2020 Dodge Challenger
Industry
For more than a decade, the Dodge Challenger has attracted notice by virtue of its muscle-car profile, two-door coupe body, and high-powered engines. Spicy-hot looks mixed with vivid performance, in a modern-day paean to the past. Brash and thrilling even in less-potent form, the 2020 Dodge Challenger continues its role as a throwback to the original model, which debuted for 1970. For 2020, Dodge marks the Challenger's original debut with a limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition. It includes a shaker hood scoop, carbon fiber interior trim, a custom gloss black hood, roof, and trunk lid, and more. Only 70 cars will be produced in each trim and color combination.
The sizzling array of trim levels stretches from the base SXT to the SRT Hellcat Redeye. The latter's supercharged V-8 engine, packed into a widened body, unleashes a mighty 797 horsepower. Engine choices include a base V6 and four different V-8s.
Challenger SXT and GT models use a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes a satisfying 305 hp and 268 pound-feet of torque, mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available for $3,000 with the V-6.
The Challenger R/T steps up to a familiar 5.7-liter V-8 that develops 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Offered only with rear-wheel drive, the R/T can be equipped with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or optional 8-speed automatic.
Next on the list is the R/T Scat Pack, which brings a lusty 6.4-liter V-8 (392 cubic inches, using the 1970s measure for displacement). Generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft, the “392” can reach 60 mph in a dashing 4.4 seconds. It also comes standard with the 6-speed manual.
If that level of performance simply won't suffice, the SRT Hellcat fits a supercharger atop a 6.2-liter V-8, issuing a startling 717 hp. Acceleration to 60 mph from a standstill shrinks to a raucous 3.5 seconds. The six-speed manual is standard here, too.
Dodge takes one final step on the performance with the SRT Hellcat Redeye. Offered only with the 8-speed automatic, the Redeye holds a ferocious rendition of the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, flexing every muscle to squeeze out 797 hp and 707 lb-ft.
Both the SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye are available in Widebody form, which adds 2.5 inches to the Challenger's width. Tires are wider, too, adding to the coupe's cool appearance and enhancing its prolific capabilities.
Although V-6 Challengers are relatively frugal, that word definitely doesn't describe any V-8 models. With rear-wheel drive, the Challenger is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city, 30 highway, and 23 combined. All-wheel drive lowers fuel economy to 18/27/21 mpg.
With its 5.7-liter V-8, the R/T is rated at 15/23/18 mpg with the manual gearbox and 16/25/19 mpg with the automatic. The R/T Scatpack with the 6.4-liter V-8 dips to 14/23/17 mpg with the manual and 15/24/18 mpg with the automatic. The SRT Hellcat and Redeye are rated at 13/22/16 mpg. All V-8s require premium fuel.
Safety is hardly a Challenger strong point, due in …
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For 2020, Dodge marks the Challenger's original debut with a limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition. It includes a shaker hood scoop, carbon fiber interior trim, a custom gloss black hood, roof, and trunk lid, and more. Only 70 cars will be produced in each trim and color combination.
The sizzling array of trim levels stretches from the base SXT to the SRT Hellcat Redeye. The latter's supercharged V-8 engine, packed into a widened body, unleashes a mighty 797 horsepower. Engine choices include a base V6 and four different V-8s.
Challenger SXT and GT models use a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes a satisfying 305 hp and 268 pound-feet of torque, mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available for $3,000 with the V-6.
The Challenger R/T steps up to a familiar 5.7-liter V-8 that develops 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Offered only with rear-wheel drive, the R/T can be equipped with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or optional 8-speed automatic.
Next on the list is the R/T Scat Pack, which brings a lusty 6.4-liter V-8 (392 cubic inches, using the 1970s measure for displacement). Generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft, the “392” can reach 60 mph in a dashing 4.4 seconds. It also comes standard with the 6-speed manual.
If that level of performance simply won't suffice, the SRT Hellcat fits a supercharger atop a 6.2-liter V-8, issuing a startling 717 hp. Acceleration to 60 mph from a standstill shrinks to a raucous 3.5 seconds. The six-speed manual is standard here, too.
Dodge takes one final step on the performance with the SRT Hellcat Redeye. Offered only with the 8-speed automatic, the Redeye holds a ferocious rendition of the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, flexing every muscle to squeeze out 797 hp and 707 lb-ft.
Both the SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye are available in Widebody form, which adds 2.5 inches to the Challenger's width. Tires are wider, too, adding to the coupe's cool appearance and enhancing its prolific capabilities.
Although V-6 Challengers are relatively frugal, that word definitely doesn't describe any V-8 models. With rear-wheel drive, the Challenger is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city, 30 highway, and 23 combined. All-wheel drive lowers fuel economy to 18/27/21 mpg.
With its 5.7-liter V-8, the R/T is rated at 15/23/18 mpg with the manual gearbox and 16/25/19 mpg with the automatic. The R/T Scatpack with the 6.4-liter V-8 dips to 14/23/17 mpg with the manual and 15/24/18 mpg with the automatic. The SRT Hellcat and Redeye are rated at 13/22/16 mpg. All V-8s require premium fuel.
Safety is hardly a Challenger strong point, due in …
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Retail Price
| Engine | 3.6L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.2L V-8, 6.4L V-8 |
| MPG | Up to 19 city / 30 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd man w/OD, 8-spd w/OD |
| Power | 305 - 717 hp |
| Drivetrain | all wheel, rear-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 3,858 - 4,429 lbs |
