2020 Dodge Challenger vs. 2020 Dodge Charger Comparison

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