Overall Rating
Updated on: July 23, 2020
Automotive Journalist
In a world of perfectionists, the Dodge Challenger is that hairy guy who is all about sheer power. A naturally aspirated V6 takes on the likes of calculated and turbocharged counterparts. The brute force with which the V6 hauls this monstrosity makes forced induction question its potential.
See detailed review »That Retro design
HUGE Road Presence
Well Equipped Interior
Comfortable seating
Very thirsty
Active Safety features a miss
Not so HUGE on the inside
New 20- inch wheels
Three new exterior paint jobs
Stitched dash and door panels on leather-equipped Challengers
Available Caramel Alcantara interior color option
$28095
2dr Coupe
5
rear wheel drive
220
305 hp @ 6350 rpm
268 lbs.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
8-Speed Automatic (8HP50)
Independent front short and long arm suspension
Independent rear multi-link suspension
12.6/12
116.2 in.
197.9 in.
75.7 in.
57.7 in.
3858 lbs.
5.2 in.
93.9 cu ft.
16.2 cu ft.
1092
6.3 sec.
14.8
13/16/21 mpg
388.5 mi.
3 yr./ 36000 mi.
5 yr./ 60000 mi.
5 yr. /unlimited
Yes
$28,095 - $31,145
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SXT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) | Starting at $28,095 MSRP | (13/16/21) | 305 hp @ 6350 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (required) | 8-Speed Automatic (8HP50) | rear wheel drive | 5 | |
SXT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) | Starting at $31,145 MSRP | (13/16/21) | 305 hp @ 6350 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (required) | 8-Speed Automatic (850RE) | all wheel drive | 5 |
$30,645 - $33,695
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 8A) | Starting at $30,645 MSRP | (13/16/21) | 305 hp @ 6350 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (required) | 8-Speed Automatic (8HP50) | rear wheel drive | 5 | |
GT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) | Starting at $33,695 MSRP | (13/16/21) | 305 hp @ 6350 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (required) | 8-Speed Automatic (850RE) | all wheel drive | 5 |
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine And Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
7.7
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
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.
8.0/10
Features
9.0/10
Engine and Performance
7.3/10
Fuel Economy
7.7/10
Interior
8.2/10
Exterior
6.3/10
Safety
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 |
We recommend
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 21st 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.
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.
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.
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.
Let's see what this pumped up muscle has to offer us inside it:
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.
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!
Let's see what adds up to the muscular look of this American Muscle:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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