Unabashedly retro in looks and character, the Challenger swaggers on as the big, simple-fun option of the pony car scene.
New for 2020: A limited-time 50th Anniversary Edition joins the Challenger lineup for 2020. The $4,995 option will show up on no more than 1,960 versions of the Challenger, spread evenly across four trims: GT RWD, R/T Shaker, R/T Scat Pack Shaker and R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody. All 50th Anniversary Editions get a unique interior to set them apart, with a color-matched dashboard badge signifying their place in history.
The Challenger lineup spans from mild, 305 hp V6 models to wild, 797 hp, supercharged V8, widebody Hellcat Redeye editions. That gives it the rather unique distinction of having the widest spread of available horsepower across all new cars on sale.
Also unique amongst the segment is an all-wheel drive option, something the smaller Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro don’t offer.
It won’t carve corners like either of those cars, but the Challenger doesn’t care. It’s a cruiser through and through, even in the fire-breathing top trims. We’re big fans.
For 2020 the Challenger lineup consists of six models. The SXT and GT both feature the 3.6-liter V6 engine and a standard eight-speed automatic. Only the six-pot has the option for all-paw traction: make the move to the powerful V8s and you’ve got only the rear wheels to tame them.
R/T and R/T Scat Pack models feature a 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter Hemi V8, respectively. The R/T is one of the cheapest ways to drive off the lot in a V8 that isn’t a pickup truck. 375 hp ain’t nothing to sneeze at. Neither is the Scat Pack’s 485 hp, especially for an MSRP under $40k. Meanwhile the SRT models bolt a supercharger on for laugh-out-loud power. All V8s come with the option of a six-speed manual transmission, except the Redeye: the 797 hp son-of-Demon is auto-only.
All that affordable horsepower does come with some trade-offs. The interior isn’t what you’d call luxurious—but then again, that’s sort of the point here. The Challenger does make use of Chrysler’s easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment, however. Considering the car’s substantial size (outside, not in), the available driver assists, like blind-spot warning, rear cross-path detection, and parking assist, are most welcome.
2020 Challenger pricing ranges between $29,490 and $79,790 before options, including $1495 in destination.