6 and 5.7L
- No drone-cancellation tech
Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System: Dodge Challenger 6.4L 392 & 6.2L SRT Hellcat / Demon 2015 – 2023
Flowmaster American Thunder delivers Flowmaster’s signature deep, aggressive tone for 392 and Hellcat Challengers. Dual 3-inch mandrel-bent tubing, Scavenger Series X-pipe, and Super 40 mufflers. Dummy valve stands keep factory actuators happy with no CEL. Quad 3.5-inch polished 304 tips. Aggressive exterior sound with moderate interior volume.
409 stainless construction; Lifetime Limited Warranty. Fits 6.4L 392, 6.2L Hellcat, and Demon. Bolt-on using factory hanger locations. One of the best-sounding systems in the mid-price range.
Pros
- Flowmaster signature deep tone
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
- MDS/valve compatible; no CEL
Cons
- 409 SS (not 304)
- 392/Hellcat/Demon only
Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System: Dodge Challenger 6.4L 392 2015 – 2023
Borla ATAK is Borla’s loudest, most aggressive sound profile. Full 2.75-inch T-304 stainless, Merge X-Pipe, and ATAK (Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics) mufflers. MDS valve simulators prevent warning lights. High-impact under throttle, refined with no interior drone. Premium build and fitment.
Fits 6.4L 392 Challenger (2015–2023). Does not fit 5.7L or Hellcat (separate SKUs). For enthusiasts who want maximum volume without cabin drone, Borla ATAK delivers.
Pros
- Borla’s loudest sound profile
- No interior drone; 304 SS
- MDS valve simulators included
Cons
- Premium price
- 6.4L 392 only (5.7L/Hellcat have separate SKUs)
Corsa Extreme Cat-Back Exhaust (Polished): Dodge Challenger 6.4L 392 ScatPack, SRT & 6.2L Hellcat 2015 – 2023
CORSA Extreme delivers CORSA’s most aggressive sound with zero drone. Patented RSC (Reflective Sound Cancellation) technology cancels resonant frequencies inside the cabin. Deep growl at idle, roaring bark under acceleration, high-RPM scream — all without the highway drone that plagues lesser systems.
2.75-inch mandrel-bent 304 stainless, +9% flow increase, ~10 HP / 13 lb-ft gains. Fits 6.4L 392 and 6.2L Hellcat (2015–2023). Made in Berea, Ohio. The go-to for aggressive sound with daily-driver comfort.
Pros
- Xtreme sound with no cabin drone
- RSC technology; 304 SS
- Measurable power gains; USA-made
Cons
- Premium price
- 392/Hellcat only
AWE Track Edition Cat-Back Exhaust (Polished Tips): Dodge Challenger (15–23) 6.4L 392 / 6.2L Hellcat
AWE Track Edition delivers a raw, aggressive exhaust note for 392 and Hellcat Challengers. Full 3-inch T304L stainless, integrated H-pipe, quad chrome silver tips. No 180 Technology® resonator — this is the aggressive Track variant. USA-made. Fits 2015–2023 Dodge Challenger 6.4L 392 and 6.2L Hellcat.
Ideal for enthusiasts who want maximum sound and performance. Dyno-verified gains: up to 15 HP / 12 lb-ft on 392, up to 10 HP / 9 lb-ft on Hellcat. Direct bolt-on; accommodates larger aftermarket driveshafts. Lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Raw, aggressive Track sound
- 304 stainless; USA-made
- Dyno-verified power gains; Lifetime warranty
Cons
- 392/Hellcat only (not 5.7L or V6)
- Can be rowdy at mid-range
aFe MACH Force-Xp Axle-Back Exhaust (REAR): Dodge Challenger 5.7L / 6.2L Hellcat / 6.4L 392 (15–23)
aFe MACH Force-Xp Axle-Back is the most affordable axle-back in this guide. 3-inch 409 stainless, aggressive tone, fits 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L 392, and 6.2L Hellcat. Polished tips. Straightforward install from the rear axle back. Ideal for owners who want a sound upgrade without the cost of a full cat-back.
Axle-back means you keep the stock mid-pipe; less performance gain than a cat-back but lower cost and easier install. 409 SS is durable; 304 would be better for harsh climates.
Pros
- Lowest-priced axle-back
- Fits 5.7L, 392, Hellcat
- Easy install; aggressive sound
Cons
- 409 SS; less performance gain than cat-back
- No drone-cancellation tech
MagnaFlow Axle-Back Exhausts: Dodge Challenger 2015 – 2023
MagnaFlow offers several Race Series axle-backs for the Challenger. Full 304 stainless, quad 3.5-inch tips, aggressive race tone. 19206 fits 6.2L Hellcat. 19210 fits 5.7L Hemi (2015–2017). 19218 fits 3.6L V6. All deliver very aggressive exterior and interior sound. Limited lifetime warranty.
Best value for 304 stainless axle-backs. Direct bolt-on from the rear axle. Expect noticeable volume increase over stock.
Pros
- 304 stainless; limited lifetime warranty
- Trim-specific fitment (V6, 5.7L, Hellcat)
- Aggressive race tone; quad tips
Cons
- Can drone at cruise (no RSC)
- 19210 limited to 2015–2017 5.7L
CORSA Sport Axle-Back Exhaust (REAR): Dodge Challenger / Charger 6.4L 392 & 6.2L Hellcat (15–23)
CORSA Sport Axle-Back brings CORSA’s RSC (Reflective Sound Cancellation) technology to an axle-back format. Aggressive under throttle, drone-free at cruise. 2.75-inch 304 stainless, 4.5-inch polished tips. Fits 6.4L 392 and 6.2L Hellcat Challenger (2015–2023). The premium axle-back choice for daily drivers who want sound without drone.
Axle-back means you retain the stock mid-pipe; less flow gain than a full cat-back. But for 392/Hellcat owners who want a simpler install and CORSA’s drone-free refinement, this is the pick.
Pros
- RSC technology; no cabin drone
- 304 SS; 4.5" tips
- 392/Hellcat fitment
Cons
- Premium price for axle-back
- Less performance gain than cat-back
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Trim?
| Trim | MBRP | JBA | Flowmaster | Borla ATAK | CORSA Extreme | AWE Track | aFe AB | MagnaFlow AB | CORSA AB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger 3.6L V6 | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Challenger R/T 5.7L Hemi | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Challenger 6.4L 392 / 6.2L Hellcat | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • CB = Cat-Back • AB = Axle-Back
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cat-back and axle-back exhausts?
A cat-back replaces everything from the catalytic converter to the tips (mid-pipe + mufflers + tips). More performance gain, full system. An axle-back replaces only the mufflers and tips from the rear axle back. Lower cost, easier install, less performance gain. Both are 50-state emissions legal.
Will an aftermarket exhaust void my warranty?
Cat-back and axle-back systems install behind the factory catalytic converters and do not affect emissions equipment. They generally do not void the vehicle warranty. Modifications that alter emissions (headers, removing cats) can affect warranty. Check with your dealer if concerned.
Do exhaust systems add horsepower?
Yes. Cat-back systems typically add 5–15 HP and similar torque by reducing backpressure and improving flow. Axle-backs add less (often 2–5 HP) since they don’t replace the mid-pipe. Gains vary by vehicle and system.
What causes exhaust drone and how do I avoid it?
Drone is resonance at certain RPMs (often 1,500–2,500) that amplifies inside the cabin. Aggressive mufflers and straight-through designs can increase drone. CORSA’s RSC technology and Borla’s designs reduce or eliminate it. Research sound clips and reviews before buying.
304 vs 409 stainless steel: which is better?
304 stainless is more corrosion-resistant and premium; better for long-term ownership and salt climates. 409 stainless is budget-friendly and durable; fine for most conditions. Aluminized is lowest cost; expect shorter life in harsh environments.
I have a Hellcat Challenger. What exhaust fits?
Several options: Cat-backs: JBA, Flowmaster American Thunder, Borla ATAK (Hellcat-specific SKU), AWE Track Edition, CORSA Extreme. Axle-backs: aFe MACH Force-Xp, MagnaFlow 19206, CORSA Sport. All fit 6.2L Hellcat (2015–2023). Check each product for exact fitment.
Ready to Upgrade Your Dodge Challenger Exhaust?
Compare cat-backs and axle-backs above, pick the right fit for your trim and budget, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
