Because Dodge hasn’t been getting much love from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently, the 2020 Dodge Charger is mostly unchanged. As with other Dodge models, most of the 2020 updates are cosmetic. However, Dodge engineers and product planners have found a way to keep Charger interesting and relevant by making good use of what limited resources they do have.
With Charger, as well as its two-door Challenger sibling, changes also usually include some performance enhancements. For the Charger this year, the updates include a Widebody version of the Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat. Basically the Widebody is an even more track-ready package than was offered on the Charger Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat from last year.
Dodge takes its performance mission seriously. Yes, there are V6 versions of the Charger that are more mainstream, but none are boring. The 2020 Dodge Charger really does have something for every full-size-sedan shopper.
What’s New for 2020?
The big news for the 2020 Charger is the addition of an optional Widebody variant for the Scat Pack. Widebody is now standard on the Charger SRT Hellcat as well, but there’s more to the new Charger than just the 3.5-in wider body. The wheels and tires are wider (20 in by 11 in), the suspension tuning is more aggressive, and there are bigger sway bars, beefed up Bilstein shocks and modified springs, to name a few of the other Widebody enhancements.
There are tweaks and enhancements up and down the Charger lineup. Most of these changes are to specific grades or option packages for specific grades and have to do with wheel sizes and designs, exterior colors, interior fabrics and so forth. See the 2020 Dodge Charger models for sale near you
What We Like
- Distinctive styling and overall character
- Glorious V8 engine
- Huge interior space for a car of its performance potential
- User-friendly and feature-rich infotainment system
- New Widebody styling available on Scat Pack and standard on SRT Hellcat
What We Don’t
- All-wheel drive is only available on the SX
- Rear seat isn’t as spacious as some other big nonperformance sedans
How Much?
$31,390-$71,140
Fuel Economy
The 2020 Dodge Charger is available with multiple engine options. All come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. AWD is optional on the SXT.
The base 3.6-liter V6 offers 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, Fuel economy is 18 miles per gallon in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in combined driving. Opting for AWD doesn’t affect this mileage.
The R/T uses a 5.7-liter V8 good for 370 hp and 395 lb-ft. of torque. It returns 15 mpg city/25 mpg hwy/18 mpg combined.
Next up, the Scat Pack has a 6.4-liter V8 touting 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. of torque. The fuel economy is 14 mpg city/23 mpg hwy/17 mpg combined.
Finally, the Charger SRT Hellcat has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 good for an absurd 707 hp and 650 lb-ft. of torque. Updated fuel-economy numbers have yet to be released for 2020, but in 2019, it delivered just 13 mpg city/22 mpg hwy/16 mpg combined.
Standard Features & Options
For 2020, the Charger is offered in five trim levels — or six, depending on how you classify them: SXT (SXT AWD), GT, R/T, Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat. All prices include the $1,495 factory destination charge. SRT Hellcat’s price also includes the $1,700 gas-guzzler tax.
The base-level Charger SXT ($31,390) comes standard with the 3.6-liter engine, dual rear exhaust, remote start, cruise control, push-button start, a capless fuel filler, automatic halogen projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, 17-in silver painted wheels, dual-zone manual climate control, an 8-way power passenger seat, a 6-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, remote keyless entry, a 6-speaker audio system with multi USB ports, Uconnect 4 with 7-in display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and satellite-radio capability. The SXT AWD ($35,090) comes with different front and rear axles, heated outboard mirrors, rear spoiler, upgraded ventilated disc brakes, an 8.4-in touch screen, the Uconnect 4C infotainment interface and AWD.
On the SXT, you can add the Technology Group, which comes with automatic wipers, automatic high beams, a power-adjustable steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Optional on all but the SRT Hellcat is the Driver Confidence Group with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, power-heated outboard mirrors and HID projector headlights. Other extras include a sunroof, an Alpine Audio system, integrated navigation and the Sport Leather Seat package, which adds leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Available as an option on all grades is Uconnect 4C with navigation.
The GT ($33,390) builds on the SXT AWD (minus the AWD) with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, performance suspension, a performance hood with hood scoop, projector LED fog lights, upgraded stability control, 20-in alloy wheels and cloth performance seats. The GT has basically the same available option packages as the SXT plus the Performance Handling Group with black Brembo brakes, high-performance suspension and 20-in forged black wheels.
Performance starts to get serious with the R/T ($37,890), which is equipped similarly to the GT, but adds a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, electronically tuned active exhaust and a 160-mph speedometer. Optional on the R/T and Scat Pack is the Daytona Edition Group with leather/Alcantara seats, cold intake, blind spot monitoring, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel and varying Daytona badging. Available on R/T and grades and higher is a 19-speaker Harman Kardon upgraded audio system. The vehicle shares many of the same option packages as the lower grades.
The Scat Pack ($41,490) builds on the base-level R/T, adding a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, all the features from the GT’s Performance Handling Group, a matte black rear spoiler, an 180-mph speedometer, SRT Performance Pages, memory for driver’s seat/radio presets/outboard mirrors, a heated steering wheel, a larger rear axle, an upgraded differential, a larger engine-cooling capacity, launch assist, launch control and line lock.
For drivers who want the last word in sedan performance, there’s the Charger SRT Hellcat ($71,140). It comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, an after-run chiller, 6-piston front Brembo brakes, red brake calipers, an intercooler system, performance-tuned steering, competition suspension, HID projector headlights, aluminum performance hood, the features from the Driver Confidence Group, 20-in gloss-black alloy wheels, a 200-mph speedometer, ventilated leather seats and a premium leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. A Daytona Package is also optional on the SRT Hellcat, but differs a little from that of the R/T and Scat Pack. With
Note that many of the nonperformance extras included on upper trims are available in option packages on lower trims.
Safety
The 2020 Charger comes standard with all the safety features you’d expect, including side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, stability control and a rearview camera. Options include blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning systems, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning with automatic braking.
The federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2019 Dodge Charger its top 5-star overall crash rating along with 4-star frontal and 5-star side ratings. The Charger received ‘Good’ marks in crash tests carried out by the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Its frontal-collision warning and prevention system also got a rating of ‘Superior,’ but the vehicle got a ‘Marginal’ rating in the challenging new small overlap front crash test and a headlight rating of ‘Poor.’
Behind the Wheel
Because Charger grades often come with uniquely tuned suspensions, they have dramatically different driving dynamics.
In general, the V6-powered Chargers skew toward a more comfort-oriented setup that nevertheless falls short of other, more-luxurious and refined full-size sedans. The handling is also pretty ponderous, as it improves as you move up the rungs of the suspension-tuning ladder, but no amount of suspension tuning can make the big, heavy Charger feel perfectly agile. Make no mistake, though, it always feels well planted. As handling improves, ride comfort degrades a bit, but even in Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat models the ride is acceptable for a daily driver.
Compared to other full-size sedans, the back seat isn’t as spacious, and the interior quality disappoints — the 8.4-in Uconnect touchscreen is always appreciated, though. However, it’s actually relatively enormous inside, and the vehicle’s comparatively rock-bottom pricing makes its otherwise unremarkable cabin far more palatable. It seats four comfortably and five in a pinch, and its enormous door openings make entering and exiting easy.
Dodge has carved itself a niche as the producer of full-size production cars. As such, as much goes into performance as goes into the passenger experience. No matter which Charger grade you choose, it will come with some blend of performance, utility and comfort. Dodge likes to tell us that the Charger is a family car first and a production car second, and that statement is generally accurate. However, that ratio changes as you move through the different grades. In any case, the Charger is engaging regardless of the trim.
If you’re looking for the most performance for the money, versions of the Charger like the Hellcat and Scat Pack accomplish that nicely. With close to 500 hp, the Scat Pack option is a performance car value that also delivers blistering straight-line performance and decent handling. The Hellcat is a 700+ hp super muscle car that comes standard with plenty of Dodge’s famous “kicked in the gut” acceleration. It isn’t cheap but at $71,000, it’s hard to find the performance that even comes close for the money. Look to more exclusive European brands and the price will double and then some for similar levels of acceleration, braking, and handling. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody says “The Hellcat gives you one of those smiles you just can’t stop. The car is a blast. However, for about $30,000 less, the Scat Pack makes all the right noises and is almost as much fun to drive.”
Other Cars to Consider
2020 Dodge Challenger – If you like the Charger’s attitude but don’t need the extra doors, consider the 2020 Challenger coupe. It offers the same exuberant powertrains and an even bolder look.
2020 Chrysler 300 – The mechanically similar 2020 Chrysler 300 is the Charger’s uptown sibling. It doesn’t offer the high-performance models its Charger cousin does, but that’s fine for those who are simply looking for an up-market big sedan. It does mean you’ll pay more though, but you’ll arguably get more as well. It’s also more in keeping with other full-size sedans.
2020 Kia Stinger – The new Stinger may not have the Charger’s range of muscle, but its impressive handling should appeal to those who like performance cars that can really take corners.
2020 Chevrolet Impala – If you are looking at the V6 Charger versions, the front-wheel-drive 2020 Impala is a solid alternative. It’s roomy, comfortable, quiet and an ideal family hauler.
Used Dodge Charger – Want a Charger, but can’t afford a new R/T or another of the high-powered upper trim levels? Well, that’s what used and certified pre-owned Chargers are for. Don’t count on getting a bargain Hellcat, though.
Autotrader’s Advice
Even with full-size nonluxury sedans being on the endangered list, the Charger provides a rich array of trim-level and engine choices. Just being a nonluxury sedan is unique, but then Charger also offers an unparalleled number of possible variations. Picking the ideal one for you might be tough. As such, we would at least make sure to try as many of them as possible, especially because you might find you’re perfectly happy with one of the less powerful, less thirsty engines. Even the base V6 is plenty powerful, and with its Performance Handling Group package, it still allows you to have a bit of fun. Find a Dodge Charger for sale
