2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 4dr Rear-Wheel Drive Sedan : Trim Details, Reviews, Prices, Specs, Photos and Incentives | Autoblog (2024)

Not many cars have lasted as long as the brazenly American Dodge Charger sedan, which debuted as a 2005 model. Even more notable, that feat has been accomplished with a significant redesign. Regular updates to the list of engine choices are one big reason for its longevity and its continued relevance.

The 2020 Dodge Charger adds a Widebody variant for the Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat models. In fact, the Hellcat is only available in Widebody form now. Like similar offerings on the two-door Challenger, the Widebody versions are 3.5 inches wider, with exaggerated fenders to accommodate bigger tires, which also improves roadholding. At the rear, sculpted aerodynamic bumper elements make the wide fenders flow into the basic body design.

The Hellcat is also available in a limited Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition. This model gains 10 horsepower and incorporates 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, “Daytona” and “392” decals, and Daytona-logo leather/Alcantara seat upholstery. Only 501 will be produced.

Engine choices start with a workhorse V-6 and continue with three distinct V-8s. For the genuine Charger experience, V-8 power is almost a necessity.

In the rear-wheel-drive Charger SXT and GT models, buyers will find the proven 3.6-liter V-6 with 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. With all-wheel drive, the V-6 in GT models yields 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 mates with an 8-speed automatic transmission, known to be responsive and efficient.

Standard in the R/T, the 5.7-liter V-8 produces 370 hp and 395 lb-ft. The 8-speed automatic is the sole transmission, and all-wheel drive is unavailable. Stepping up to the R/T Scat Pack brings a 6.4-liter V-8 that generates 485 hp and 475 lb-ft.

For the no-holds-barred Charger experience, the SRT Hellcat unfurls a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that whips up 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. So powerful it is, the Hellcat includes a dual-key ignition system. Using the “black key” limits output to a mere 500 hp, in an attempt to constrict the adventurous nature of valets or young drivers.

Gas mileage varies widely by engine, from reasonable with the V-6 to awful with the SRT Hellcat's V-8. With rear-wheel drive, the EPA rates the V-6 Charger at 19 mpg city, 30 highway, 23 combined. All-wheel drive reduces those estimates to 18/27/21 mpg.

The Charger earns 16/25/19 mpg with the 5.7-liter V-8 or 15/24/18 mpg with the 6.4-liter V-8. Thirstiest of the lot is the SRT Hellcat, at 12/21/15 mpg. Premium gasoline is required with the 6.4-liter and 6.2-liter V-8 engines.

Largely because of age, the Charger's fundamental crash structure falls short, resulting in troubling safety ratings. Testing of the 2020 Charger by the NHTSA is incomplete, but the federal agency gave the 2019 model a five-star overall safety rating. It failed to earn an award with the IIHS, receiving a 'Marginal'? score for the small overlap front test on the driver's seat and a 'Poor'? rating for its headlights.

Standard safety technology is minimal. All models get rear parking sensors, while only SRT Hellcats …
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