2020 Dodge Charger Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Dodge Charger has a long and storied history. The first production car rolled off of assembly lines way back in 1966. Early models have been featured prominently in both film and television shows. Some would even consider these cars to be stars of shows like "The Dukes of Hazzard," and the "Fast and the Furious," movie franchise.

Through most of its early history, the Charger was a two-door sports coupe. In its latest iteration, the Charger has been morphed into a four-door sedan. Dodge has made the Challenger its main 2-door coupe for the time being. The Charger, however, is still based on the same platform as the Challenger. It still lives up to its legendary status as a muscle car, but now also offers some practicality as well.

The early 80s was a bad time for the muscle car. Chargers lived on as compact, economy vehicles until around 1987. They went off the market until making a glorious return in 2006. The 2020 models are part of the seventh generation for this vehicle. These new, four-door muscle cars come in a number of trim levels. This article will compare each trim package to see what the key differences are.

 

Compare the 2020 Dodge Charger SXT vs the GT Trims. What is the difference?

The SXT is your base model for the 2020 Dodge Charger. It comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 cranks out a respectable 292 horsepower. One interesting and unique thing about the SXT is that it's the only model that is available with all-wheel drive. Every other trim level comes only in a rear-wheel drive configuration.

The available all-wheel drive makes for better traction and control on slick pavement. Chargers equipped with the V6 engine also have the best fuel economy. These factors make the SXT a good choice for those who are more interested in a family sedan than a serious muscle car.

The SXT is outfitted with a set of 17-inch aluminum wheels. This trim gets automatic, halogen headlamps. The exterior mirrors are power operated. The mirrors and door handles are painted to match the body color of the Charger. The grille comes in a glossy black finish.

On the inside of the SXT, there's an 8-way power driver's seat. This seat also offers 4-way power lumbar adjustments. For the rear seats, there's a 60/40 split option. This gives the Charger some extra cargo space and storage options.

The SXT comes with Dodge's Uconnect 4 infotainment system. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system has Bluetooth connectivity and voice-command operations. There are two USB ports for connections or charging of mobile devices. Some audio controls are located on the steering wheel. Everything else can be seen and accessed through the system's 7-inch touchscreen. The audio system has six speakers.

The interior here is basic, but drivers still get popular features such as power locks and windows. There is lighting to illuminate cup holders and other spots throughout the cabin. A basic climate-control system provides dual zones for the air conditioner. The SXT also offers keyless entry and remote-starting features.

The SXT gets front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Supplemental side-curtain airbags provide extra safety for those in front and back. All trim levels get electronic traction control, stability control and roll mitigation. The SXT also has a tire-pressure monitor, a rear-view camera and a rear-park assist. Both the SXT and the GT trims share the exact same safety features.

The GT trim level has the same engine and transmission, but the horsepower gets bumped up to 300. This model also gets an upgraded suspension system. On the outside, the GT has a performance hood, fascias and side sills. This gives the GT a much more aggressive appearance. This look is completed with a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels with a satin-carbon paint finish.

For the interior, the GT seats get performance bolsters and an upholstery upgrade. These have Houndstooth cloth upholstery. The steering wheel gets wrapped in leather and now comes with a set of paddle shifters for manually moving through the gears.

The infotainment system also gets upgraded for the GT trim level. The touchscreen is enlarged to 8.4 inches. The system now offers a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot for mobile devices. The audio system sees some nice upgrades here as well. There are still only six speakers, but they're now premium models from Alpine. Also included with the GT is a 276-watt amplifier.

Compare the 2020 Dodge Charger GT vs the R/T Trims. What is the Difference?

The R/T trim level is the first to offer the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. The transmission system is still an 8-speed automatic. The horsepower this time around is a whopping 370. The R/T comes with the same performance suspension as the GT models. The same 20-inch wheels make a return for this trim as well.

On the inside of the R/T are the same seats as before. The leather-wrapped performance steering wheel with paddle shifters is included once again. New this time around is the addition of an electronically controlled, active exhaust system.

The GT trim features the exact same infotainment and audio systems that are found in the R/T models. Once again, the GT offers the same safety features and driver-assist systems found in the lower-level trims. There aren't a ton of differences in the interior features either. The real main difference between the GT and R/T models are in their performance specs.

Compare the 2020 Dodge Charger R/T vs the Scat Pack. What is the Difference?

Moving up to the Scat Pack version of the 2020 Dodge Charger comes with another massive power boost. This time around, the Hemi V8 engine packs an impressive 485 horsepower with 475 pounds-feet of torque. This is some serious muscle car territory. This beast can get from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.3 seconds. It has a quarter-mile time of 12.4 seconds at a speed of around 111 miles-per-hour.

The Scat Pack comes equipped with Launch Assist, Line Lock and Launch Control. These driver assists help to get the Charger off the line quickly. It makes up for the lack of a manual transmission when the vehicle is taken out to the track. All of the extra power demands better performance from the brakes. Dodge provides for this with a set of Brembo performance brakes for all four wheels.

The Scat Pack models come sporting 20 X 9 inch wheels with a low gloss, granite-aluminum finish. On the inside, the seats have the same cloth upholstery but now get an extra heating feature. The steering wheel comes wrapped in fine leather.

The infotainment and audio systems are mostly the same in the R/T and Scat Pack models. There is one interesting addition to the Scat Packs, however. Dodge gives drivers access to their SRT Performance Pages. This is an app that can be accessed via the infotainment system. This gives drivers a number of tools to learn and analyze their car's performance stats.

The Scat Pack comes with a functional hood scoop and a single-piece rear spoiler. There's a 392 Hemi badge to let everyone know what is powering this muscle car. Scat Pack badging can be found on the grille and deck lid. The main safety features are the same as before, but the Scat Pack adds on a security alarm system.

Compare the 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack vs the Scat Pack Widebody Trims. What is the Difference?

The Widebody comes equipped with the same engine, power train and transmission as the standard Scat Pack trim. Both vehicles produce the same amount of horsepower and torque. Their track times should be comparable when going in a straight line. The Widebody, as the name suggests, has a wider and more athletic build that's more in line with the Dodge Challengers. This adds to the stability, steering and handling dynamics of this muscle car.

Widebody's also come with a few performance upgrades to accentuate the larger dimensions. The suspension system is made for track performance. The system features adaptive dampening. The suspension was built by Bilstein and offers customizable settings for different stiffness levels. There are six-piston Brembo brakes up front and four-piston Brembo brakes for the rear wheels. Speaking of wheels, the Widebody comes with a set of 20 X 11 inch Devil Rim aluminum models.

This trim level gets a performance fascia as well as Widebody fender flares and side sills. The fascia has a mail-slot air opening. There are integrated front and rare fascias to match the general Widebody aesthetics.

On the inside of the vehicle, the seats are the same as before. The new steering wheel is once again leather wrapped, but this time has a flat-bottom design. The stock infotainment and sound systems are the exact same as what is found in a standard Scat Pack Charger. The safety and security features remain the same this time around too.

Compare the 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody vs the SRT Hellcat Widebody. What is the Difference?

The SRT Hellcat Widebody comes with an even more powerful engine than before. This time around, Dodge has equipped the Charger with a 6.2-liter Hemi SRT V8. This power plant makes an astounding 707 horsepower with 650 pounds-feet of torque. This is a true return to form to the classic muscle cars of yesteryear. At the same time, this Charger provides modern efficiency, high tech and comfort.

The Hellcat Widebody can go from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in a ridiculous 3.6 seconds. According to Dodge, it is capable of doing the quarter mile in just 10.96 seconds. It can reach speeds of 196 miles-per-hour and maintain this level of extreme performance. Driving this muscle car isn't for the faint of heart.

The Hellcat has the same performance brakes by Brembo that are found on the Scat Pack Widebody. Similar cosmetic and performance features can be found on the exterior. Some of these include the same flares, side sills and fascias. There is once again a performance hood, but the Hellcat adds heat extractors.

The wheels are a set of 20 X 11 inch forged aluminums with a carbon black, low-gloss finish. These are outfitted with set of Pirelli PZERO all-season tires. The same competition suspension system from the Scat Pack Widebody can be found here as well.

Not everyone can handle a car with this much power. Dodge understands this and thus offers what they call the SRT Track Experience. This is an instruction course on a real race track with professional drivers. This adds to the overall serious feeling of owning one of these track monsters.

When it comes to interior features and options, not much changes between the Scat Pack Widebody and the Hellcat. There are some cosmetic and badging differences. The same infotainment system and safety features can be found on these two trim packages. The main difference, once again, is in the massive performance boost going from the Scat Pack to the Hellcat.

2020 Dodge Charger: Which Trim to Choose?

 

Choosing the right 2020 Dodge Charger trim can be a tricky proposition. Each trim level has only a modest increase in price until you get to the Hellcat Widebody. The Hellcat starting price is more than double of what an SXT will cost. If someone is looking for a car to get groceries in and haul around the family, the SXT is an economical option. It still provides excellent performance and even comes in an all-wheel drive version.

The thing is, most drivers aren't looking at the Charger for a standard family sedan. There are more sensible options for anyone looking for a daily-driver sedan. Dodge Chargers were built for performance fans. The Hellcat will probably be overkill for most people. Few people will need 707 horsepower unless they plan on racing the car.

For most drivers who want a great car with stellar, athletic performance, the R/T will be their best bet. It's an extremely affordable sedan with four doors and a V8 Hemi engine. It cranks out 370 horsepower and has the acceleration of a race car. It strikes a great balance between practicality and a thrilling driving experience.