2020 Dodge Challenger vs. 2020 Dodge Charger Comparison
HIGHS
Glorious V-8 power, aggressive looks, attainable price.
LOWS
Heavy curb weight, cheap interior materials, lack of all-wheel drive in V-8 trims.
VERDICT
An enticing blend of performance and practicality.
Overview
The 2020 Dodge Charger is the choice for buyers that want or need a full-size sedan but prefer not to compromise on performance or practicality. It’s precisely these qualities that have made the Charger lineup so successful over the years. Additionally, the Charger is the only vehicle in its segment with rear-wheel drive and not one, but two, throaty V-8 engines. All models share an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission, but only the V-6 model can be had with optional all-wheel drive. While the Charger lacks some of its competitors’ richer interior materials, it makes up for this shortcoming with a superb infotainment system and an engaging driving experience. Between its lively palette of color options and nostalgia-inspiring decals, the Charger is an affordable-performance proposition that’s hard to resist.
What’s New for 2020?
For 2020, Dodge’s Widebody package is now an option on the Scat Pack; widebody cars also receive unique front and rear bumper designs. Scat Pack Chargers with the Widebody package come standard with three-mode adaptive Bilstein dampers. Opting for the Widebody package also carries over the brakes and rotors from the Hellcat and 20- x 11-inch wheels wrapped with wider tires. Throughout the lineup, Dodge has added myriad wheel options, with names such as Devil’s Rim and Warp Speed, and Brass Monkey. Buyers looking to further customize the looks of their Charger can opt for the Satin Black Appearance package that covers the hood, roof, decklid, and spoiler. For those wanting to spruce up the interior, Dodge is now offering a Carbon and Suede package that adds real carbon-fiber accents to the instrument panel and console, as well as the addition of faux suede to the headliner, visors, and front roof pillars. Rounding out changes for 2020 are three new paint colors: Frostbite, Hellraisin, and Sinamon.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
– SXT: $31,390
– GT: $33,390
– R/T: $37,890
– Scat Pack: $41,490
If it were our coin, we’d go with the Scat Pack: its mighty 6.4-liter V-8 produces 485 horsepower. Although it’s a premium of roughly $4000 versus the lesser R/T trim, it more than makes up for it in looks and performance. Additionally, fuel economy is nearly identical, so unless you’re on a tight budget there’d be no reason not to splurge for the Scat Pack. Our only additional options would be the Plus Group package that includes niceties such as leather and faux-suede seats, a power-adjustable steering column, blind-spot detection, heated rear seats, and extra interior lighting.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Charger channels its NASCAR roots with big V-8 power and rowdy sounds. However, not every Charger has a mighty Hemi V-8 under the hood—what a pity—but they do all share an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. In contrast, the V-6 is rather subdued but does add the availability of all-wheel drive. Dodge doesn’t build a Charger with a manual gearbox, but it would be so much cooler if it did. The standard V-6 is no slouch, yet it lacks the giddy-up of front-drivers such as the Nissan Maxima and the Buick LaCrosse. The more powerful versions excel at the strip, where the 485-hp Charger R/T Scat Pack posted an impressive 4.1-second sprint to 60 mph. The 370-hp Charger has enough ponies to outrun most family sedans.The bright (Green Go) Charger we paraded around town had a quiet and composed ride. Its large 20-inch wheels were relaxed on most surfaces, but obstacles such as railroad crossings and potholes disrupted its composure. The big-bodied sedan was remarkably balanced when cornering, too. Although the V-6 version we tested had nearly identical cornering grip, the Daytona’s hefty horsepower advantage amplified the fun. The electrically assisted power steering contributes to the Charger’s purposeful control, but its feedback is too heavy and slow to be engaging. We’ve tested several Chargers for emergency braking, and the best results came from the high-performance models with upgraded brakes and stickier summer performance tires.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Charger is a big, heavy car with a healthy appetite for fuel. Although it has below-average EPA estimates in the city, it has fairly competitive highway ratings. We haven’t tested the V-6 version or the 485-hp V-8 on our highway fuel-economy loop, but the 5.7-liter V-8 engine exceeded its 25-mpg estimate by 1 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Charger’s interior is highly functional yet the opposite of luxurious, with more rubberized materials than the set of an adult film. Apart from excellent rear-seat legroom, its passenger space is slightly below average. The cabin’s simplistic design is classic muscle car, but options are plentiful.Although its trunk volume is similar to those of most rivals, the Charger was able to fit an extra carry-on box than its rivals. It held 18 total with the rear seat stowed, beating the Maxima and the fastback-hatchback Kia Stinger by three. Its center console features plenty of spots for small items and a slot alongside the shifter that is perfect for storing your smartphone.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Challenger has a version of the excellent Uconnect infotainment system. That means standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Although the system we tested elicited good response times, some optional controls can only be accessed via the touchscreen; a Wi-Fi hotspot also is unavailable.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The modern-day Charger has a host of optional high-tech assists, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. However, these features cost extra, and base models are excluded from the most advanced driver-assistance options. The Charger earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but its scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were average. Key safety features include:
– Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
– Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
– Available forward-collision warning
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Charger has an average warranty that lacks complimentary scheduled maintenance.
– Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
– Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
– No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Vehicle
EPA Classification
Large Cars
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive
Engine
Engine Order Code
ERB
Engine Type and Required Fuel
Regular Unleaded V-6
Displacement (liters/cubic inches)
3.6 L/220
Fuel System
Sequential MPI
Maximum Horsepower @ RPM
300 @ 6350
Maximum Torque @ RPM
264 @ 4800
Cooling System Capacity (quarts)
NA
Transmission
Transmission Order Code
DFW
Transmission Description
Automatic w/OD
Number of Transmission Speeds
8
First Gear Ratio (:1)
4.71
Second Gear Ratio (:1)
3.14
Third Gear Ratio (:1)
2.11
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)
1.67
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)
1.28
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)
1.00
Seventh Gear Ratio (:1)
0.84
Eighth Gear Ratio (:1)
0.67
Reverse Ratio (:1)
3.29
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)
3.07
Clutch Size
NA
Fuel Economy and Range
EPA Battery Range (miles)
NA
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score
NA
CO2 Emissions, 15K mi/year (tons)
7.7
Range, city/highway (miles)
351.50 / 555.00
EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg)
23 / 19 / 30
EPA Fuel Economy Equivalent (for hybrid and electric vehicles), combined/city/highway (MPGe)
N/A / N/A / N/A
Fuel Tank
Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size
18.5
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons)
NA
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (inches)
120
Length (inches)
198.4
Width, without mirrors (inches)
75
Height (inches)
57.8
Front Track Width (inches)
63.4
Rear Track Width (inches)
63.8
Minimum Ground Clearance (inches)
5.2
Liftover Height (inches)
NA
Interior Dimensions
Passenger / Seating Capacity
5
Total Passenger Volume (cubic feet)
104.7
Front Head Room (inches)
38.6
Front Leg Room (inches)
41.8
Front Shoulder Room (inches)
59.5
Front Hip Room (inches)
56.2
Second Row Head Room (inches)
36.6
Second Row Leg Room (inches)
40.1
Second Row Shoulder Room (inches)
57.9
Second Row Hip Room (inches)
56.1
Cargo Area Dimensions
Trunk Space (cubic feet)
16.5
Steering
Steering Type
Rack-Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1)
NA
Turns, lock to lock
NA
Turning Diameter / Radius, curb to curb (feet)
37.7
Turning Diameter / Radius, wall to wall (feet)
NA
Suspension
Front Suspension Type
Short And Long Arm
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Front Shock Absorber Diameter (mm)
NA
Rear Shock Absorber Diameter (mm)
NA
Front Anti-Roll Bar Diameter (inches)
NA
Rear Anti-Roll Bar Diameter (inches)
NA
Brakes
Brake Type
4-Wheel Disc
Anti-Lock-Braking System
4-Wheel
Front Brake Rotors, diameter x thickness (inches)
13.6
Rear Brake Rotors, diameter x thickness (inches)
12.6
Rear Drums, diameter x width (inches)
NA
Wheels and Tires
Front Wheel Size (inches)
20 X 8
Front Wheel Material
Aluminum
Front Tire Size
P245/45ZR20
Rear Wheel Size (inches)
20 X 8
Rear Wheel Material
Aluminum
Rear Tire Size
P245/45ZR20
Spare Wheel Size (inches)
Compact
Spare Wheel Material
Steel
Spare Tire Size
Compact
Towing
Maximum Trailer Weight, dead weight hitch (pounds)
1000
Maximum Tongue Weight, dead weight hitch (pounds)
100
Maximum Trailer Weight, weight distributing hitch (pounds)
1000
Maximum Tongue Weight, weight distributing hitch (pounds)
100
Weight Information
Base Curb Weight (pounds)
4073
Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F
730
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
180
Mechanical
Engine: 3.6L V6 24V VVT
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic (8HP50)
50 State Emissions
Transmission w/AUTOSTICK Sequential Shift Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
Rear-Wheel Drive
3.07 Axle Ratio
Engine Oil Cooler
730CCA Maintenance-Free Battery w/Run Down Protection
180 Amp Alternator
Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers
Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Sport Tuned Suspension
Electric Power-Assist Steering
18.5 Gal. Fuel Tank
Dual Stainless Steel Exhaust w/Chrome Tailpipe Finisher
Short And Long Arm Front Suspension w/Coil Springs
Multi-Link Rear Suspension w/Coil Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front Vented Discs, Brake Assist and Hill Hold Control
Exterior
Wheels: 20″ x 8.0″ Satin Carbon Painted
Tires: 245/45ZR20 AS Performance
Steel Spare Wheel
Compact Spare Tire Mounted Inside Under Cargo
Clearcoat Paint
Body-Colored Front Bumper
Body-Colored Rear Bumper
Black Side Windows Trim
Body-Colored Door Handles
Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding
Fixed Rear Window w/Defroster
Light Tinted Glass
Speed Sensitive Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Jets
Galvanized Steel/Aluminum Panels
Black Grille
Lip Spoiler
Trunk Rear Cargo Access
Fully Automatic Projector Beam Halogen Daytime Running Headlamps w/Delay-Off
Perimeter/Approach Lights
LED Brakelights
Front Fog Lamps
Laminated Glass
Entertainment
Radio: Uconnect 4C w/8.4″ Display
Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Aux Audio Input Jack, Steering
Wheel Controls, Voice Activation and Radio Data System
Streaming Audio
Window Grid Antenna
6 Alpine Speakers
276w Regular Amplifier
Digital Signal Processor
Uconnect w/Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity
2 LCD Monitors In The Front
Interior
Front Seats w/Power 4-Way Driver Lumbar
12-Way Power Driver Seat -inc: Power Recline, Height Adjustment, Fore/Aft Movement, Cushion
Tilt and Power 4-Way Lumbar Support
4-Way Passenger Seat -inc: Manual Recline and Fore/Aft Movement
60-40 Folding Bench Front Facing Fold Forward Seatback Cloth Rear Seat
Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, Oil Pressure, Engine Coolant Temp, Tachometer, Oil
Temperature, Transmission Fluid Temp, Engine Hour Meter, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer
Power Rear Windows
Voice Recorder
4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot Mobile Hotspot Internet Access
Sport Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel
Illuminated Front Cupholder
Rear Cupholder
Compass
Proximity Key For Doors And Push Button Start
Valet Function
Power Fuel Flap Locking Type
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, 4 Door Curb/Courtesy, Illuminated Entry and
Panic Button
Remote Releases -Inc: Power Cargo Access and Power Fuel
HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter
Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts and Console Ducts
Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
Illuminated Locking Glove Box
Driver Foot Rest
Interior Trim -inc: Aluminum Instrument Panel Insert, Aluminum Console Insert and Metal-Look
Interior Accents
Full Cloth Headliner
Vinyl Door Trim Insert
Leather Gear Shifter Material
Cloth Performance Seats
Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination, Driver And
Passenger Auxiliary Mirror
Day-Night Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console w/Storage and 2 12V DC Power
Outlets
Front And Rear Map Lights
Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
Full Carpet Floor Covering -inc: Carpet Front And Rear Floor Mats
Carpet Floor Trim and Carpet Trunk Lid/Rear Cargo Door Trim
Cargo Space Lights
FOB Controls -inc: Cargo Access and Remote Engine Start
Smart Device Integration
Smart Device Remote Engine Start
SiriusXM Guardian Tracker System
Instrument Panel Bin, Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
Power 1st Row Windows w/Driver And Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down
Delayed Accessory Power
Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature
Systems Monitor
Redundant Digital Speedometer
Trip Computer
Outside Temp Gauge
Digital/Analog Display
Manual Anti-Whiplash Adjustable Front Head Restraints and Fixed Rear Head Restraints
2 Seatback Storage Pockets
Front Center Armrest and Rear Center Armrest w/Storage
Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer
2 12V DC Power Outlets
Air Filtration
Safety
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
ParkSense Rear Parking Sensors
SiriusXM Guardian Emergency Sos
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Driver Knee Airbag
Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and
Pretensioners
ParkView Back-Up Camera
Warranty
3 Basic Years / 36,000 Basic Miles
5 Drivetrain Years / 60,000 Drivetrain Miles
5 Corrosion Years / Unlimited Corrosion Miles
5 Roadside Assistance Years / 60,000 Roadside Assistance Miles
Crash Test Results
Overall Rating
5/5
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
4/5
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver
4/5
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger
4/5
Overall Side Crash Rating
5/5
Side Barrier Rating
5/5
Side Barrier Rating Driver
4/5
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat
5/5
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat
5/5
Combined Side Rating Front Seat
4/5
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat
5/5
Rollover Rating
5/5
Published at Mon, 22 Jun 2020 21:04:00 +0000