2020 Dodge Charger Test Drive Review: Outmuscling The Competition

With a 50-year heritage, the Dodge Charger continues to be a popular mainstay in the American market as the best-selling full-size sedan, and for good reason. Steadfastly sticking to its design philosophy as a classic muscle car, the Charger retains its rear-wheel drivetrain and potent V8 engine options while more contemporary rivals like the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon opt for front-wheel drivetrains and V6 engines. V6 power is standard in the Charger but for those who value power above all else, Dodge offers its HEMI V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque while still retaining practicality for daily family use. There are more luxurious sedans out there with nicer interiors, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one with more all-American character.

To see why the Charger remains the best-seller in its segment, Dodge sent us the HEMI-powered Scat Pack model with the widebody package. The Scat Pack name dates back to the late 1960s and was originally used to describe a trio of Dodge vehicles that could all complete the quarter-mile in under 14 seconds. With a quoted time of 12.4 seconds, this new Charger Scat Pack Widebody certainly qualifies.

What's the Price of the 2020 Dodge Charger?

While you may expect the potent engines available under the hood of the Dodge Charger to come with a much more expensive vehicle, Charger SXT models actually start just below $30k at $29,895, although opting for the available all-wheel drivetrain will push this up to $33,595. Utilizing the same engine as the base model, the GT only increases the price tag to $31,895, but there will be an all-wheel-drive version available later in the year. The R/T gets the first of two available V8 engines, and asks for an investment of $36,395, while the stronger engine on the Scat Pack pushes the price up another $3,600. These prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and Dodge's hefty $1,495 destination charge.

2020 Charger Exterior

Dimensions

2020 Charger Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

While it may be designed to maintain a certain level of practicality and daily-driver appeal, the Charger is far from a boring family sedan. The V6-powered models are more in line with more mainstream sedans like the Nissan Maxima, but it's when you upgrade to the V8 models that the real fun begins.

Like an old school muscle car, the HEMI V8 rumbles in the background as you drive along, reminding the drive that they are at the helm of a true performance vehicle. Plant your foot into the accelerator and that low rumble becomes a deafening growl. Unlike the supercharged Hellcat model, putting down power in the Scat Pack Widebody does not feel like an impossible task (thank the wider 305 tires for that). Yes, the Scat Pack can light up the rear tires with ease but if you show a bit of restraint, it should be able to match the Hellcat off the line.

Some critics like to say that the Charger can't take corners but this isn't strictly accurate. Dodge says the Scat Pack Widebody can pull .98g on a skidpad, which actually best's the Hellcat's .96g figure. The steering isn't as communicative as some performance sedans from Europe but it is far from vague. Changing the drive modes from Auto to Track adds a ton of weight to the steering, stiffens up the suspension, and reminds the traction control to allow more wheel slip. Even in Track Mode, the Charger's suspension never beats up its occupants but larger bumps do become more apparent.

Road noise is consistent but muted thanks to the well-insulated cabin, and the powerful V8 engines drown out most external noise when accelerating, but those who don't love the growl may find it annoying after some time. Dodge's cylinder deactivation technology is pretty seamless but those with acute hearing will be able to tell when the HEMI is running on only four cylinders.

2020 Charger Interior

2020 Charger Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2020 Dodge Charger A Good car?

There are very few sedans on the market that offer the pure, unadulterated Americana as the Dodge Charger. By focusing less on luxury and comfort and more on driver enjoyment, Dodge has managed to capture a piece of the market that has been virtually ignored by other automakers. With three capable engines, including a wonderful 6.4-liter HEMI V8, the Charger is a performance bargain amongst its competitors.

This affordability and abundance of performance do come at the expense of significant cost-cutting in the interior. The cabin of the Charger feels rental-grade all the way up to the Scat Pack model but it is, at least, very spacious and the performance seats are comfortable and supportive. The standard list of features doesn't impress either, with the majority of tech and driver-assistance features requiring you to tack on some pricey packages. Once you do opt for these features though, the Charger does technically match more luxurious sedan on bells and whistles. Dodge also receives bonus points for its infotainment suite, which is quite comprehensive and extremely user-friendly.

The Charger, even in Scat Pack form, functions well as a daily driver for those who still want a bit of excitement thanks to its functional trunk and spacious rear seats. And the kids will certainly appreciate the added street cred that comes from arriving at school to the fanfare of a roaring V8 engine. There are more practical and premium large sedans out there, but the Dodge Charger is a great car for those who want a bit more character from their commuter.

What Dodge Charger Model Should I Buy?

All four trim levels offer comparable levels of practicality, with a decent amount of passenger space and a pretty capacious trunk. There are also only minimal differences in the features lists between each trim, so it really comes down to which engine you want under the hood. As a muscle car, the Dodge Charger is all about power, and that's what buyers look for, so we'd suggest going with the only model that offers the kind of whiplash-inducing power that speed freaks lust after - the Scat Pack. The V8 under the top-tier model's hood throws out close to 500 hp and lb-ft, so you won't be left wanting for speed, although you may be left breathless. The top model also gets all the standard features available to the Charger, as well as superior Brembo brakes and a performance suspension. To top it all off, no optional packages are withheld from the Scat Pack, and it gets exclusive access to the Widebody Package if you really want to show off your muscles.

2020 Dodge Charger vs Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 shares a platform with the Dodge Charger as they both fall under the FCA banner. As such, they each get to choose from the same available engines, although those under the hood of the Chrysler are tuned slightly differently. What really sets the two sedans apart is their styling and target market. The Chrysler is more focused on luxury with more distinct trim levels that offer specific package options, as opposed to just different engine options. The Charger has better overall power and performance since it gets access to the 485-hp V8 that the Chrysler can't equip. But the Chrysler's upper trims come upholstered in leather with heated and ventilated front seats, climate-controlled cupholders, and a generally more upscale interior. Yet again, priorities will determine the better choice here. Those who want a decent level of power but refuse to compromise on luxury will opt for the Chrysler 300, but if you're willing to settle for just muscle and practicality, the Charger should suffice.