Vehicle Description
The 2020 Dodge Charger is the choice for buyers that want or need a
full-size sedan but prefer not to compromise on performance or
practicality. It's precisely these qualities that have made the
Charger lineup so successful over the years. Additionally, the
Charger is the only vehicle in its segment with rear-wheel drive
and not one, but two, throaty V-8 engines. All models share an
excellent eight-speed automatic transmission, but only the V-6
model can be had with optional all-wheel drive. While the Charger
lacks some of its competitors' richer interior materials, it makes
up for this shortcoming with a superb infotainment system and an
engaging driving experience. Between its lively palette of color
options and nostalgia-inspiring decals, the Charger is an
affordable-performance proposition that's hard to resist. If it
were our coin, we'd go with the Scat Pack: its mighty 6.4-liter V-8
produces 485 horsepower. Although it's a premium of roughly $4000
versus the lesser R/T trim, it more than makes up for it in looks
and performance. Additionally, fuel economy is nearly identical, so
unless you're on a tight budget there'd be no reason not to splurge
for the Scat Pack. Our only additional options would be the Plus
Group package that includes niceties such as leather and faux-suede
seats, a power-adjustable steering column, blind-spot detection,
heated rear seats, and extra interior lighting.The Charger channels
its NASCAR roots with big V-8 power and rowdy sounds. However, not
every Charger has a mighty Hemi V-8 under the hoodwhat a pitybut
they do all share an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission
and standard rear-wheel drive. In contrast, the V-6 is rather
subdued but does add the availability of all-wheel drive. Dodge
doesn't build a Charger with a manual gearbox, but it would be so
much cooler if it did. The standard V-6 is no slouch, yet it lacks
the giddy-up of front-drivers such as the Nissan Maxima and the
Buick LaCrosse . The more powerful versions excel at the strip,
where the 485-hp Charger R/T Scat Pack posted an impressive
4.1-second sprint to 60 mph. The 370-hp Charger has enough ponies
to outrun most family sedans. The bright (Green Go) Charger we
paraded around town had a quiet and composed ride. Its large
20-inch wheels were relaxed on most surfaces, but obstacles such as
railroad crossings and potholes disrupted its composure. The
big-bodied sedan was remarkably balanced when cornering, too.
Although the V-6 version we tested had nearly identical cornering
grip, the Daytona's hefty horsepower advantage amplified the fun.
The electrically assisted power steering contributes to the
Charger's purposeful control, but its feedback is too heavy and
slow to be engaging. We've tested several Chargers for emergency
braking, and the best results came from the high-performance models
with upgraded brakes and stickier summer performance tires.
