Latest News
1955 Ford Crown Victoria2020 Dodge Charger Review
A little bit muscle car and a little bit sedan, the 2020 Dodge Charger combines features of both to deliver a lot of fun behind the wheel.
What’s New for the 2020 Dodge Charger?
The 2020 Dodge Charger isn’t kicking off a new generation of the vehicle, so there aren’t major updates included with this model. There are two new Widebody versions of the Hellcat and Scat Pack, however. That includes big fender flares, larger wheels and 20″ tires, and Brembo brakes. Electrically-boosted power steering also replaces hydraulic power in the Hellcat. Frostbite, Hellraisin, and Sinamon Stick are three new color options, too. Some suspension tweaks, including shock dampening and increasing spring rates, were also made. When you’re done comparing the 2020 trims, take a look at our ‘Dodge Charger Through the Years’ piece for a look at the entire evolution of the vehicle, starting with the first generation 1966 Dodge Charger.
2020 Dodge Charger – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2020 Dodge Charger on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Two strong V8 engine options
RWD available
Standout muscle car look
Generous seating space
Latest Uconnect multimedia system
AWD not offered with V8 engine
V8 doesn’t get great fuel economy
Cabin materials feel low quality
2020 Charger Specs
- 292 horsepower from base engine
- 260 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 16.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Available 8.4″ touchscreen
- Lengthy list of available driver assists
- 6, 9, or 19-speaker stereo system
2020 Dodge Charger Powertrain
Several engine options, dependent on the trim and drivetrain configuration, are available in the 2020 Dodge Charger. First, there’s a 3.6L V6 that makes 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s in RWD. In AWD, those numbers increase to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s a 5.7L Hemi V8 with RWD. It makes 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. A 6.4L V8, making 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, is available in the Dodge Charger R/T and Scat Pack models. Finally, a supercharged 6.4L Hemi V8, for the SRT Hellcat Widebody, makes 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Each of these engines is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As you can see, there are options here. The V6 is toned down, but the AWD availability does increase the power just a bit. Even in RWD, the V6 is far from sluggish. It accelerates well. The same goes for the braking and overall handling of the 2020 Charger, but the V8 is where drivers can have some fun. There’s more power and some audible engine roar. This brawny sedan, with its V8 engine, handles well on straight shots or through twists and turns.
The 2020 Dodge Charger doesn’t travel as smoothly over roadway bumps and potholes, but it does have an impressive combination of comfort, quality, power, and muscle car style that is hard to find anywhere else.
2020 Dodge Charger Fuel Economy & MPG
With several engine options, there’s a bit of range in the fuel economy here, too. The best the 2020 Dodge Charger achieves is 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the combination of a V6 and RWD. The V6 and AWD lowers to 18/27 mpg in city/highway driving. The R/T, with its 5.7L V8, gets 18/27 mpg for city/highway. The Scat Pack lowers to 15/24 mpg at city/highway driving. Lastly, the SRT Hellcat, with the 6.4L Hemi V8, comes in at 16/25 mpg in city/highway trips. The V8 is thirsty for fuel, but gas mileage with the V6 is fairly average when compared to other large sedans.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Seats are supportive and comfortable at every trim level of the 2020 Dodge Charger. Cloth upholstery on lower trims is expected. There’s a bit too much plastic and rubber, though. There isn’t an overwhelming feel of luxury when sitting inside the vehicle. The quality increases a bit, with leather upholstery, going up to the higher trim levels. Instruments and controls are positioned toward the driver, all within arm’s reach, which is appreciated. It’s a very functional cabin.
This may look like a muscle car on the outside, but looks can be deceiving. Inside, there’s a lot more space than one would expect. The front has an excellent amount of leg room, measuring in at 41.8″. The back seat fits adults comfortably, too. They get 40.1″ of leg room. Head, hip, and shoulder room are not issues. However, getting in and out of the back may be a little difficult due to the roofline. Taller passengers will need to tuck their heads as they climb in.
16.5 cu-ft of trunk volume is comparable to that of the Kia Stinger, Chrysler 300, or other close rivals. The space gets narrower toward the back of the trunk, but it should fit most luggage for a road trip along with some additional items. The seats fold in a 60/40 split configuration when there are no passengers in the back seat, increasing space to 18.0 cu-ft. There’s some storage space in the center console for small items. The door pockets are fairly small, but there is a handy slot near the shifter to place a cell phone.
Entertainment & Technology
Every 2020 Dodge Charger comes with push-button and remote start. A 7″ touchscreen is standard for the SXT, but an 8.4″ touchscreen is also available. Starting with the 2020 Dodge Charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features across all models. Satellite radio, Bluetooth, and at least two USB ports are also found in every trim. Music can be played on a six-speaker stereo, nine-speaker Alpine stereo, or an available 19-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo. HD Radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, and voice controls are available as additional parts of Dodge’s Uconnect system. That system is quick to respond to user commands and isn’t complicated to use.
Safety Features
The SXT trim has the least amount of standard driver assists, which is limited to rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. There’s a long list of other available driver safety aids, however. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and blind-spot monitoring make up most of that list.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Dodge Charger a five-star crash-test rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rating wasn’t as favorable. Their ratings were average in most categories, but they did note excessive headlight glare and difficulty when anchoring a child seat in the back seat. With optional equipment included, the IIHS did give the Charger an overall ‘Superior’ rating.
2020 Dodge Charger Trims & Pricing
SXT – $29,995
The SXT comes with remote start, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. It also has power-adjustable front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The UConnect infotainment system features a 7″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, and Bluetooth. SXT models with AWD are upgraded with dual-zone climate control, an 8.4″ touchscreen, and fog lights.
GT – $31,490
The GT’s V6 increases to make 300 hp. The GT adds 20″ alloy wheels. It also adds performance suspension and performance seats. There’s also an 8.4″ touchscreen and a WiFi hotspot. Interior and exterior mirrors have added features, too. Inside is an auto-dimming rearview mirror. On the outside are heated side mirrors. The outside is also accented with a blackout grille.
R/T – $37,990
R/T models add sports seats and a rear spoiler to go with the 5.7L Hemi V8. It also has performance exhaust, plus the infotainment and driver assist features in lower trims.
Scat Pack – $41,990
The Scat Pack adds Brembo brakes to the 2020 Dodge Charger. There’s also an upgraded engine cooling system. Another addition is a limited-slip rear differential. The temperature is turned up with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Scat Pack has launch control and launch assist, too.
SRT Hellcat Widebody – $73,590
This top-of-the-line trim adds adaptive dampening, red brake calipers, and an adaptive SRT-tuned suspension. The Laguna leather seats are also ventilated in the front and back. There’s also a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Warranties
Dodge has limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles. A powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. There isn’t any complimentary scheduled maintenance, but Dodge does offer a certified pre-owned program for vehicles five years old or less that are under 75,000 miles. The eligibility for that program is determined by the initial sale date.
What we think
2020 Dodge Charger – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2020 Dodge Charger on Carsforsale.com
Every model comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but to get the desired powertrain, you’ll have to make some choices. For the eight-cylinder models, a shopper has to go with at least the R/T. AWD can only be added to models with a V6, like the SXT and GT, though. For the premiere muscle car driving experience, the Scat Pack or the SRT Hellcat Widebody are the best options. The R/T is a good middle-ground option that has an increased number of driver assists and infotainment features.
If you’re unsure about whether to buy a new or used Dodge Charger, take a look at ‘New vs. Used: Dodge Charger’ for additional in-depth analysis.
