What the 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack delivers

The 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is a four-door muscle sedan powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 175 mph.

Fuel economy is modest for a vehicle of this power level. The EPA rates the 2020 Scat Pack at 15 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined when using regular unleaded gasoline. Real-world numbers vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance, but most owners report results close to the EPA estimates.

The Scat Pack sits between the base R/T model and the high-performance 392 in Dodge's Charger lineup. It offers more power than the R/T but costs less than the 392, making it a middle option for buyers who want serious performance without the top-tier price tag.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 Scat Pack uses a 5.7-liter V8 with 485 horsepower, making it significantly more powerful than the base R/T model.
  • EPA fuel economy ratings are 15 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined, which is typical for a V8 sedan of this size and weight.
  • The car meets current federal emissions standards through a catalytic converter and oxygen sensors, but produces higher tailpipe emissions than smaller, turbocharged engines.
  • Maintenance of the emissions control system—particularly the catalytic converter—is important to keep the vehicle running cleanly and legally.
  • The Scat Pack produces roughly 10 to 15 percent more emissions per mile than a comparable four-cylinder sedan, though total emissions depend on how much you drive.

Engine specifications and how they affect emissions

The 5.7-liter V8 in the Scat Pack is a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it draws air without a turbocharger or supercharger. This design produces strong torque across a wide rpm range but requires more fuel to generate power compared to smaller, turbocharged engines. More fuel burned means more carbon dioxide (CO2) and other combustion byproducts released through the tailpipe.

The engine meets EPA Tier 3 emissions standards through a combination of technologies: a three-way catalytic converter that converts harmful gases into less harmful compounds, oxygen sensors that monitor exhaust composition, and fuel injection systems that optimize the air-fuel mixture. These systems work together to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog and air quality problems.

Despite these controls, a V8 engine inherently produces more emissions per gallon of fuel burned than a smaller engine. The Scat Pack's emissions output is legal and compliant with federal standards, but it is higher in absolute terms than what you would see from a turbocharged four-cylinder or hybrid vehicle.

Fuel economy and carbon footprint

The 19 mpg combined rating means the Scat Pack burns roughly one gallon of fuel every 19 miles under mixed driving. Over a year of typical driving—around 12,000 to 15,000 miles—that translates to 630 to 790 gallons of gasoline consumed. Each gallon of gasoline burned produces approximately 19.6 pounds of CO2, so annual CO2 emissions from the Scat Pack alone range from roughly 12,300 to 15,500 pounds per year.

This is substantially higher than a mid-size sedan with a four-cylinder engine, which might achieve 30 to 35 mpg combined and produce 6,700 to 7,800 pounds of CO2 annually at the same mileage. The difference reflects the engine size, weight, and aerodynamics of a performance vehicle designed for acceleration rather than efficiency.

Driving habits have a large effect on actual fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration, highway speeds above 65 mph, and short trips with frequent cold starts all reduce mpg and increase emissions. Maintaining proper tire pressure, regular engine maintenance, and steady driving can help you stay closer to the EPA estimates.

Emissions control systems you should know about

The catalytic converter is the most critical emissions component in the Scat Pack. It sits in the exhaust system and uses chemical reactions to convert carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. The converter must reach a certain temperature to work effectively, which is why the car produces higher emissions during cold starts before the engine warms up.

Oxygen sensors upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter monitor exhaust composition and send signals to the engine computer. The computer adjusts fuel injection timing and amount based on these signals to keep the engine running as cleanly as possible. If an oxygen sensor fails, the check engine light comes on and emissions can increase significantly.

The evaporative emissions control system (EVAP) prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere when the car is parked. A charcoal canister captures vapors, and they are burned in the engine during normal operation. A faulty EVAP system will trigger a check engine light and allow fuel vapors to escape.

If your check engine light comes on, have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. Many auto parts stores offer free scanning. Addressing emissions system problems promptly keeps the car running cleanly and helps it pass state emissions testing if your area requires it.

State emissions testing and registration

Whether your 2020 Scat Pack must pass an emissions test depends on your state and county. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts require regular emissions testing for most vehicles. Other states have no emissions testing requirement at all. A few states test only older vehicles or vehicles in certain counties.

The Scat Pack is a 2020 model, so it is relatively new and should pass emissions testing in any state that requires it, provided the emissions control systems are functioning correctly. The test measures tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. As long as the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and engine computer are working as designed, the car will pass.

If you move to a state with emissions testing and your Scat Pack fails, the most common causes are a faulty oxygen sensor, a failing catalytic converter, or a problem with the fuel injection system. A mechanic can diagnose the issue using the diagnostic trouble codes stored in the engine computer.

Comparing the Scat Pack to other 2020 Charger models

The base 2020 Charger R/T uses the same 5.7-liter V8 but produces 370 horsepower instead of 485. It achieves the same 15/25/19 fuel economy and has the same emissions profile because the engine displacement and combustion process are identical. The difference in power comes from tuning, not engine size.

The 2020 Charger 392 uses a larger 6.4-liter V8 with 485 horsepower (matching the Scat Pack's power but with more torque). The 392 achieves 14 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined—slightly worse than the Scat Pack due to the larger displacement. Its emissions output is proportionally higher because it burns more fuel per mile.

If emissions and fuel economy are concerns, the 2020 Charger GT with a 3.6-liter V6 achieves 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The V6 produces 292 horsepower and is significantly less powerful than the Scat Pack, but it burns less fuel and produces lower tailpipe emissions. There is no hybrid or electric Charger option in the 2020 lineup.

Maintenance to keep emissions systems working

Regular oil changes are the foundation of emissions system health. Clean oil helps the engine run efficiently and reduces the buildup of deposits that can clog fuel injectors and increase emissions. Dodge recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles for the 2020 Charger, though some owners change oil more frequently for added protection.

Use the fuel grade specified in your owner's manual—regular unleaded (87 octane) for the Scat Pack. Using lower-octane fuel than recommended can cause engine knock, which triggers the knock sensor and adjusts ignition timing. This can reduce efficiency and increase emissions. Premium fuel is not required and offers no benefit for this engine.

Keep the air filter clean. A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, which can cause the fuel mixture to run rich (too much fuel, not enough air) and increase emissions. Check the air filter every 15,000 miles and replace it if it looks dirty. Spark plugs should be inspected at 30,000 miles and replaced if worn.

If the check engine light comes on, do not ignore it. Have the vehicle scanned to identify the problem. Many emissions-related issues are caught early through the onboard diagnostic system and can be fixed before they cause a test failure or increase emissions significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2020 Scat Pack have a diesel option?

No. The 2020 Dodge Charger lineup includes only gasoline V8 and V6 engines. Dodge does not offer a diesel Charger in any model year. If fuel economy is a priority, the V6 Charger GT is the most efficient option in the gasoline lineup.

Can I modify the exhaust system without failing emissions testing?

Any modification that removes or bypasses the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors will cause the vehicle to fail emissions testing and is illegal in all states. Aftermarket exhaust systems that retain the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors may pass testing, but check your local regulations before installing one. Some states prohibit any non-OEM exhaust modifications.

What happens if my Scat Pack fails an emissions test?

You will receive a notice explaining which emissions standards the vehicle failed to meet. You then have a set period (usually 30 to 60 days) to repair the vehicle and retest. Most failures are caused by a faulty oxygen sensor, a failing catalytic converter, or a problem with the fuel injection system. A mechanic can diagnose the issue using the diagnostic trouble codes.

Is the 2020 Scat Pack more polluting than a 2020 four-cylinder sedan?

Yes, per mile driven. The Scat Pack produces roughly 10 to 15 percent more tailpipe emissions than a comparable four-cylinder sedan because it burns more fuel to generate power. However, both vehicles meet federal emissions standards. Total pollution impact depends on how much you drive—a Scat Pack driven 5,000 miles per year may produce less total emissions than a four-cylinder driven 20,000 miles per year.

Do I need to use premium fuel in the Scat Pack?

No. The 2020 Scat Pack is tuned to run on regular unleaded (87 octane) gasoline. The owner's manual specifies regular fuel, and using it will not harm the engine or increase emissions. Premium fuel offers no performance or efficiency benefit for this engine and is an unnecessary expense.