What you're looking at with a 2020 Dodge Charger

A 2020 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan with a V8 engine in most trims, rear-wheel drive, and a starting price that was around $29,000 when new. The 2020 model year sits near the end of the tenth generation (2015–2023), so it has the design and features Dodge settled on after five years of production. You'll find them listed between $18,000 and $28,000 depending on mileage, condition, and which engine and trim level you're looking at.

The Charger appeals to buyers who want a traditional American muscle car feel—a big, heavy sedan with a loud engine and straightforward handling—rather than the lighter, more tech-heavy sedans from Japanese or German makers. If that's what you're shopping for, a 2020 is a solid year to consider. If you're looking for fuel economy, advanced safety features, or a quiet daily driver, this is not the car for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 Charger comes with either a 3.6-liter V6 (292 horsepower) or a 5.7-liter V8 (370 horsepower), and fuel economy ranges from 16 to 25 mpg depending on the engine and whether it's automatic or manual.
  • Common mechanical issues on 2020 Chargers include transmission problems (especially in the 8-speed automatic), suspension noise, and occasional electrical gremlins, so have a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic who knows Dodge vehicles.
  • Insurance costs for a Charger are typically higher than for comparable sedans because of the powerful engine and the car's use in police work, which affects claim history data.
  • The 2020 model has a 7-inch touchscreen standard and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on most trims, but no built-in navigation on base models.
  • Dodge stopped making the Charger after 2023, so parts availability is still good now but will tighten over time as the fleet ages.

Engine options and what they cost to run

The 2020 Charger offers two engines. The base 3.6-liter V6 produces 292 horsepower and gets 25 mpg highway, 16 mpg city with the automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter V8 (standard on R/T and higher trims) makes 370 horsepower and drops to 25 mpg highway, 15 mpg city. A few R/T models came with a 6-speed manual, which gets slightly worse fuel economy but appeals to drivers who want to shift themselves.

Real-world fuel costs matter here. At current gas prices, expect to spend roughly $200 to $250 per month on fuel if you drive 1,000 miles monthly in the V6, and $250 to $300 in the V8. The V8 also requires premium (91 octane) fuel in most cases, which costs more than regular. If you're financing the car, factor in that extra fuel cost when you're deciding whether the monthly payment makes sense.

Both engines are durable if maintained. The V8 has a long track record in Dodge trucks and other vehicles, so parts and rebuild shops are common. The V6 is less exciting but equally reliable for its age.

Common problems to check for during inspection

The 2020 Charger's most frequent issue is the 8-speed automatic transmission. Some owners report harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or shuddering under light acceleration. This is not universal—many 2020s have no transmission trouble—but it's common enough that you should test-drive the car through a full range of speeds and ask the seller or dealer directly whether any transmission work has been done. If the transmission has been serviced or reprogrammed, that's a good sign the issue was caught and addressed.

Suspension noise is another common complaint. Owners report clunking or creaking from the front end, especially over bumps or during turns. This is usually a worn sway bar link or strut mount, which costs $300 to $800 to fix depending on which part and whether both sides need work. Have your mechanic listen for this during the test drive and check the suspension components during the inspection.

Electrical issues appear occasionally—dashboard lights flickering, infotainment system freezing, or door locks acting up. These are usually fixable but annoying. Ask the seller whether they've had any electrical work done and whether the car has spent time in a shop for warranty repairs.

Insurance costs and what affects them

A 2020 Charger will cost more to insure than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry of the same year, typically 15 to 25 percent higher depending on your age, location, and driving record. The reasons are the powerful engine (higher risk of speeding and accidents), the car's popularity with police departments (which affects insurance company claim data), and the fact that repair costs for body damage are higher on a Charger than on smaller sedans.

Get a quote from your insurance company before you buy. Plug in the specific VIN and trim level—a base Charger and an R/T have different rates. Some insurers offer discounts for safety features (the 2020 has blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on most trims) or for bundling with home insurance. Ask about those when you call.

What to look for in the listing and during your visit

Check the vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck) for accident history, title status, and service records. A Charger with regular oil changes and documented maintenance is worth more than one with gaps in the service history. Look for multiple owners in a short time—that can signal mechanical problems the previous owners couldn't solve.

During your visit, sit in the driver's seat and test all controls: windows, locks, climate, infotainment screen, and gauges. Start the engine cold and listen for any rough idle or unusual noises. Take the test drive on both highway and city streets, and pay attention to how the transmission shifts, whether the steering feels responsive, and whether you hear any suspension noise.

Bring a mechanic with you if possible, or plan to take the car to an independent shop for a pre-purchase inspection before you commit. A Dodge-savvy mechanic will know what to listen for and what to check underneath. This usually costs $100 to $150 and can save you thousands if it uncovers a hidden problem.

Trim levels and what each one includes

The 2020 Charger came in SE, SXT, R/T, and R/T Scat Pack trims. The SE is the base model with the V6, cloth seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The SXT adds more standard features like dual-zone climate control and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The R/T jumps to the V8 engine, leather seats, and upgraded suspension. The Scat Pack is the high-performance version with a supercharged V8 and track-focused suspension.

For most buyers, an SXT with the V6 or an R/T with the V8 offers the best balance of features and cost. Scat Packs are rare and expensive, and the SE is stripped down enough that you'll want the extra features of the SXT. Look at what's included in each trim on the Dodge website or in the owner's manual to see which features matter to you.

Resale value and depreciation

The 2020 Charger has held its value reasonably well compared to other American sedans, but not as well as Japanese competitors. A 2020 with 50,000 miles typically sells for 60 to 70 percent of its original price, depending on condition and trim. That's a steeper drop than a Honda Accord but better than some other Dodges.

Dodge's decision to discontinue the Charger after 2023 may affect future resale value—enthusiasts might pay a premium for the last generation, or the market might soften because no new ones are coming. This is speculation, but it's worth thinking about if you plan to sell in five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 2020 Charger reliable enough to buy used?

Yes, if it has been maintained and has no accident history. The V8 engine is proven, and the 2020 is far enough along in the generation that major design flaws were worked out. Have a pre-purchase inspection done to catch any transmission or suspension issues before you buy.

How much will I spend on gas with a Charger?

Expect $200 to $300 per month if you drive 1,000 miles monthly, depending on whether you have the V6 or V8 and current fuel prices. The V8 requires premium fuel, which adds to the cost. Factor this into your budget before you commit.

Can I find a manual transmission 2020 Charger?

Yes, but they're rare. Only the R/T trim came with a 6-speed manual, and Dodge made relatively few of them. If you want a manual, expect to search longer and possibly pay a premium because enthusiasts seek them out.

What's the difference between the R/T and Scat Pack?

The Scat Pack has a supercharged V8 (485 horsepower versus 370), upgraded brakes and suspension, and a more aggressive appearance. It's significantly more expensive and less fuel-efficient. For most buyers, the R/T offers plenty of power and costs less to own.

Should I worry about the Charger being discontinued?

Not when ready. Parts are still readily available, and mechanics know how to service them. Over the next decade, as the fleet ages, parts may become harder to find and more expensive. This is a long-term consideration, not a reason to avoid buying one now.