American muscle lives on in the 2020s with a blend of classic proportions and modern performance—perfect for weekend cruises, track days, or just enjoying a deep V8 note on open roads. Whether you’re browsing shows or shopping classifieds, these cars keep the American performance spirit unmistakable.
There are 23 2020s American Muscle Cars, ranging from the Chevrolet Camaro LT1 to the Ford Shelby GT500. For each entry I list Model years (YYYY),Engine (config + L),Horsepower (hp) so you can scan specs at a glance; you’ll find these details below.
Which 2020s model is the best daily driver without sacrificing muscle-car power?
Look for a balance of ride comfort, fuel economy, and available tech—models with modern suspension tuning, adaptive dampers, and smaller-displacement turbo options tend to be easier to live with while still delivering strong performance. Check for driver aids, interior quality, and insurance/ownership costs to match your daily needs.
How much should I budget for maintenance and upgrades on these modern muscle cars?
Routine maintenance for late-model American muscle is comparable to other performance cars—plan for slightly higher fuel, tires, and brake wear; prepaid maintenance or a certified pre-owned warranty can reduce surprises. If you want aftermarket power upgrades, budget accordingly for supporting mods (cooling, tires, brakes) rather than just bolt-on horsepower.
2020s American Muscle Cars
| Model | Model years (YYYY) | Engine (config + L) | Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang GT | 2020–2023 | V8 5.0L | 450 |
| Ford Mustang Mach 1 | 2021–2023 | V8 5.0L | 470 |
| Ford Shelby GT500 | 2020–2022 | Supercharged V8 5.2L | 760 |
| Ford Mustang GT | 2024–2029 | V8 5.0L | 486 |
| Ford Mustang Dark Horse | 2024–2029 | V8 5.0L | 500 |
| Chevrolet Camaro LT1 | 2020–2024 | V8 6.2L | 455 |
| Chevrolet Camaro SS | 2020–2024 | V8 6.2L | 455 |
| Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 2020–2024 | Supercharged V8 6.2L | 650 |
| Dodge Challenger R/T | 2020–2023 | V8 5.7L | 375 |
| Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack | 2020–2023 | V8 6.4L | 485 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | 2020–2023 | Supercharged V8 6.2L | 717 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye | 2020–2023 | Supercharged V8 6.2L | 797 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock | 2020–2023 | Supercharged V8 6.2L | 807 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 | 2023 | Supercharged V8 6.2L | 1,025 |
| Dodge Charger R/T | 2020–2023 | V8 5.7L | 370 |
| Dodge Charger Scat Pack | 2020–2023 | V8 6.4L | 485 |
| Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody | 2020–2023 | Supercharged V8 6.2L | 717 |
| Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye | 2020–2023 | Supercharged V8 6.2L | 797 |
| Chrysler 300C | 2023 | V8 6.4L | 485 |
| Dodge Charger Daytona R/T | 2024–2029 | Electric | 496 |
| Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack | 2024–2029 | Electric | 670 |
| Dodge Charger Sixpack S.O. | 2025–2029 | Twin-Turbo I6 3.0L | 420 |
| Dodge Charger Sixpack H.O. | 2025–2029 | Twin-Turbo I6 3.0L | 550 |
Images and Descriptions
Ford Mustang GT
The quintessential American pony car, the S550 Mustang GT brought modern performance and classic V8 rumble to the masses. Its Coyote V8 engine and aggressive styling made it a dominant force in the modern muscle scene, offering an accessible entry point to high performance.
Ford Mustang Mach 1
Reviving a legendary name, the Mach 1 served as a bridge between the GT and the Shelby GT500. This track-focused yet street-ready muscle car featured enhanced aerodynamics, improved handling, and a more powerful version of Ford’s iconic 5.0L Coyote V8 engine for a thrilling drive.
Ford Shelby GT500
The apex predator of the Mustang lineup, the Shelby GT500 was a street-legal monster with a hand-built supercharged “Predator” V8. It combined supercar-level horsepower with advanced aerodynamics, making it the most powerful factory-produced Mustang of its time and a true muscle car king.
Ford Mustang GT
Kicking off the seventh generation, the S650 Mustang GT continues the V8 legacy with a revised, more powerful Coyote engine. With its modern digital cockpit and signature rear-wheel-drive fun, it remains the standard-bearer for affordable American V8 muscle, now with more technology and power.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse
As the first new performance nameplate for Mustang in two decades, the Dark Horse is the ultimate expression of the S650 platform. It features a specially tuned 500-horsepower V8, track-ready hardware, and sinister styling, defining the peak of modern, naturally-aspirated American muscle.
Chevrolet Camaro LT1
The Camaro LT1 made V8 muscle more accessible than ever, packing the same powerful engine from the pricier SS into a no-frills package. It was the sleeper choice for enthusiasts who prioritized the raw power and sound of an American V8 over luxury amenities.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
A cornerstone of the muscle car world, the Camaro SS (Super Sport) offered a potent blend of V8 power, sharp handling, and aggressive styling. It represented the heart of the Camaro lineup, providing a classic muscle experience with modern refinement before its 2024 discontinuation.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The ultimate factory Camaro, the ZL1 was a track-devouring beast with a supercharged LT4 V8 engine. It pushed the boundaries of what a muscle car could do, delivering incredible acceleration and handling that could challenge dedicated sports cars from around the world.
Dodge Challenger R/T
The Challenger R/T was the entry point into Dodge’s V8 muscle family, offering the legendary 5.7L HEMI engine. It provided the classic muscle car experience with retro styling, a throaty exhaust note, and ample power for cruising and daily driving excitement.
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
A massive leap in performance, the Scat Pack featured a powerful 392-cubic-inch HEMI V8, making it the best bang-for-your-buck muscle car. It delivered raw, naturally aspirated power perfect for the street and drag strip, embodying the spirit of classic 1960s muscle.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The car that ignited the modern horsepower wars, the SRT Hellcat brought insane supercharged power to the streets. Its whining supercharger and astonishing 717 horsepower made it a legend, offering an untamed and thrilling experience that defined extreme American muscle in the 2020s.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye
Taking the Hellcat formula to a new level, the Redeye borrowed engine components from the demonic Demon to unleash nearly 800 horsepower. It was an even more ferocious version of the Hellcat, designed for those who felt 717 horsepower simply wasn’t enough.
Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
Built specifically to dominate the drag strip, the Super Stock was a street-legal monster equipped with drag radial tires and a tuned suspension. It was a factory-built weapon for quarter-mile dominance, blurring the line between a production muscle car and a professional drag racer.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
As the final, ultimate send-off for the gasoline-powered Challenger, the Demon 170 is a record-shattering marvel running on E85 fuel. With over 1,000 horsepower and a sub-two-second 0-60 time, it stands as the most powerful and quickest factory muscle car ever produced.
Dodge Charger R/T
As America’s only four-door muscle car of its era, the Charger R/T combined family-friendly practicality with the rumble of a 5.7L HEMI V8. It was the perfect choice for enthusiasts needing extra doors without sacrificing the soul of a true American muscle machine.
Dodge Charger Scat Pack
The Charger Scat Pack offered the same potent 485-horsepower 392 HEMI V8 as its Challenger sibling but in a more practical sedan body. It was a fan favorite for its blend of incredible power, aggressive looks, and everyday usability, a true muscle sedan.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody
The Charger Hellcat became the world’s most powerful production sedan, boasting a mind-bending 717 horsepower from its supercharged V8. The standard Widebody stance gave it an intimidating presence and the grip needed to handle its immense power, creating a four-door muscle supercar.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
Crowning the sedan lineup, the Charger Hellcat Redeye was an exercise in absolute overkill, packing a 797-horsepower engine capable of over 200 mph. It was the most extreme and powerful muscle sedan ever sold, a practical family car with apocalyptic performance.
Chrysler 300C
For its final model year, Chrysler revived the iconic 300C as a limited-edition muscle sedan. It featured the same 6.4L HEMI V8 found in the Scat Pack, blending classic luxury with raw V8 power for a fitting farewell to a legendary American car.
Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
Marking a new era, the Charger Daytona R/T introduces the world to electric muscle. It preserves the Charger’s aggressive two-door styling while delivering instant torque and up to 496 horsepower, proving that the future of American muscle can be both powerful and electric.
Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
As the top-tier electric model, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack elevates performance with 670 horsepower and all-wheel drive. It features a “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” to simulate V8 sound, directly targeting traditional muscle fans with futuristic technology and blistering acceleration that honors its heritage.
Dodge Charger Sixpack S.O.
Replacing the 5.7L HEMI, the Charger Sixpack S.O. (Standard Output) uses the new twin-turbo “Hurricane” inline-six engine. This modern powertrain delivers more horsepower and efficiency, ensuring the legacy of internal combustion muscle continues with a new, high-tech heart for a new generation.
Dodge Charger Sixpack H.O.
The Sixpack H.O. (High Output) version of the new Charger replaces the venerable 392 HEMI, offering a stunning 550 horsepower from its twin-turbo inline-six. This model represents the pinnacle of Dodge’s new gasoline-powered muscle, promising V8-beating performance in a modern, sophisticated package.
