2020 Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger has been a muscle car icon since the golden age of classic muscle cars in the 1960s. It is perhaps the car that has stayed closest to the roots of its ancestors, still having similar exterior and handling characteristics, while adding just enough upgrades to keep up with the changing times. There are several options for the powertrain, from a sensible 3.6L V6 to the supercar-devouring 797-hp supercharged Hemi V8.

The modern Challenger competes against the pony cars like the Mustang, the Camaro and the sports coupe from Germany - BMW 230i. With the diverse competition to face off against, it is interesting to see if the Challenger lives up to the hype.

Starting at $27,295 for the base trim - Challenger SXT is a very functional and barebones muscle, it doesn’t even get the V8 which you can get your hands on in the $34,100 R/T trim. Higher up the trim ladder comes the R/T Scat Pack, the legendary SRT Hellcat, and the Herculean Hellcat Redeye. Even with the basic standard equipment, the Challenger is a great car to live with, both as a dragster and a daily driver. The GT trim adds a few performance and interior upgrades which make it well worth the extra cash.

Trim	SXT	GT
MSRP RWD	$27,295	$29,995
MSRP AWD	$30,295	$32,995
Key Features	18-Inch Satin Carbon Aluminum Wheels	20-Inch x 8-Inch Granite Crystal Aluminum Wheels
	Hydraulic Assist Brake Booster	Super Track Pack
	Rear Stabilizer Bar	Performance Brakes
	Premium Cloth Sport Seats	Power 6-Way Driver Seat
	Projector Headlamps	Automatic Projector Headlamps

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The GT is the best available trim for the Challenger as it has better braking, leather-wrapped performance steering, Super track pack, and bigger wheels. It costs just $2700 more than the base trim but also offers better equipment and features.

"The Challenger may not be as fast or as responsive as the Mustang or Camaro, but it's always a hoot to drive." -Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The high-powered V6 with 3.6L engine displacement makes 305 horses and 268 pound-feet of torque to the rear tires. The massive output defines the character as a purebred muscle car, waiting to burst off the line at the dab of the throttle. The cacophony of cracks and tumbles which resonates through the exhaust as the revs crescendo send shudders down the spine and the tire-shredding acceleration pushes you back into your seat.

However, the V6 under the hood still feels tame once you get a taste of the V8 in the R/T or the Hellcat, which makes the Challenger a real muscle car, and then the SXT would feel like a boulevard cruiser and not a drag strip demon(pun intended).

The 8-speed automatic transmission you find in this pony is smooth and functional like the ones you find in Ram pickups and Chrysler minivans, but nowhere near what you'd want in a muscle machine. You'll have to be patient for the torque to kick in at 4800 rpm unlike the Mustang or the Camaro where the torque comes in much earlier.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
MSRP	$27,295	$26,395	$35,300	$25,500	$26,455
Engine	3.6-Liter V6	2.3L Turbocharged 4-cylinder	2.0L Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0-liter Boxer-4
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-speed Manual	8-speed Automatic	6-speed Manual	6-speed Manual
Horsepower	305 hp @ 6350 rpm	310 hp @ 5500 rpm	248 hp @ 5200 rpm	275hp @ 5600	205 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque	268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm	350 lbs-ft. @ 3000 rpm	258 lbs.-ft. @ 1450 rpm	295 lbs.-ft. @ 3000-4500	156 lbs.-ft. @ 6,400 rpm

The 2.3L EcoBoost inline-4 engine in the Ford Mustang relies on a turbocharger to make 310 horsepower, similar to the Camaro which comes with a tiny 2.0L engine. These forced inductions may give good numbers for power and economy, but unlike the naturally aspirated Challenger, they suffer the consequent turbo lag. The 2.0L Boxer-4 on the BRZ offers the same thrill, though it is not as powerful as the V6 on the Challenger.

Acceleration

The Challenger is a ridiculously fast coupe, but for a muscle car, it's rather docile. It takes about 6.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. It turns heads, but rather slowly. The summer tires give great grip as you pull away from intersections or stoplights, and help with its acceleration as well. You would find that RWD Challengers have much more breathtaking acceleration than the AWD ones. For a more intense drag racing experience, you can always upgrade to the Scat Pack or Hellcat trims.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
0-60 MPH	6.3 sec	5.0 sec	5.3 sec	5.2 sec	6.2 sec
Quarter mile	14.8 sec	13.0 sec	12.7 sec	14.0 sec	15.0 sec
Engine Displacement	3.6 Liters	2.3L	2.0 Liters	2.0 Liters	2.0 Liters
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.34	7.1	5.51	7.71	7.4

The Mustang is the quickest pony in the stable and gets you to 60 miles an hour in 5 seconds flat. Camaro coupe and the 2-series Bimmer follow with 5.4 and 5.3 seconds on the clock, leaving the Challenger playing catch up. Clearly, brute force is not everything. Nor will it help you save a lot on EPA's gas-guzzler taxes. The 2020 Dodge Challenger SXT is surpassed only by the Camaro for its emissions.

Braking

The brake pedal is grilled medium-rare, to suit everyone's palette, firm enough to work well on the tracks and tender when you're cruising through the city. For maximum flavor, Dodge has given the Challenger 12.6-inch discs on both the front and rear wheels, which stop the hefty muscle car from 70 mph in 176 feet. Seasoning with the summer tires was a good move for Dodge.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	12.6	12.3	12.6	11.6
Brake Rear (in.)	12.6	12.6	11.4	12.4	11.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3894	3532	3373	3354	2776
60-0 MPH (ft.)	176(70-0 mph)	106	106	103	120

Considering just how heavy the Dodge Challenger is, it is surprising how it measures up to lighter, more nimble coupes like the Subaru BRZ and the BMW 230i. The performance is even more impressive with the AWD in play. Still, the Chevy Camaro is the best in this segment, stopping dead from 60 mph within 103 feet. The Breezer is quite a contender around corners but its 120-foot stopping distance puts it way behind(or ahead, in this case) of the pack.

Ride and Handling

The weighted steering is delightful when handling the Challenger on the track, but might seem like a chore on daily drives. Feedback from the road is not as appreciable as you would've wanted, but maneuverability through tight spaces isn't a huge challenge, despite the hefty size.Going around corners my tip over your coffee with the pronounced body roll, which you could solve if you equip the Super Trak Pack and get the sport suspension upgrade.

The pedal responsiveness mimics the drive mode, fine-tuned to suit your need. The R/T and SRT have firm suspension, but just shy of a harsh ride, improving the body roll by a mile. Even with the comparatively sensible V6, the engine roar fills the cabin as you put your foot down. The car is very refined, for an American muscle car. So, expect some rattle and road noise as you travel at highway speeds.

3.6L naturally aspirated engine is not a recipe you'd want to see if you were on a diet - this dish needs a lot of oil. Delivering just 19 miles to the gallon in the city and a decent 30 miles to the gallon, which is quite good considering there's also a V8 on offer. The 18-5-gallon fuel tank is not going to run out after a short trip, enabling you to go the distance without the fuel gauge behaving as if it was a stopwatch.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
MPG (city)	19	21	24	22	24
MPG (highway)	30	31	35	31	33
MPG (combined)	23	25	28	25	27

The 3.6L V6 helps the Dodge Challenger with a good fuel economy. Still, it falls short of other muscle cars in this price range, albeit just barely. The lightweight chassis combined with a small-displacement engine makes the 230i the best in this segment.

"The Challenger has a classic muscle-car interior, with a simple design inspired by its 1970s-era predecessors and comfortable accommodations." -Car & Driver

Seating and Comfort

The main highlight for the Challenger's cabin is the driver-focused interior. Despite the firm ride, the plush seats and great sound deadening make the SXT quite habitable for a sports car. The driver's seats are supportive and bolstered well to keep you in place as you corner with those high G-forces. The large size translates to immense passenger and interior capacity, adding to the list of practicality and daily driveability.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
Passenger capacity	4	4	4	4	4
Front Room(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/58.5/42	37.6/56.3/44.5	40.1/54.4/41.5	38.5/55.0/43.9	37.1/54.5/41.9
Rear Room (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/53.9/33.1	34.8/52.2/30.6	36.5/53.4/33.0	33.5/50.3/29.9	35.0/51.7/29.9

The rear seats are accommodating for up to three adults unlike the Camaro and the Mustang which suffer from the cramped rear, suitable for young adolescents at best. Equipping the sunroof makes the rear seats short on headroom. The wide pillars make the visibility rather dodgy, speckled with blind spots, but the rearview camera cuts you some slack while parking.

Infotainment System

Dodge has given the Challenger the best-in-class UConnect infotainment system that provides a swift and intuitive interface. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, smartphone integration is easy and makes the driving experience free from distractions. The 8.4-inch touch panel with navigation and 9-speaker surround system are, however, optional extras. Some additional infotainment features include:

• Bluetooth Audio Streaming
• USB Port
• AUX Cable Input
• AM/FM/HD Radio
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Remote Engine Start
• Proximity Sensing Keyless Entry

Cargo Capacity

The Challenger coupe flaunts a trunk size large enough to give the Charger sedan a run for its money. Comparable to a mid-size sedan, the 16.2 cubic feet cargo space blows the competition like Mustang and the Camaro out of the water. The trunk is simplistic and its wide design makes it easier to load in cargo. If required, the rear seats can be folded flat to add in a bit more storage space for taller items.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	16.2	13.5	13.8	9.1	6.7

With a massive trunk that you get on the Challenger, it is easy to load in groceries and track gear at the same time. Not so much with other sports coupe in this segment. The Mustang and 230i hold up pretty well, though the Chevy and the BRZ have trunks big enough for just a couple of suitcases.

"The Challenger oozes muscle car. The deeply inset front grille and round headlights are throwbacks to the early ’70s." -The Car Connection

Design and Dimensions

With the stunning dual-snorkel shaker hood scoop, this year it's not just the Mustang Bullitt to go retro. The 70's inspired styling with a deep-set grille, round headlamps, and the sloping roofline make the Challenger stand out from the crowd. Unlike the upper trims, the SXT doesn't get the widebody treatment but kept side-by-side with the slender ponies and sleek coupes, the gargantuan proportions of the Challenger is quite apparent. Meanwhile, the Challenger is heavier, wider, longer and taller than all the rivals in this segment.

Model	Dodge Challenger SXT	Ford Mustang Ecoboost	BMW 230i	Chevrolet Camaro	Subaru BRZ
Curb weight (lbs.)	3894	3532	3373	3354	2776
Length(in)	197.9	188.5	174.7	188.3	166.7
Width(in)	75.7	75.4	69.8	74.7	69.9
Height(in)	57.5	54.3	55.8	53.1	50.6
Ground clearance (in)	5.2	5.4	5.5	4.5	4.9
Wheelbase (in)	116.2	107.1	105.9	110.7	101.2
Track width (in) F/R	63.4/63.8	62.3/64.9	59.9/61.3	62.5/63.7	59.8/60.6

The base model Challenger does not get a really long list of features like the Ford gives the EcoBoost. However, the features are adequately functional and get the job done. The heavy metal chassis has a well-defined crumple zone placement, which protects all occupants from major harm in the event of a crash. The 2020 Dodge Challenger received above average safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS. The car received a lot of praise for its side strength, though the lack of crash allowance on the driver's side kept it from a perfect score sheet.

Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring System
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts including pretensioners
• Front Collision Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• ParkView Back-Up Camera

Dodge Challenger SXT vs Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Mustang with a 2.3L turbocharged engine would be laughed at in the 70s, but if you knew it could do a 60 in 5 seconds flat, you'd be grasping for your seatbelts. The 310 hp EcoBoost engine makes more power than the naturally aspirated V6 that the Challenger. That said, there is no other arena in which the Mustang beats the Challenger, be it practicality, tech or comfort. If you're still drooling after the Mustang, save up and get the Mustang GT with the 5.0L Coyote V8 instead.

Dodge Challenger SXT vs BMW 230i

The odd-one-out is the BMW from Germany, competing against the American Muscle on its own, the base model 2-series comes with a 2.0L engine producing merely 248 hp compared to the 300+ from the Challenger. However, the tiny powerplant is enough to take the 230i from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds - a full second faster than the Dodge. For the 10 grand extra, you get a more luxurious interior, better tech, more safety features and a better handling coupe that performs well on the drag strip as well as the racetrack.

Dodge Challenger SXT vs Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevy Camaro is a small muscle coupe that comes with a 2.0L engine. Regardless, it keeps up with the giants like the Mustang and the Challenger in terms of performance. It has nimble handling and the small size benefits maneuverability through tight spots. The hefty Challenger on the other hand, puts its naturally aspirated V6 to work, propelling it to 60 in 6.3 seconds. In terms of practicality and seating capacity, the Challenger is far ahead, with rear seats that are actually usable and a trunk that can carry real luggage. All things considered, the Challenger will suit you better if you are looking for a practically feasible muscle car.

The Dodge Challenger SXT with its V6 engine produces mammoth torque which takes the performance of this muscle to a whole nother level. Meanwhile, the passenger, as well as cargo capacity, is a notch above the rest. With the best infotainment you can find in a modern muscle, an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen, and the UConnect interface, the only one to match the Challenger are the Germans. If it's a capable muscle car you're looking for, but need the practicality along with that, the Challenger SXT and the GT are the perfect muscle on a budget.

2020 Dodge Challenger Coupe Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Are Dodge Challengers expensive to maintain?

Compared to other midsize coupes, Dodge Challengers certainly touch the higher price mark for annual maintenance costs. The average annual cost of maintenance for a Dodge Challenger, including repairs, comes out to be $650, while the average for most midsize coupes is $526.

How fast is a 2020 Dodge Challenger GT?

The 2020 Dodge Challenger GT is capable of a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds and a quarter-mile run in 14.8 seconds. The car is capable to reach a top speed of 130 mph.

Is the Dodge Challenger a reliable car?

Yes. The Dodge Challenger is much more reliable than most of the other American sports cars. JD Power has given it a score of 80 on its standard 100-point scale, which is enough to fetch it a Performance Award in the category.

Where are the Dodge Challengers built?

All variants of the Dodge Challenger are built at the Brampton Assembly Plant, a Chrysler production factory located at 2000 Williams Parkway, East Brampton, Ontario, Canada.