What the 2020 Dodge Charger Scatpack delivers in power and consumption

The 2020 Dodge Charger Scatpack runs a 5.2-liter V8 engine producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with rear-wheel drive. The car achieves 16 miles per gallon in city driving, 25 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined, according to EPA estimates.

This generation Charger sits in the muscle car category, meaning fuel economy is lower than sedans with smaller engines but typical for its class. The engine meets current federal emissions standards through a catalytic converter and particulate filter system, though it does not carry hybrid or electric components.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 Scatpack engine produces 485 horsepower with EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined mpg.
  • The car uses a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard.
  • Fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gallons, giving a typical driving range of roughly 280 to 460 miles depending on driving conditions.
  • The vehicle meets federal Tier 3 emissions standards through catalytic conversion and particulate filtration but produces higher tailpipe emissions than smaller-engine vehicles.

Engine specifications and performance output

The 5.2-liter V8 in the 2020 Scatpack is a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it draws air through the intake without a turbocharger or supercharger. It produces 485 hp at 6,000 rpm and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine uses a cast-iron block with aluminum cylinder heads and runs on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, though 91 octane is recommended for optimal performance).

The 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission handles power delivery to the rear wheels. Dodge rates the 0-to-60 acceleration at approximately 3.6 seconds, and the quarter-mile time at roughly 11.6 seconds. These figures place it among the faster four-door sedans available, though not at the extreme end of the performance spectrum.

Fuel economy and driving range

EPA testing rates the 2020 Scatpack at 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Real-world results vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Aggressive acceleration and highway speeds above 65 mph typically lower fuel economy; steady city driving and moderate highway speeds tend to improve it.

With an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, the car's range on a full tank runs between 280 miles in heavy city driving and 460 miles on a highway-focused trip. Most owners report actual combined mileage between 17 and 21 mpg depending on their driving pattern. The fuel door is located on the driver's side rear quarter panel.

Emissions standards and environmental classification

The 2020 Charger Scatpack meets federal Tier 3 emissions standards, the baseline requirement for all new vehicles sold in the United States. It uses a three-way catalytic converter to reduce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, plus a particulate filter to trap soot. The engine also includes an evaporative emissions control system to prevent fuel vapor from escaping the tank and fuel lines.

Because it is a gasoline V8 without hybrid or electric information, the Scatpack produces higher tailpipe emissions per mile than four-cylinder or hybrid vehicles. It does not may have access to for any federal tax credits or state incentives tied to low-emission vehicles. Some states and municipalities impose higher registration fees or restrict driving on high-pollution days for vehicles in this emissions class, though these rules vary by location.

Transmission and drivetrain configuration

The 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic is a conventional hydraulic transmission with no continuously variable option. It includes a torque converter and offers manual shift capability through the gear selector or steering wheel paddles. The transmission is paired exclusively with rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is not available on the Scatpack.

Rear-wheel drive affects handling and traction in snow and ice compared to front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles. Dodge equips the Scatpack with electronic stability control and traction control as standard, which help manage wheel slip during acceleration and cornering. The car does not offer all-terrain or off-road driving modes.

Maintenance and long-term fuel costs

Routine maintenance for the 2020 Scatpack includes oil changes every 10,000 miles (using 5W-20 synthetic oil), air filter replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, and spark plug replacement every 100,000 miles. The catalytic converter and particulate filter require no routine service but may need replacement if damaged or if the check engine light indicates a fault.

Annual fuel cost depends on local gas prices and driving volume. At the EPA combined rating of 19 mpg and assuming 12,000 miles per year, the car consumes roughly 630 gallons annually. At a national average of $3.00 per gallon, that translates to approximately $1,890 per year in fuel alone. Owners in regions with higher gas prices or higher annual mileage should budget accordingly.

Comparison to other 2020 muscle cars

The 2020 Charger Scatpack sits between the base R/T model (370 hp, 5.7-liter V8) and the top-tier Hellcat (707 hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V8). The Scatpack's 485 hp and 19 mpg combined rating make it more powerful than the R/T but more fuel-efficient than the Hellcat. The Chevrolet Camaro SS (455 hp, 16 mpg combined) and Dodge Challenger R/T (370 hp, 16 mpg combined) offer comparable or lower performance with similar or worse fuel economy.

Among four-door sedans, the Charger Scatpack is one of the few that prioritizes raw power over efficiency. Most competitors in the midsize sedan category—the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Maxima—use smaller engines with better fuel economy but significantly less horsepower. The Charger's trade-off is deliberate: it sacrifices efficiency for performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What octane fuel should I use in a 2020 Charger Scatpack?

Dodge recommends 91 octane (premium) fuel for optimal performance and engine longevity. The engine will run on 87 octane (regular) without damage, but you may notice reduced power output and slightly worse fuel economy. Premium fuel costs more per gallon but can improve efficiency enough to offset some of the difference.

How much does it cost to fill the 2020 Scatpack's fuel tank?

The 18.5-gallon tank costs roughly $55 to $60 to fill at current national average prices (approximately $3.00 per gallon), though prices vary significantly by region and time of year. Premium fuel typically costs 30 to 50 cents more per gallon than regular, so using 91 octane adds $5 to $9 per fill-up.

Can the 2020 Scatpack run on E85 ethanol fuel?

No, the 2020 Charger Scatpack is not flex-fuel compatible and cannot run on E85. It requires gasoline only. Some other Dodge performance models offer flex-fuel capability, but the Scatpack does not.

What is the difference between the Scatpack and the Hellcat?

The Hellcat uses a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 707 hp versus the Scatpack's 485 hp naturally aspirated engine. The Hellcat achieves 13 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (17 combined), compared to the Scatpack's 16/25/19. The Hellcat costs significantly more and produces higher emissions.

Does the 2020 Scatpack have any hybrid or electric option?

No, the 2020 Charger lineup includes no hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. All Chargers sold that year use conventional gasoline engines. Dodge did not introduce hybrid Charger options until later model years.