2020 Dodge Charger Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The Charger has always appealed to drivers who demand a high level of performance. While the 2020 Dodge Charger has grown to become a full-size sedan, it still stays true to its muscle car roots. A powerful engine lineup allows you to have a lot of fun on the road. If your family travels with you on a regular basis, they’ll especially enjoy the Charger’s spacious accommodations.
What’s New for 2020?
Dodge has introduced new Widebody versions of the Charger, which are designed to offer improved road handling. A limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition model also hits the lineup.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Dodge Charger – The Pros
1. V6 Engine Great for Daily Driving
Although hardcore muscle car fans will desire a V8 engine, the Charger’s base V6 engine is perfect for everyday commuting. It has a reputation for being reliable and easy to service. You will also appreciate the V6-powered Charger’s fuel savings. When just coasting along the interstate, drivers can easily reach 30 mpg. There’s also just the right amount of muscle under the hood. Dodge rates this engine to push out to 300 horsepower.
2. All-Wheel Drive
In the past, the Dodge Charger wasn’t a good choice for wintry weather. Typically, rear-wheel-drive sedans experience limited traction in the snow. Fortunately, you can now get the 2020 Dodge Charger with all-wheel drive. This is great news for folks who need a year-round car. Because this is a part-time AWD system, owners won’t have to give up much fuel economy. Although Dodge no longer offers the AWD-equipped Charger with a V8 engine, many people will be willing to sacrifice a bit of power.
3. Widebody Versions Have Arrived
Like the Dodge Challenger coupe, the 2020 Dodge Charger now offers an exciting Widebody kit. It’s specifically designed to improve the big sedan’s road holding. Along with the package comes an extra-wide set of performance tires. While the Charger is still a heavy car, expect the Widebody version to handle more like a legitimate sports car. When taking tight corners in the Widebody Charger, you’ll immediately notice its improved grip. This package also gives the Charger a more intimidating stance. Flared fenders help accommodate the car’s wider tires.
4. Charger R/T Scat Pack Offers Performance at a Bargain
The most powerful trim in the lineup is the Hellcat, which features a supercharged V8 engine with 707 horsepower. However, it also has the most expensive price tag. For drivers who are willing to sacrifice just a bit of performance, Dodge offers the Charger R/T Scat Pack. Under its hood rests a Hemi V8 engine with 485 horsepower. Most drivers will be more than satisfied with the car’s quickness. Expect to reach 60 mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds.
5. Looks Like a Four-Door Muscle Car
The 2020 Dodge Charger is rarely mistaken for any other car on the road. Although the Charger shares a platform with the Dodge Challenger, these two cars look completely different. You’ll immediately notice the Charger’s LED-wrapped headlights. High-performance models come equipped with a vented hood for enhanced airflow. Dodge also gives you some cool wheel designs to pick from. If you really want to be noticed, go for bold paint options such as newly available Sinamon Stick.
6. A Performance Car for Families
Muscle cars, like the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, are not the most suitable family vehicles. The 2020 Dodge Charger is a far better pick. Because the Charger features four doors as opposed to only two, passengers can easily get in and out. Great rear legroom ensures everyone can experience a satisfying ride. You can have a lot of driving fun without sacrificing your family’s comfort. A big trunk further highlights the Charger’s more practical design.
7. Uconnect Infotainment System
Dodge’s Uconnect Infotainment system is standard on the new Charger. It competes against the best on the market. Even premium luxury sedans like the Lexus LS fail to offer have a better infotainment system. What makes Uconnect so great is its ease of use. This is one of the simplest interfaces you’ll find. Not only is smartphone integration a hassle-fee procedure, but users also appreciate the system’s responsive touchscreen. While the standard 7.0-inch display works fine, you can step up to an 8.0-inch display with navigation.
8. Safe Performance Car
The 2020 Dodge Charger is a high-performance machine that doubles as a safe family car. When assessed at the federal government’s crash-testing facility, it received a five-star overall score for impact protection. Standard Rain Brake Support makes wet-weather driving more secure. Dodge’s rearview camera also does a good job of directing you around obstacles. Folks who desire more driving assistance can take advantage of the optional active safety features. Speed-adaptive cruise control, blind-spot notification, and lane-keep assist are all offered.
9. Heart-Racing Sound
Like an old school muscle car from the 1960s, the 2020 Dodge Charger sounds powerful. This is especially true for models equipped with a Hemi V8 engine. Whether you’re idling at a red light or accelerating hard on the drag strip, expect to get some attention from other car enthusiasts. While the Charger’s exhaust has a deep tone, it’s far from being obnoxious.
10. Dodge Performance Pages
A Performance Pages app is built into the Charger’s infotainment system. It’s a feature that promises to make your driving experience more fun. You can use the app to obtain a lot of performance data, including 0-60 mph times. With Performance Pages, drivers can also check vital information such as coolant temperature and oil pressure.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Dodge Charger – The Cons
1. So-So Reliability
The 2020 Dodge Charger does not offer Toyota-like reliability. This means you’re more likely to encounter issues that require professional repair. J.D. Power gives the sedan a two out of five rating in the dependability department. Most of the Charger’s rivals prove to be a bit more reliable in the long run.
2. High-Performance V8 Engines Guzzle Gas
Dodge offers a smaller 5.7-liter, Hemi V8 engine for the Charger. It can return up to 25 mpg, which is not bad for drivers who regularly travel on the highway. The more powerful Hemi V8 engines are especially bad for city driving. You can expect the 707-horsepower Charger Hellcat to return only 12 mpg around town. Also, Dodge calls for the use of premium gasoline.
3. Bigger Than the Typical Sports Car
Weighing in at over 4,000 pounds, the 2020 Dodge Charger is heavier than many of today’s performance cars. When attacking curves at a high rate of speed, you will definitely feel the car’s extra mass. Although the newly available Widebody kit greatly aids handling, this is still a rather large car. This sedan is also a bit more difficult to fit into small spaces.
4. Rearward Visibility Isn’t Great
Visibility out of the Charger’s front windshield isn’t bad. Unfortunately, there are quite a few blind spots in the sedan’s rear. This problem can be contributed to its sloping roofline. While the optional blind-spot monitor won’t give you a better line of sight, it will help you to avoid danger when changing lanes.
5. Not Extremely Luxurious
Virtually everyone agrees that the 2020 Dodge Charger is a comfortable car. Even after a long drive, seat support remains good. However, the Charger does not feel very luxurious. This is especially true for the lower trim levels. European sports sedans typically offer more upscale materials on the inside.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition:
2020 Chevrolet Impala
When shopping for a new full-size sedan, you may take a look at the 2020 Chevrolet Impala. While the Impala is a good buy, it lacks the performance capabilities of the 2020 Dodge Charger. Because the Impala does not offer all-wheel drive, folks living in snow-prone states will also favor the Charger.
2020 Ford Mustang
The 2020 Ford Mustang offers a great deal of performance. However, it comes up short in some areas concerning practicality. When riding in the two-door Mustang, passengers sitting in the back will not have much room to stretch out. This car is simply not great for families. Mustang fans also don’t have access to all-wheel drive.
2020 Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 has a lot in common with the 2020 Dodge Charger. In fact, these cars are built on an identical platform. While the Chrysler 300’s interior is more luxurious, it can’t compete with the Charger in the performance department. Dodge gives you two additional V8 engines to choose from. Furthermore, a Widebody kit isn’t on the Chrysler 300’s list of options.
Conclusion
The 2020 Dodge Charger is a special breed. Although the Charger may offer the performance of a traditional muscle car, it also satisfies folks looking for a roomy family sedan. Bold styling further highlights the Charger’s exclusiveness. If you can’t afford the monstrous Hellcat model, save some extra cash by choosing the R/T Scat Pack model. When it comes to traveling on snowy roads, all-wheel drive gives the Charger a huge advantage over a traditional muscle car.
