The 2020 Dodge Charger isn’t short on power, and it’s no wonder why the car has such a loyal fan base. However, this large sedan appeals to more than just gearheads. The Charger is a fantastic alternative to SUVs for families, as it has a roomy interior and lots of trunk space.

Regardless if you’re looking for a thrill ride or a family-focused car, safety is likely at the top of your mind. Naturally, the burning question these shoppers will ask is, “How safe is the 2020 Dodge Charger?” There’s no easy answer, as industry experts seem to disagree just how well this sedan protects its passengers.

Let’s take a look at what safety systems the Charger offers to gain a complete assessment of its ability to protect its occupants. Then, we’ll break down everything the experts have to say to help you decide whether this is the right model for you.

What safety features come on the 2020 Dodge Charger?

It’s essential to be aware of your surroundings when behind the wheel of a muscle car as fun to drive as the 2020 Dodge Charger. And it’s easy for us to tell you not to be like the many leadfoot Dodge Charger drivers. However, safe driving only gets you so far. Driver-assistance technologies work as a second set of eyes to help you avoid potential danger.

Which of these features are included in the 2020 Dodge Charger? The base-level SXT disappoints, only coming with a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. However, buyers will have some flexibility. Adding packages like the Technology Group ($1,895) and Plus Group ($2,895) affords you plenty of options.

These available features include blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning systems.

While this seems like a lot of extra money, it’s really not too big of a financial hit. The 2020 Charger has a low starting MSRP for its class ($29,995), so spending the extra cash on these crucial technologies won’t make the car too expensive.

Safety rating: A split decision

It’s tough to judge the Dodge Charger’s reliability and safety acumen just by looking at it. That’s why we turn to the experts to get a clear answer. However, the industry leaders don’t always agree, which seems to be the case with the 2020 Dodge Charger.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Charger a five-star safety rating. This included top marks in the side crash and rollover tests, as well as four-stars in the frontal crash test.

Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) didn’t give the 2020 Dodge Charger any distinct honors. Instead, it gave the sedan “marginal” scores in the small overlap front-crash test for the driver side. Additionally, the IIHS marked the Charger’s headlights as “poor” and its LATCH system ease of use as “marginal.”

Should you buy a 2020 Dodge Charger?

If you need a family sedan or want an ultra-safe car, there are better options than the Charger. For instance, the Nissan Maxima is more well-equipped with standard safety features.

However, few cars are as fun-to-drive as the 2020 Dodge Charger. So, those looking for a true muscle car shouldn’t shy away from buying one. Just make sure to equip it with the proper packages to get crucial safety systems like automatic emergency braking.