2020 Dodge Charger vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI had a stealthy, unassuming appearance that appealed to those who preferred not to draw attention. Despite its conservative styling, the GTI featured a honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets that hinted at its performance capabilities. The Rabbit Edition trim, priced at $28,895, included gloss black 18-inch wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and side mirror caps, along with unique colors like Urano Gray and Cornflower Blue. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design, quality materials, and whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery in the S and Rabbit Edition trims added to its charm.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Charger embraced a bold, muscle car aesthetic. The 2015 facelift introduced a thin inlet grille and more aggressive headlights, enhancing its menacing look. The Charger's cabin combined retro elements with modern technology, featuring large vintage-looking bezels housing digital displays. The rear-wheel-drive platform necessitated a raised transmission tunnel, creating a cockpit-like feel for the driver and front passenger. Trim levels ranged from the SXT to the Hellcat, each offering unique visual and performance enhancements.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower at 4,700 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. The VAQ limited-slip differential, standard on all trims, maximized traction and reduced understeer. The GTI's handling was impressive, with progressive, variable-ratio steering and a sport suspension that provided a stiff ride. The car's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, were sensitive and effective. The GTI achieved 0-60 mph without needing third gear, and the EPA rated it at 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded 25.1 mpg.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains. The SXT and GT trims featured a 3.6-liter V6, producing 292 and 300 horsepower, respectively. The R/T trim came with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, while the Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produced 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Charger excelled in straight-line performance, with the Hellcat offering exhilarating acceleration. The widebody variants featured Bilstein adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes, enhancing cornering precision and braking performance.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a versatile vehicle, accommodating both family and cargo needs. The front seats were height-adjustable and offered robust bolsters, with plaid cloth or leather upholstery options. The dashboard design was clear and functional, with ample storage spaces throughout the cabin. The backseat provided acceptable comfort, though legroom was tight. The trunk offered 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Dodge Charger excelled in interior space, offering generous legroom for rear passengers. The front bucket seats were well-bolstered, providing ample head- and legroom. The cabin featured practical storage solutions, including door trays and a spacious center console. The Charger's trunk had a capacity of 16.5 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench for additional storage flexibility.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. The SE trim offered an upgraded 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The Autobahn trim added a navigation system and a semi-autonomous parking assistant. The adaptive LED front lighting system was standard on all trims except the S.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The Uconnect system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's logical menu layout and dock icons ensured quick access to various functions. The digital display screen in the instrument panel provided essential information and turn-by-turn navigation.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard on the Rabbit Edition. The SE trim added Car-Net Safety & Security services, while the Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had an Acceptable rating for front passenger protection in the small overlap frontal impact test.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. The Charger earned a Superior rating for its crash prevention technology from the IIHS, though many of these features were optional rather than standard.