Pros: Brash muscle-car styling and attitude; lots of unique trim options; value for the dollar; sporty handling for the class; ludicrous performance of SRT Hellcat model
Cons: V8 fuel economy; acceleration with V6 might not satisfy some buyers attracted by Charger’s muscular looks
CG Says: The 2020 Dodge Charger adds Widebody versions of the Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat models. Widebody includes Bilstein 3-mode electronically damped suspension and fender flares to accommodate wider tires. Dodge claims the SRT Hellcat Widebody can accelerate 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, cover the quarter mile in 10.96 seconds, and has a top speed of 196. Plus, there is a limited-production Daytona Fiftieth Anniversary Edition based on SRT Hellcat Widebody that adds 10 horsepower to the supercharged V8 for a total of 717. The “non-Widebody” SRT Hellcat has been dropped. Charger is a large, rear-wheel drive sedan with seating for five. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 292 or 300 horsepower. Three V8s are available: a 370-hp 5.7-liter, a 485-hp 6.4liter, and supercharged 6.2-liter in the SRT Hellcat. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic. All-wheel is only available with the V6. Vast passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make the Dodge Charger a reasonable choice for buyers who need the room of a large car but don’t want to give up power or performance in the process. Safety features include blind-spot alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Standard performance items for the Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat models include Launch Assist and Line Lock. Launch Assist uses wheel-speed sensors and modulates engine torque for optimal traction in high-speed launches, and Line Lock engages the front brakes but keeps the rear wheels free for “burnouts” at a drag strip. The standard V6 engine and smooth 8-speed automatic transmission are a fine team that we think will satisfy the majority of buyers both in terms of acceleration and, surprisingly, fuel economy. Those with the need for speed will find the R/T and Scat Pack models with 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter V8s quite invigorating, though they have a copious thirst for fuel. For high-performance fanatics, Dodge also offers the outrageous SRT Hellcat Widebody, a supercar version of the Charger boasting 707 hp (717 in Daytona Fiftieth Anniversary Edition) from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Hellcats have an even greater thirst.
Class | Large Car |
Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Dodge |
Nation of Manufacture | Canada |
Base Prices | SXT: $31,390 AWD SXT: $35,090 GT: $33,390 R/T: $37,890 Scat Pack: $41,490 Scat Pack Widebody: $47,490 SRT Hellcat Widebody: $71,140 Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition: $75,635 |
Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 (SXT, GT) |
Horsepower 292 (RWD SXT) 300 (AWD SXT, GT) |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 18-19 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27-30 |
Optional Engine 5.7-liter V-8 (R/T) |
Horsepower 370 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
Optional Engine 6.4-liter V8 (Scat Pack) |
Horsepower 485 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 15 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24 |
Optional Engine supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (SRT Hellcat, Daytona 50th Anniversary) |
Horsepower 707 (717 in Daytona 50th Anniversary) |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 12 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21 |
First Spin: 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Charger Scat Pack Widebody
Test Drive: 2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Test Drive: 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Road & Track
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