2020 Dodge Challenger Review
2020 Dodge Challenger Review
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The Challenger concedes points to rivals when it comes to interior refinement and sporty driving dynamics. But drivers who value comfort and utility will likely prefer the Dodge.
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2020 Dodge Challenger Review
byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Several V8 engine choices
- Roomy cabin can actually accommodate four adults
- High degree of customization thanks to many trim levels and options
- Offers a pretty comfortable ride compared to its muscle-car rivals
Cons
- Large and heavy with cumbersome handling
- Rear visibility is somewhat compromised
- Unlike main rivals, it's not available as a convertible
What's new
- New limited-edition 50th Anniversary package available
- New 807-horsepower SRT Super Stock trim
- Part of the third Challenger generation introduced for 2008
Overview
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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$183/mo for Challenger SXT
Challenger SXT
vs
$219/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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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
edmunds TESTED
The Challenger concedes points to rivals when it comes to interior refinement and sporty driving dynamics. But drivers who value comfort and utility will likely prefer the Dodge.
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 Edmunds 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Edmunds 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.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#25 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Challenger from 2008-2022.$534/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.83x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).16.4%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Dodge Challenger.
5 star(88%)
4 star(3%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(3%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Its better than they say it is
Drew Burt, 01/29/2020
2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M)
Bought my new R/T Scat pack last week and I am very pleased. I have read reviews saying that this car is bulky and poor handling but I strongly disagree with this and contend that the problem lies in the lack of a driver with extensive experience driving these types of cars. It feels just as light and maneuverable as a heavily modified 1968 Barracuda (10 grand in the suspension alone) I … own that weighs almost an entire Mazda Miata less than the Challenger. If you know how to drive, you will have the ability to get the most out of this car, which is what will actually make the difference between being faster or slower than your neighbor with a Mustang or a Camaro. Power is amazing. In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear the engine redlines as though it were free revving in neutral, you better pay attention because the shift points are going to come very quickly. Traction control is obviously working very well at this point because normally with this kind of power being applied a car will fishtail all around making it necessary to see saw the steering wheel to stay on the road. 4th isn't much slower winding out and is good for an easy 120. 5th gear was as high as I went on my little acceleration trial and I backed off at 132mph with still another 1500 rpm to go until redline. Again, this all seemed very easy for the car to do, and whats more the car felt rock solid at 132mph and felt as though it could easily go much faster and stay firmly planted on a country road, bumps, dips, and all. My Barracuda requires a smooth race track to go 132mph. The Challenger is heavy for a reason. A lighter car would become airborne on these rural roads I drive on. And I love how solid it is. Going over railroad tracks really tells me how solidly this car is built. Everything is screwed together very tightly. I know I will own and enjoy this car for many years.
5 out of 5 stars
built for comfort and for speed
Red Mopar, 06/16/2020
2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M)
traded in my 300 c luxury edition for a loaded 2020 50th wide body scat pack still have all the comforts had to give up heated and cooled cup holders I'll suffer for speed , power ,and handling very few people are cornering at over .9g and with 305 Pirelli summer tires it holds the road with the SRT pages set the car how you like to drive ,hit the gas and smile not coughing like the … people in the tire smoke. LOL
the extra weight and size means you have shoulder and leg room the telescopic tilt steering wheel
allows the seat to be set back for people over 6 foot . with the adaptive cruse on a long trip lean back and steer let the people in front of you worry about the speed limit. Day 1 with the car 11 hours 786 miles and the smile never left my face.
5 out of 5 stars
Big! Comfortable! Perfect!
Jimi Mack, 02/29/2020
2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M)
Reviews are usually done by idiots. This car handles much better than it is given credit for, especially in the models with a stiffer or adjustable suspension. Yeah, it's big. Like we all haven't heard THAT before. "It's a boat" "It's a tank". Yeah, and it's more comfortable than any other coupe in it's class. I have a 2017 T/A 392 (choice not available in the drop downs) with a manual … transmission and it's the best, and most fun car I've ever owned. If you want a sports car, go get a Corvette or Mustang or Camaro. If you want the only real muscle car left on the market, go test drive one and you'll be surprised.
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing car
Chip, 08/23/2020
2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 2dr Coupe (6.4L 8cyl 6M)
UPDATE:
Over the course of a year, I bought several small mods (none the void the warranty) and have taken it to the drag strip several times. With just a cold air intake, exhaust, and some drag radials, this is a mid-11 second car on Great weather, and a high 11 low 12 in the summer heat and humidity. No issues with the car, despite being pushed hard. What a monster. 30,000 miles and 2 … and a half years later, the car is still just as great as day one. Only bad thing is gas prices, but I guess that’s what the Prius is for.
I bought my first ever muscle car this year. I debated between the mustang gt premium, the camaro ss, and the Charger as well. I test drove all three of the others and they are all great in their own ways. I hadn’t test driven a challenger and I got all my information about it from YouTube. Which was obviously plagued with “it’s so big, it’s a boat, it’s cumbersome” but really, it isn’t. My scat pack has the skinny 245’s and I will upgrade soon, but even then, this handles really well for what it is on the backroads. And you have to use backroads to get to my house. It’s fantastic for the hour long commute to and from work everyday, extremely comfortable. This is more of a Grand Tourer car than a sports car, with a beautiful 392 cubic inch v8. If you are on the fence, test drive one. And even the MPG is much better than expected. My overall average is 20.8 (sticker said 18) and the highway mpg is around 27-32mpg with the automatic. This car is so freakin great.
2020 Dodge Challenger video
Is the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Worth an Extra $10K? | First Drive
Edmunds special correspondent Elana Scherr travels to New Hampshire to answer this all-important question: Is the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye worth a $10,000-plus premium over the regular Hellcat? You can get a fully loaded Hellcat, boasting 717 horsepower for 2019, for… the same money as an entry Redeye. Watch to find out her verdict on the most powerful Challenger available.
2020 Challenger Highlights
Coupe
SXT
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,095 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $183/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Challenger models:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Illuminates a light on either of the Challenger's side mirrors when a vehicle enters its blind spot.
- Forward Collision Warning
- Helps prevent collisions by sounding an alert when the Challenger detects an imminent collision.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Sounds a warning if a vehicle is approaching the Challenger from the side while it's backing into traffic.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestMarginal
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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