2020 Dodge Challenger Review

　　

2020 Dodge Challenger Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　In this era of electrification, it might surprise you to know muscle cars are not only still a thing, but they're better than ever. While the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang have added more handling prowess to their repertoire, the big-boned Dodge Challenger is still all about horsepower and customization. It remains the truest incarnation of the classic early 1970s muscle car.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Dodge Challenger SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$159/mo  for Challenger SXT

　　Challenger SXT

　　SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $28,095 MSRPSXT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,095 MSRPGT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,095 MSRPGT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,095 MSRPR/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M) - $34,995 MSRPR/T Scat Pack 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M) - $38,995 MSRPR/T 50th Anniversary 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M) - $39,990 MSRPR/T Scat Pack 50th Anniversary 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M) - $44,490 MSRPR/T Scat Pack Widebody 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M) - $44,995 MSRPR/T Scat Pack 50th Anniversary Widebody 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M) - $50,490 MSRPSRT Hellcat 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) - $58,995 MSRPSRT Hellcat Widebody 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) - $64,995 MSRPSRT Hellcat Redeye 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $70,595 MSRPSRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $76,595 MSRPSRT Super Stock 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $79,595 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　That's not to say the Challenger isn't modern. It offers a host of advanced driver safety aids along with one of the best infotainment systems on the market. It can even be had with all-wheel drive and ventilated seats. But all that modernity doesn't take anything away from its street cred. If you check the right boxes, you can have your Challenger with a nearly unbelievable 797 horsepower, a Widebody kit and steamroller-esque tires. And then there's the personalization options — wild paint colors, graphics packages and various styling add-ons to ensure you and your Challenger will always get attention. If you want absurdity, you can always take it up a notch to the new 807-horsepower drag-racing machine dubbed the SRT Super Stock.

　　Certainly, the Camaro and the Mustang have broader performance résumés. Their V8 engines provide loads of power and sound great. The Camaro and Mustang are also a bit easier to maneuver than the hulking Dodge and return mildly better fuel economy. But Dodge is right to be proud of the latest Challenger since it offers an unmatched combination of power, comfort and convenience. There's nothing quite like the Challenger, and that fuels much of its appeal.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Challenger drive? The Challenger is always a hoot to drive. With the 6.4-liter V8, power is readily available in any gear at almost any speed. We tested the R/T Scat Pack Widebody with the manual transmission. Zero to 60 mph took just 4.9 seconds at the zzdcar test track. It's properly quick but slower than other modern muscle cars by a few tenths. Braking is strong. Our test Challenger stopped from 60 mph in 105 feet, a short distance for such a big vehicle.

　　The Dodge's beefy size makes in-town maneuvering a bit tough, but it's a champ out on the open road. The Challenger is pretty capable on curvy roads too. Well, as long as you don't try driving it like a nimble sports car. Its mass and weight become readily apparent if you try to drive quickly through tight turns.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Challenger? Our tester, with the Widebody package, had a stiffer adaptive suspension than even the standard R/T Scat Pack, but it didn't ruin the ride. Highway ride quality is very good, and seat comfort is near the top of the class. A relatively quiet cabin helps make this a nice place to be for long rides.

　　Dual-zone climate control is standard on the R/T and it maintains the desired cabin temp well. The climate is controlled via the touchscreen or knobs and buttons directly behind the shifter. Our test car had the optional heated and ventilated front seats. The seat heating works well but the ventilation could be more effective.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Our tester, with the Widebody package, had a stiffer adaptive suspension than even the standard R/T Scat Pack, but it didn't ruin the ride. Highway ride quality is very good, and seat comfort is near the top of the class. A relatively quiet cabin helps make this a nice place to be for long rides.

　　Dual-zone climate control is standard on the R/T and it maintains the desired cabin temp well. The climate is controlled via the touchscreen or knobs and buttons directly behind the shifter. Our test car had the optional heated and ventilated front seats. The seat heating works well but the ventilation could be more effective.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? This is one of the best plug-and-play systems out there. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto accompany the Challenger's already user-friendly Uconnect system. It's very easy to use with multiple solutions for the same commands. But the interface looks a bit dated compared to the rest of the class.

　　Voice controls use an easy-to-learn structure and accept basic commands for the audio, navigation and hands-free calling. Connecting your smartphone makes things even more familiar. The Driver Convenience package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. They worked well during our test without false alerts.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Big American coupes aren't exactly perfect examples of utility, but the Challenger leads the class easily in this category. The trunk opening is large, and its capacity blows the class away with a midsize-sedan-like 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seatbacks fold in a 60/40-split for extra utility.

　　There's decent small-item storage throughout the cabin, but the cupholders are right behind the gearshift, which is somewhat problematic with a manual transmission. The door pockets are small, with small bottle holders up front. In coupes this size, space is at a premium, but the Challenger uses what it has relatively well.

　　

Fuel Economy

5.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? EPA estimated-fuel economy for the 6.4-liter V8 is 17 mpg combined. That's one of the lowest ratings in the segment, even before you add the Widebody package. The wide tires add rolling resistance as well, making real-world fuel economy even lower. In our testing, we struggled to even meet the EPA's city estimate of 14 mpg.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Challenger a good value? The Challenger offers decent equipment for the money. The 6.4-liter engine is appropriately priced against other V8 upgrades in the class. The Widebody package adds big bucks to the price tag, but the resulting wheel, tire and suspension upgrades — not to mention the enhanced visual swagger — make it worth it.

　　The Challenger's interior build quality is solid, but the quality of the materials becomes less appealing the higher you go up the trim ladder. By the time you're into Hellcat territory, it'll be obvious that you're paying for a big motor, not an exquisite interior design.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　The Challenger, especially with the Widebody package, is an American muscle car with a heaping helping of personality. It'll put a massive smile on your face every time you drive it. It's also surprising how well the car's styling has aged considering that the car has been around for more than a decade without a full redesign.

　　

Which Challenger does zzdcar recommend?

We think the R/T Scat Pack provides the most quintessential Challenger experience. This is the least expensive way to experience Dodge's throaty 6.4-liter V8 engine, and you can even get it with a six-speed manual transmission. You can add a head-spinning number of options on top of the decent amount of standard equipment. Consider going for the Dynamics package for the more powerful brakes as well as the Driver Convenience and Technology Groups for features such as rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.

　　

2020 Dodge Challenger models

The 2020 Dodge Challenger is a five-passenger, two-door coupe available in five primary trim levels: SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on SXT and GT trims.

　　The SXT starts with a 3.6-liter V6 engine (303 hp, 268 lb-ft of torque) matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. You get a decent number of standard features, including keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

　　The GT dresses things up a bit with styling cues taken from the V8-powered trim levels. It retains the powertrain found in the SXT and adds upgraded interior trim, remote start and rear parking sensors. All-wheel drive is optional for the SXT and the GT.

　　The R/T is similarly equipped to the GT, but it ditches the V6 engine for a 5.7-liter V8 (372 hp, 400 lb-ft) and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic is optional.

　　The R/T Scat Pack ups the power ante with a 6.4-liter V8 (485 hp, 475 lb-ft). It also comes with more standard features such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and performance software upgrades such as launch control.

　　At the top of the food chain lies the SRT Hellcat. There's a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (717 hp, 656 lb-ft) and either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission to dole out the power. Dodge also adds larger brakes, exterior styling changes and an adaptive suspension to the mix of standard equipment.

　　But wait, there's more! The SRT Hellcat Redeye package raises the Hellcat's power output to 797 hp and 707 lb-ft and comes solely with an eight-speed automatic. Still want more? OK, check out the SRT Super Stock. It puts out 10 more horsepower than the vaunted Redeye and also comes standard with the Widebody kit, lightweight Brembo brakes, a revised suspension and gripper tires for better drag-racing performance.

　　All Challengers are available with a myriad of options, including graphics packages, hood scoops, leather seats, audio upgrades and driver aids. The Widebody kit, which adds, among other upgrades, wider fenders to accommodate wider wheels and tires, is available for the R/T Scat Pack and Hellcats.

　　

2020 Challenger Highlights

Type: SRT Hellcat Redeye WidebodyR/T Scat Pack WidebodyR/T Scat Pack 50th AnniversaryCoupeSRT Hellcat WidebodyR/T Scat Pack 50th Anniversary WidebodySRT Super StockSRT HellcatR/T Scat PackSRT Hellcat RedeyeCoupe

　　Trim: SXTGTR/TR/T Scat PackR/T 50th AnniversaryR/T Scat Pack 50th AnniversaryR/T Scat Pack WidebodyR/T Scat Pack 50th Anniversary WidebodySRT HellcatSRT Hellcat WidebodySRT Hellcat RedeyeSRT Hellcat Redeye WidebodySRT Super StockSXT

　　

Base MSRP	$28,095
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$159/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles