What the 2020 Charger Hellcat is and how it performs
The 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a high-performance sedan powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 203 mph. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Dodge offered two Hellcat variants that year: the standard Charger Hellcat and the Charger Hellcat Redeye, which added 18 additional horsepower for a total of 725 hp. Both models use the same engine family and share nearly identical performance characteristics, with the Redeye version tuned slightly more aggressively.
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 Charger Hellcat produces 707 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and reaches 60 mph in roughly 3.6 seconds.
- The Redeye variant adds 18 horsepower for a total of 725 hp, making it the most powerful version Dodge offered that model year.
- Both models achieve a top speed of 203 mph and use an eight-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive.
- Fuel economy for the 2020 Hellcat ranges from 12 to 15 mpg depending on driving conditions and transmission programming.
Engine specifications and power output
The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 sits at the heart of every 2020 Charger Hellcat. The supercharger forces air into the combustion chambers at higher pressure than naturally aspirated engines, which is why the Hellcat produces significantly more power than the standard Charger R/T (which uses a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 with 370 hp). The Hellcat's engine requires premium 91-octane gasoline or higher to run safely at full power.
The 707 horsepower figure represents the standard Hellcat. The Redeye version, introduced in 2019 and carried forward to 2020, uses the same basic engine block but with different tuning and calibration that yields 725 hp. Both versions produce their maximum torque across a wide rpm range, which is why acceleration feels consistent whether you are merging onto a highway or accelerating from a stop.
Transmission, drivetrain, and handling
The 2020 Charger Hellcat uses a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission has multiple drive modes — including a Sport mode and a Track mode — that change shift timing and throttle response. In Track mode, the transmission holds gears longer before upshifting, which keeps the engine in its power band during hard acceleration.
Power goes to the rear wheels only; there is no all-wheel-drive option for the Hellcat. Dodge equipped the 2020 model with an electronic limited-slip differential to manage traction and prevent wheel spin during hard launches. The suspension uses independent double-wishbone front and multi-link rear geometry with adaptive dampers that adjust stiffness based on driving conditions.
Fuel economy and real-world consumption
The EPA estimates the 2020 Charger Hellcat at 12 mpg city and 15 mpg highway, with a combined rating of 13 mpg. These figures assume regular driving patterns. Aggressive acceleration, sustained high-speed driving, and frequent use of Track mode will lower real-world fuel economy below these estimates.
The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, which means a full tank provides a driving range of roughly 240 miles under combined conditions. Owners who drive the car primarily on public roads and highways typically report fuel economy in the 12 to 15 mpg range. Those who use the car for track days or frequent spirited driving often see numbers closer to 10 to 12 mpg.
Emissions and environmental classification
The 2020 Charger Hellcat meets the emissions standards in effect for that model year, which vary by state. California and several northeastern states have stricter emissions rules than the federal baseline, and Dodge produced different versions of the Hellcat to meet those standards. The supercharged engine produces higher emissions than smaller, naturally aspirated engines, which is why the Hellcat is classified in a higher emissions tier.
The vehicle does not may have access to for any federal tax credits or rebates related to fuel economy or emissions, as those programs are designed for vehicles that exceed baseline efficiency standards. Some states offer reduced registration fees for vehicles that meet certain emissions thresholds, but the Hellcat does not fall into those categories in most jurisdictions.
Comparison to other 2020 Dodge Charger models
Dodge offered several Charger variants in 2020 beyond the Hellcat. The standard Charger SXT uses a 3.6-liter V6 with 292 hp. The Charger R/T uses a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 with 370 hp. The Charger 392 uses a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat sits at the top of the lineup with its 707 hp supercharged engine, followed only by the Redeye variant at 725 hp.
The jump from the 392 to the Hellcat is substantial — roughly 220 additional horsepower. This translates to noticeably quicker acceleration and higher top speed. The trade-off is significantly worse fuel economy and higher insurance costs due to the vehicle's performance classification.
Interior features and technology
The 2020 Charger Hellcat came standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a backup camera, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels added features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, a premium audio system, and heated and ventilated front seats.
The interior materials reflect the performance focus: the Hellcat uses sport-oriented seating with bolstering designed to hold occupants in place during hard cornering. Steering wheel controls allow drivers to adjust transmission modes and suspension stiffness without taking their hands off the wheel, which is useful during track driving or spirited road driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 2020 Charger Hellcat cost?
The 2020 Charger Hellcat had a starting price around $72,000 before options and destination charges. The Redeye variant started around $75,000. Actual prices vary based on dealer location, condition, mileage, and any additional options the original owner selected. Used 2020 models currently sell for varying prices depending on market conditions and vehicle condition.
Can the 2020 Charger Hellcat be used as a daily driver?
Yes, many owners use the Hellcat as their primary vehicle. It is a four-door sedan with a trunk and back seats, so it accommodates passengers and cargo. The main drawbacks are poor fuel economy and a firm suspension that transmits road imperfections into the cabin. Long highway drives can be tiring due to the stiff suspension and engine noise.
What is the difference between the Hellcat and the Redeye?
The Redeye produces 18 additional horsepower (725 hp versus 707 hp) and uses slightly different engine tuning. The Redeye also came with a wider rear track and different suspension geometry optimized for track use. Both models have identical top speeds and nearly identical acceleration times, so the difference is most noticeable during sustained high-performance driving.
Does the 2020 Charger Hellcat have all-wheel drive?
No. The 2020 Charger Hellcat is rear-wheel drive only. Dodge did not offer an all-wheel-drive version of the Hellcat in 2020. The rear-wheel-drive layout is intentional, as it allows for the kind of controlled sliding and drifting that performance enthusiasts seek, though it also means traction can be limited in snow and ice.
What maintenance does a 2020 Charger Hellcat require?
The Hellcat requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher), regular oil changes every 10,000 miles, and periodic inspection of the supercharger system. The supercharger adds complexity compared to naturally aspirated engines, so repairs involving the supercharger or its supporting systems can be more expensive. Brake and tire wear is accelerated by the vehicle's weight and power, so those components need more frequent replacement than on standard vehicles.