It’s a new era of modern muscle cars — and you have plenty of options across all the different manufacturers. If you want something a little different than the rest, take a gander at the 2020 Dodge Charger. Across its trim levels, it gives you many excellent powerplants to consider.
What specs do the most popular Dodge Charger engines have?
The 2020 Dodge Charger has up to 707 horsepower and 685 lb-ft. with its 6.2L (392 ci) Hemi SRT V8. For a little more civility, you can select the 392 Hemi V8, 5.7L (345 ci) Hemi V8, or 3.6L (219.9 ci) Pentastar V6 instead.
With so many incredible engine options to choose from, it’s important to dive deep into their specs.
That way, you can get all the info you need to make an excellent car buying decision.
History of Dodge Charger Engines
The Dodge Chargers of yesteryear were largely V8 models with lots of low-end power. When this popular model made its big comeback in 2006, it emulated that build from nose to tail while putting a modern spin on it.
The first generation had a wide range of engine options to drum up interest fast. The base model got the 3.5L V6 to satisfy those who wanted a balance of fuel efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Soon after, they rolled out the R/T version with the 5.7L Hemi V8 for the more performance minded — and the rest is history. Since that moment, they have been chasing power in a big way.
Through the years, they’ve rolled out many greats, like the SRT-8, SRT 392, and the SRT Hellcat.
Through each iteration, the engines just get more and more powerful, though they never did abandon the 3.6L Pentastar V6.
For the 2020 model year, for example, the engines you can get include:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: Up to 300 horsepower and 265 lb-ft.
- 5.7L Hemi V8: 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft.
- 392 Hemi V8: Up to 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft.
Of course, at the top of the line, is the SRT Hellcat Widebody with the supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8. This engine produces an awe-inspiring 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. Thanks to the forced induction, power comes on early and stays on tap through 6,000 RPMs.
With all that horsepower at your disposal, you can rocket up to 60 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds. If you dare take it down the quarter mile, you’ll reach the finish line in a blazingly fast 10.96 seconds.
The top speed is 196 MPH, putting it right between the Porsche Cayman and 911.
Which Models Have Popular Dodge Charger Engines?
The Dodge Charger is not the only one to get the Hellcat engine, of course. You can also get it in the Challenger across four trim levels. The power output and features change at each level to help you dial in performance to best meet your preferences.
A lesser known model with the Hellcat engine is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. It gets the 707 horsepower version that’s in the Charger, but don’t expect them to call it the Hellcat any time soon.
That branding is only reserved for the Dodge lineup.
The 392 and 5.7L Hemi engines are found in the Challenger and many Dodge Ram trucks. The Pentastar V6 serves as the powerplant of choice for a wide range of vehicles made from 2011 to present.
Vehicles with the 3.6L V6 include:
- Chrysler 200
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Dodge Avenger
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Ram 1500
Even Volkswagen and Lancia have snagged this popular V6 engine for their Routan and Voyager models, respectively, due to its excellent balance of reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance.
FAQs About the Dodge Charger Engine Lineup
What Is the Most Powerful Dodge Engine?
The most powerful Dodge engine is the supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 in the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. This powerplant produces a stunning 807 horsepower and 717 lb-ft. With all that power, it can run the quarter mile in 10.5 seconds and reach 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
How Much Torque Does A 5.7 Hemi Have?
The 5.7L Hemi V8 in the 2020 Dodge Charger has 395 lb-ft. In addition to that, it produces 370 horsepower, allowing it to race up to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The 5.7L Hemi used in Ram 1500 trucks has 400 lb-ft. to better suit its towing capabilities.
Is the 5.7L Hemi a Good Engine?
The 5.7L Hemi V8 is a versatile engine with plenty of horsepower and torque. Depending on how it’s tuned, it works well in both cars and trucks, including the Ram 1500 lineup. Beyond offering plenty of power, it’s known as a reliable powerplant that rarely needs major repairs.
How Long Do Dodge Charger Engines Last?
Dodge Charger engines can last well over 150,000 miles with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
The most reliable is the Pentastar V6, though the V8s can hold their own with proper care.
Do Dodge Chargers Have A Lot of Problems?
Like any car, Dodge Chargers have their fair share of problems. The most notable of which are electrical gremlins, like the wiring harness developing shorts that prevent accessories from working right.
