Engine choices and what they mean for fuel consumption

The 2020 Dodge Charger came with four engine options, and your fuel economy depends almost entirely on which one you have. The base engine was a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 292 horsepower. The mid-range option was a 5.7-liter V8 producing 370 horsepower. A more powerful 5.7-liter V8 with 485 horsepower was available in the R/T trim. The top engine was a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 707 horsepower in the Hellcat model.

The V6 achieved the best fuel economy of the lineup, with the EPA rating it at 19 miles per gallon city and 30 miles per gallon highway when paired with an automatic transmission. The standard 5.7-liter V8 dropped to 16 city and 25 highway. The R/T's more aggressive 5.7-liter V8 was rated at 15 city and 24 highway. The Hellcat's 6.2-liter supercharged engine achieved 12 city and 20 highway — the lowest of the group.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 Charger offered four different engines ranging from a 3.6-liter V6 to a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, with fuel economy varying from 19/30 mpg to 12/20 mpg depending on the engine.
  • All 2020 Chargers met federal emissions standards for that model year and carried an EPA emissions classification based on their engine type.
  • The V6 engine is the most fuel-efficient choice if you prioritize lower fuel costs and reduced emissions output.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically runs lower than EPA estimates, especially in city driving or with aggressive acceleration habits.

Transmission type and real-world fuel economy

Every 2020 Charger came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was designed to keep the engine in a more efficient operating range during highway driving, which is why the highway fuel economy numbers are noticeably better than city numbers across all engine options.

The EPA numbers represent averages under controlled test conditions. In actual driving, most owners report fuel economy 1 to 3 miles per gallon lower than the EPA estimate, particularly in city driving where the transmission spends more time downshifted and the engine works harder during acceleration. Highway driving at steady speeds tends to come closer to EPA figures.

Emissions standards and classifications

The 2020 Dodge Charger met the federal emissions standards in place for that model year. The EPA classifies vehicles into tiers based on their tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The V6 Charger carried a less stringent emissions classification than the V8 models because it produced lower overall emissions.

All 2020 Chargers included a catalytic converter and emissions control system required by federal law. The vehicle's onboard diagnostic system monitored these systems continuously. If an emissions system component failed, the check engine light would illuminate and a diagnostic code would be stored in the vehicle's computer.

Fuel tank capacity and driving range

The 2020 Charger had a fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gallons across all trim levels and engine options. This means a V6 model with a full tank could theoretically travel around 555 miles on the highway (18.5 gallons × 30 mpg), while a Hellcat with the same full tank would have a range of around 370 miles (18.5 gallons × 20 mpg).

In mixed city and highway driving, most owners report a total range between 400 and 480 miles per tank, depending on their engine choice and driving habits. The fuel door is located on the driver's side rear quarter panel, and the vehicle uses a standard threaded fuel cap.

Octane requirements by engine

The V6 and standard 5.7-liter V8 engines in the 2020 Charger ran on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). The R/T's 5.7-liter V8 and the Hellcat's 6.2-liter supercharged engine required premium unleaded gasoline (91 or 93 octane, depending on your location).

Using regular gasoline in an engine designed for premium can cause engine knock, reduce performance, and potentially damage the engine over time. The fuel door or owner's manual will clearly indicate which octane grade your specific engine requires. Premium fuel typically costs 30 to 50 cents more per gallon than regular, which adds significantly to the cost of ownership for the higher-performance models.

Maintenance items that affect emissions and fuel economy

Several maintenance items directly impact how efficiently your 2020 Charger runs and how much it pollutes. A clogged air filter reduces fuel economy by forcing the engine to work harder to pull air into the combustion chamber. The manufacturer recommended checking the air filter every 15,000 miles and replacing it as needed.

Tire pressure also affects fuel economy more than many owners realize. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder and burn more fuel. The correct tire pressure for your Charger is listed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall. Keeping tires at the recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by 1 to 2 miles per gallon.

Spark plugs, fuel injectors, and the oxygen sensor all play roles in emissions control and fuel efficiency. Following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule helps keep these systems working as designed.

How to find your specific vehicle's emissions information

Your 2020 Charger's exact emissions classification and fuel economy data are printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb. This label shows the EPA fuel economy estimate for your specific engine and transmission combination, along with the annual fuel cost estimate based on 2020 fuel prices.

You can also look up your vehicle on the EPA's website at fueleconomy.gov by entering your vehicle year, make, model, and engine size. This will show you the official EPA ratings, estimated annual fuel cost, and how your vehicle compares to similar models from that year. The Monroney label (the window sticker from when the car was new) also contains this information if you still have access to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fuel economy I can expect from a 2020 Charger?

The V6 model achieves the best fuel economy at 19 city and 30 highway miles per gallon according to EPA estimates. Real-world results typically run 1 to 3 mpg lower, especially in city driving. Highway driving at steady speeds tends to come closer to the EPA estimate.

Can I use regular gas in a 2020 Charger R/T or Hellcat?

No. The R/T and Hellcat require premium unleaded gasoline (91 or 93 octane). Using regular gas can cause engine knock and reduce performance. The fuel door or owner's manual clearly indicates the required octane grade for your engine.

How do I know what emissions standard my 2020 Charger meets?

All 2020 Chargers met federal emissions standards for that model year. The specific emissions tier classification is listed on the door jamb label. You can also look up your vehicle on fueleconomy.gov using your year, make, model, and engine size for detailed emissions and fuel economy information.

Does a 2020 Charger have a hybrid option?

No. The 2020 Charger lineup consisted only of gasoline-powered engines with no hybrid or electric option. Dodge did not introduce a hybrid Charger until later model years.

What maintenance helps keep fuel economy and emissions in check?

Keeping your air filter clean, maintaining proper tire pressure, and following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for spark plugs and fuel injectors all help maintain fuel economy and emissions performance. Check the air filter every 15,000 miles and verify tire pressure monthly using the specification on your driver's door jamb.