" It offers several extremely powerful engines, and it has a comfortable interior, making it a solid contender in this class."

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 of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

The high-powered V6 with 3.6L engine displacement makes 305 horses and 268 pound-feet of torque to the rear tires, priced at $27,295. 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 resonates through the exhaust as the revs crescendo sends shudders down the spine and the tire-shredding acceleration pushes you back into your seat.

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	2020 Dodge Challenger	2020 Ford Mustang	2020 Chevrolet Camaro
MSRP	$27,295	$26,395	$25,500
Engine	3.6-Liter V6	2.3L Turbocharged 4-cylinder	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-speed Manual	6-speed Manual
Horsepower	305 hp @ 6350 rpm	310 hp @ 5500 rpm	275hp @ 5600
Torque	268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm	350 lbs-ft. @ 3000 rpm	295 lbs.-ft. @ 3000-4500

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 of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

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	2020 Dodge Challenger	2020 Ford Mustang	2020 Chevrolet Camaro
0-60 MPH	6.3 sec	5.0 sec	5.2 sec
Quarter mile	14.8 sec	13.0 sec	14.0 sec
Engine Displacement	3.6 Liters	2.3L	2.0 Liters
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.34	7.1	7.71

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.

Ride and Handling of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

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 are 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.

Braking of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

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.

Models	2020 Dodge Challenger	2020 Ford Mustang	2020 Chevrolet Camaro
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	12.6	12.6
Brake Rear (in.)	12.6	12.6	12.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3858	3542	3354
60-0 MPH (ft.)	176(70-0 mph)	106	103

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 EPA has not yet published fuel economy estimates for the 2020 Challenger, but we expect them to be similar to the estimates for the nearly identical 2019 Challenger." - Cars.USNews

The 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.

Models	2020 Dodge Challenger	2020 Ford Mustang	2020 Chevrolet Camaro
MPG (city)	19	21	22
MPG (highway)	30	30	30
MPG (combined)	23	25	23

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 of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

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.

Models	2020 Dodge Challenger	2020 Ford Mustang	2020 Chevrolet Camaro
Passenger capacity	4	4	4
Front Room(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/58.5/42	37.6/56.3/45.1	38.5/55.0/43.9
Rear Room (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/53.9/33.1	34.8/52.2/29.0	33.5/50.3/29.9

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 of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

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 of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

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.

Models	2020 Dodge Challenger	2020 Ford Mustang	2020 Chevrolet Camaro
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	16.2	13.5	9.1

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 has a trunk 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 of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

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 is kept side-by-side with the slender ponies and sleek coupes, the gargantuan proportions of the Challenger are quite apparent. Meanwhile, the Challenger is heavier, wider, longer, and taller than all the rivals in this segment.

Models	2020 Dodge Challenger	2020 Ford Mustang	2020 Chevrolet Camaro
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3858	3542	3354
Length(in)	197.9	188.5	188.3
Width(in)	75.7	75.4	74.7
Height(in)	57.5	54.3	53.1
Ground clearance (in)	5.2	5.4	4.5
Wheelbase (in)	116.2	107.1	110.7
Track width (in) F/R	63.4/63.8	62.3/64.9	62.5/63.7

In comparison with the competition, it is the 2020 Dodge Challenger which is the heaviest measuring 3858 pounds, even in terms of dimension it is the largest. It measures the maximum length of 197.9 inches, is the tallest at 57.5 inches, and also offers the largest wheelbase measuring 116.2 inches. The 2020 Ford Mustang and the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro offer identical exterior dimensions. They vary in terms of wheelbase, height, and ground clearance.

Exterior features of the 2020 Dodge Challenge

• Spare Tire Mobility Kit
• 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
• Variable Intermittent Wipers
• Galvanized Steel/Aluminum Panels
• Lip Spoiler
• Black Grille w/Chrome Accents
• Trunk Rear Cargo Access
• Auto On/Off Projector Beam Halogen Daytime Running Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• Perimeter/Approach Lights
• LED Brakelights
• Front Fog Lamps

"Available driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning." - Cars.USNews

Safety ratings of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

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 of the 2020 Dodge Challenger

• 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 pre-tensioners
• Front Collision Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Parkview Back-Up Camera

2020 Dodge Challenger vs 2020 Ford Mustang

Mustang with a 2.3L turbocharged engine would be laughed at in the 70s, but if you knew it could do 60 mph 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.

2020 Dodge Challenger vs 2020 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.

2020 Dodge Challenger vs 2020 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 other 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 ones 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.