2020 Dodge Challenger

The base SXT variant starts at $28900 which is pretty cheap for a muscle car. It is functional and barebone and doesn’t get the trademark V8. There are higher trims that offer the brawny V8s.  The Challenger is unapologetically brash. While competitors are adopting turbo I4, Challenger has three V8s on offer – and even the force-fed among them are not turbocharged – they are supercharged to ensure the rumble muffles all the critics. And yes, that supercharged 6.2L V8 belts out 707 hp in hellcat. Worst still, with that long flat bonnet, outside visibility is as comic as ever – good luck taming it.

The Challenger locks its horns with other ponies like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro and also with the Japanese sports coupe-The 370Z. With such a variety of players on the tab, let’s see if the Dodge can live up to the hype.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger is available in two trims to tear up the streets. Both trims are available in a choice of either Rear Wheel or All Wheel Drive. With a starting MSRP of $28900, both trims are powered by a 3.6L V6 that pumps out enough power to keep you buckled up.

The features are plentiful in both but GT has a more posh interior setup with a 20-inch wheel all around for the RWD variant.

Along with the basic features, Dodge also provides an array of add-on features that focuses on performance, handling, and comfort. It can be nitpicked according to one’s taste.

Trims	SXT	GT
MSRP(RWD)	$28095	$30645
MSRP(AWD)	$31145	$33695
Engine	3.6L V6 24 Valve VVT Engine	3.6L V6 24 Valve VVT Engine
Features	18-inch(RWD) and 19-inch(AWD) alloy wheels	All the features in SXT trim included or replaced and:
	Tire Pressure Monitor System	19-inch(AWD) and 20-inch(RWD) alloy wheels
	Hill-start Assist	Functional hood Scoop
	Rain Brake Support	Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
	Active Head Restraints
	Auto-Dimming Rearview mirrors with microphone
	Driver Information Display
	Rain Sensing Wipers
	Automatic HEadlamps
	Projector Fog lamps

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The GT trim is our choice of weapon as it is better equipped than the base with a premium of just $2780. It gets bigger and wider shoes and a performance pack with dedicated paddle shifters on the steering wheel. All these perks for the extra premium is a good deal. 

The Challenger is powered by a 3.6L V6 pot producing 305 horses and 268-pound feet of torque. It is transferred to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. However, if you need a cool car that can cruise through the Wild West and pull out some spectacular tire smoking antiques while inside the town, the Challenger with its retro looks, howling V8, pliant suspension, and roomy interiors fit the bill perfectly. And there is hardly any alternative. In fact, we think if the Zorro came to the 21^st century, he will ride a Challenger instead of a Mustang.

The sheer power and torque it produces can be felt when you tap the throttle. It pushes you back and goes on a rampage. The exhaust note from the V6 is catchy but not as grumpy as it’s V8 counterpart!  After all these talks, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 gives you a soothing comfort. It develops 305 hp (suddenly, 300 hp sounds friendly). It’s smooth, efficient and quick but not even remotely scary. You can only have it with a smooth and quick 8-speed automatic. It’s even available with AWD in Challenger GT and it does work when things get slippery – friendly.

The 8- speed gearbox is contradicting the character of the car. It has a very linear setup which takes away the ferocious character of the engine. This lag in power delivery demands a bit of patience. It is the type of transmission which you would find in a pickup or minivan.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT(RWD)	Ford Mustang Ecoboost (RWD)	Chevrolet Camaro 2LT(RWD)	Nissan 370Z (RWD)
MSRP	$28095	$26670	$27500	$30090
Engine	3.6L V6	2.3L I4	2.0L I4	3.7L V6
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Manual
Horsepower	305hp @6350rpm	310hp @5500rpm	275hp @5600rpm	332hp @7000rpm
Torque	268 lb-ft @4800rpm	350 lb-ft @3000rpm	295 lb-ft @3000rpm	270 lb-ft @5200rpm

The Ford Mustang has a balanced power output of 310 horses and 350-pound feet of torque. It has a competent 6-Speed manual gearbox which helps put the power down aggressively. T Nissan 370z has the maximum power output courtesy of a smart lightweight chassis and a 3.7L V6 engine. The Chevy Camaro is least powerful with 275 ponies and 295-pound feet of torque.

Acceleration

The Dodge Challenger is a very fast car but not fast for a muscle car. The rather long 6.3 seconds which it takes to cross the 60 MPH mark makes it cumbersome. The amount of torque makes sure that you have a bit of wheelspin when floored. The tires do a great job of keeping the monster in a straight line.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT(RWD)	Ford Mustang Ecoboost (RWD)	Chevrolet Camaro 2LT(RWD)	Nissan 370Z (RWD)
0-60 MPH	6.3s(est.)	5.0s	5.4s	5.3
Quarter mile	14.8s(est.)	13.0s	14s	13.6
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)	8.4	8.0(est.)	8.9	8.0

The Mustang is the quickest of the ponies with a 0-60 MPH time of flat 5 seconds. The Chevy comes in second with 5.4 seconds and ironically the Challenger is the slowest with the 6.3 seconds mark.

Ride and Handling

Challenger is a heavy car that uses the weight to its advantage. It helps the car stay stable to an extent. The steering is on the heavier side which makes it fun on the track. It gives satisfactory feedback from the roads. Despite the huge dimensions, it's surprisingly easy to maneuver through tight spots.

Corners are not the Challenger’s cup of tea. It has a considerable amount of body roll which makes it challenging to live by as a daily driver. But the Super Trak Pack which upgrades the suspension for a more planted ride. The various drive modes alter the pedal responsiveness thus changing the character of the vehicle. It has three distinctive modes like Default, Launch and Sport modes. 

Braking

Dodge has a neutral set up on the brakes to cater to a wider audience. It works formidably well on the tracks and lenient on public roads as well. It’s equipped with 12.6-inch discs all round which helps in stopping the behemoth in 104 feet. The stock summer tires are a bonus.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT(RWD)	Ford Mustang Ecoboost (RWD)	Chevrolet Camaro 2LT(RWD)	Nissan 370Z (RWD)
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	12.6	12.6	12.6
Brake Rear (in.)	12.6	12.6	12.4	12.1
60-0 MPH (ft)	104	111	93	106

With a 60-0 stopping distance of 104 feet, the Challenger has put most of its lighter competitors to shame. The Chevy manages to stop far earlier at 93 feet. The Mustang and Nissan 370z come close with a distance of 111 and 106 feet respectively.

Efficiency isn’t an ingredient for Dodge’s recipe for madness. With 19 miles to a gallon in cities and 30 miles on highways, it doesn’t focus on saving fuel. But the highway figures help it to return a decent combined 23 miles to the gallon.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT(RWD)	Ford Mustang Ecoboost (RWD)	Chevrolet Camaro 2LT(RWD)	Nissan 370Z (RWD)
MPG (city)	19(est.)	21	20	17
MPG (highway)	30(est.)	31	30	26
MPG (combined)	23(est.)	25	23	20

Mustang is the fuel-efficient of the lot with a combined 25 miles to a gallon. The Chevy is slightly behind with a combined 23 miles. Nissan 370z returns the lowest with a combined economy of 20 MPG.

Dodge has made a focused interior with the driver getting all the attention. The quality of materials used is impressive and even has an array of modifications that can be done on the upholstery and trims.

The first row is where Dodge has given it all. It is comfortable and grabs you well. But that's not the case with the rear seats as its best utmost for small children. It shares the body with that of Chargers. But the slanting roofline shaves off the second-row practicality. The growling V6 doesn’t creep into the cabin as sound-dampening is moderately done. It is surprisingly comfortable to be used as a daily driver.

The thick body lines hinder visibility with plenty of blind spots. This is when the rearview camera comes to the rescue.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT(RWD)	Ford Mustang Ecoboost (RWD)	Chevrolet Camaro 2LT(RWD)	Nissan 370Z (RWD)
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	49.3/58.5/42	37.6/56.3/45.1	38.5/N/A/43.9	38.2/54.4/43.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/53.9/33.1	34.8/52.2/29.0	N/A	--

All the American muscles have two rows but the second one is good for young adolescents at best. We wonder why they took the pain of adding the second row? Nissan was sensible to not add a second row thus saving on the overall weight and practicality.

Interior Features

Let's see what this pumped up muscle has to offer us inside it:

• Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
• Overhead Console With Storage
• Front Seatback Storage
• Cruise Control
• Keyless Ignition
• Climate Control
• Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
• Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
• Front And Rear Cupholders
• Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
• Cargo Floor Mats
• Leather And Simulated Alloy Steering Wheel
• Electric Power Steering
• Rear View Camera
• Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Front Door Pockets
• Interior Air Filtration

Infotaintment

Dodge has equipped the Challenger with a UConnect Infotainment System which is user-friendly and comes loaded with convenience features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard which makes smartphone integration easy and driving distraction-free.

A bigger 8.4-inch touch screen with navigation is available in an optional package.

• USB Connection
• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• 6 Total Speakers
• 276 Watts Stereo Output
• 12 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
• Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
• Satellite Radio Satellite Radio

Cargo

16.2 Cubic feet of cargo space is more like a mid-size sedan category rather than a coupe. This helps it stay above the competition which is miles away in terms of capacity. It has a low loading height which makes is ergonomically feasible. The cramped rear seats can be folded down the 60/40 split way which makes use of the space in a more productive way.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT(RWD)	Ford Mustang Ecoboost (RWD)	Chevrolet Camaro 2LT	Nissan 370Z
Cargo Volume (cu.-ft)	16.2	13.5	9.1	6.9

Nissan 370z and Chevrolet Camaro are not even questionable in this case as it doesn’t even provide half of what is given in the Challenger. The Mustang comes close with 13.5 cubic feet.

Everything about the Challenger shouts “RETRO”. The two-door setup with round headlamps and sloping roofline with the gigantic dimensions make it a looker. It makes the competition look puny. It is wider, longer and taller than them all.

Contrary to popular belief, the dimensions are not a hindrance to live by. Cleaver electronics help in maneuvering this reincarnation without any hiccups.

Models	Dodge Challenger SXT(RWD)	Ford Mustang Ecoboost (RWD)	Chevrolet Camaro 2LT (RWD)	Nissan 370Z (RWD)
Length (in)	197.9	188.5	188.3	167.5
Width (in)	75.7	75.4	74.7	72.6
Height (in)	57.5	54.3	53.1	51.8
Ground clearance (in)	5.2	5.2	N/A	4.6
Wheelbase (in)	116.2	107.1	110.7	100.4
Track width (in) F/R	64/63.8	62.3/64.9	62.5/63.7	60.6/61.6
Curb weight (lbs)	3894	3542	3354	3333

Challenger is the largest and heaviest of the lot. With the maximum wheelbase, it helps in providing a comfortable seating experience as well. It is no shock that the Nissan 370z is the smallest and lightest of the lot. It is the only two-seater on the list. While it takes a more modern and calculated approach the others care very little of it!

Exterior Features

Let's see what adds up to the muscular look of this American Muscle:

• 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 with Defroster
• Light Tinted Glass
• Variable Intermittent Wipers
• Galvanized Steel/Aluminum Panels
• Lip Spoiler
• Black Grille with Chrome Accents
• Trunk Rear Cargo Access
• Perimeter/Approach Lights
• LED Brakelights
• Fully Automatic Aero-Composite Halogen Daytime Running Headlamps with Delay-Off
• Split satin chrome grille
• Solar coated glass on all windows
• Automatic Bi-functional halogen projector with quad LED surround
• Power bulge hood
• Heated ORVMs
• Rear spoiler 
• 18,19 or 20-inch alloys with all-season tires

The base Challenger doesn’t get a lot of safety support systems like its competitors. Nevertheless, there are functional features that help support it extensively. These features are mostly active.

Safety Features

• Side Impact Beams
• Low Tyre Pressure Warning System(TPWS)
• Driver and Passenger Dual-Stage Airbags
• Parkview Backup Camera
• ABS and Driveline traction control
• Electronic Stability Control
• Roll Stability Control
• 1st and 2nd row Curtain Airbags

Dodge Challenger vs Ford Mustang Ecoboost

Ford has turbocharged the 2.3L pot in the Mustang to give a toppling 310 hp. With 60 coming up in 5 seconds you would be pushed back into the seat way before the Challenger. The naturally aspirated V6 from the Challenger is handicapped here. 

That being said, power is the only department where the Mustang shines. The challenger takes practicality, comfort and tech features away from the turbo pony. The Challenger makes a good overall package but if you are a Mustang fanboy then it would be more sensible to save up and go for the 5.0LCoyote V8.

Dodge Challenger vs Chevrolet Camaro 2LT

The Camaro is a muscle car that comes in with a 2.0L pot. Despite the small engine it manages at being the David in this fight. It is nimble and a smaller wheelbase helps it handle like a breeze. 

But with the huge dimensions, Challenger manages to pull it off in its favor. The naturally aspirated V6 helps it reach 60 MPH in 6.3 seconds. It also has much more accessible second-row seats and an abundance of cargo space. The Challenger is a better choice as it balances the old school charm with practicality. 

Dodge Challenger vs Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z is the true underdog here. It is a no-nonsense sports car and less of a muscle. Talk about an awkward situation! The Jap manages to get into this list because of its pricing and sheer value for money. With the lightest body of the lot and the biggest engine, it surely calls for trouble. Frankly, it is the one non- American car which can lock horns with the V’s.

But it loses out on practicality, which is a bummer. It focuses on only performance whereas the Challenger fuses both in harmony and provides the best of both worlds. If all outperformance is your thing, then 370Z it is. But if you want to take your V6 for shopping as well then you seriously should consider the Challenger.

 

Dodge Challenger has not begotten its base model with the bare essentials. It has a V6 which produces enough torque to give a neck ache. Along with the performance, it even takes care of interior space and quality with a rather large cargo capacity.

With a very tempting price of $28900 and the best infotainment unit in a muscle car, the 370Z is the one that comes close to it. With a chiseled body and a commanding street presence, it surely is a looker. If you are on the lookout for a practical muscle car on a budget then the Challenger duos are your cup of tea.