The Dodge Challenger will overtake the Ford Mustang in sales in 2021.

The fact that the Dodge Challenger outsold the Ford Mustang in 2021 is impressive considering that the current Challenger's basic design has not changed since its introduction in 2008. Yes, it really is old.

According to U.S. sales figures, Dodge sold 54,314 Challengers in 2021, up about 3% from the previous year. In contrast, Ford sold 52,414 Mustangs, down 14.2% from 2020, the lowest annual sales in Mustang history.

Chevrolet's Camaro continued its downward slide that has been ongoing for several years, selling only 21,893 units in 2021, down 26.5% from the previous year. This decline, coupled with Chevrolet's reluctance to announce major updates, has led to widespread rumors that the current Camaro will meet its demise after 2024 and its nameplate will either be retired or repurposed for an electric car.

The Mustang has traditionally been the top dog in the sales race and still leads when sales of the Mustang Mach E electric crossover are included. The combined figure for both Mustangs is 79,554 units. The slowdown in Mustang sales could be due to reports of a model change coming soon, perhaps as early as the 2023 model year.

As for the Challenger, a redesign or replacement is expected in 2024.

Last year was also a strange year for many automakers due to supply shortages and other pandemic-related disruptions. GM, in particular, was hit hard and lost its lead in U.S. sales for the first time in 90 years. The good news is that most automakers are predicting higher sales in 2022 based on economic conditions and expectations for improved supply issues.