2021 Dodge Challenger vs 2020 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 was a car that didn't flaunt its muscle. Its hood vents and the rumble from the dual exhaust system hinted at the 455-horsepower V8 engine beneath. Brembo front brake calipers and LT1 badges on the front fenders were other subtle indicators. Otherwise, it looked like a rental car, especially in Satin Steel Gray paint with plain gray cloth seats and sparkly silver 20-inch wheels. The Camaro LT1 was available as both a coupe and a convertible, with the coupe starting at $34,000. Options like a 10-speed automatic transmission and a dual-mode exhaust system brought the price to $37,585. The interior, however, was a letdown with cheap materials and a center console trim that popped off during testing. Despite these flaws, the powerful V8 engine made up for the interior shortcomings.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger, even in its base SXT trim, exuded a cool, retro vibe. Its large size, squared-off fenders, and round headlights gave it a unique presence. The twin hood scoops and wide grille emphasized its width, while the hump in the rear quarter panel added to its stocky look. The Challenger looked best on 20-inch wheels, and Dodge offered various customization options, including dark wheels, hood stripes, and vibrant paint colors. Higher trims like the GT, R/T, and Hellcat models added more aggressive styling elements. The interior, unchanged since the 2015 refresh, was functional but not impressive. The analog gauges and UConnect infotainment system were user-friendly, but the base model's interior was nothing special.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 featured a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds. Built on General Motors' Alpha platform, the Camaro offered excellent handling and forward visibility. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, and the car averaged 20 mpg during testing. However, the Camaro LT1 lacked GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which would have improved its stability on uneven roads. Despite this, the Camaro LT1 was a capable all-rounder, delivering thrills without breaking the budget.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger offered a wide range of engine options, from a 3.6-liter V6 to a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing up to 807 horsepower. The Hellcat Redeye Widebody could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 203 mph. The Challenger featured advanced performance technologies like line lock, launch control, and launch assist. Hellcat models had additional cooling systems to manage the supercharger's heat. The base V6 engine was adequate for highway cruising but lacked excitement. The R/T and R/T Scat Pack trims offered more engaging driving experiences with their V8 engines and upgraded suspensions. However, the Challenger's handling and steering were unremarkable, and the car struggled on tight roads and in poor weather conditions.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro's compact dimensions improved its agility but compromised practicality. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, but getting in and out was challenging. The backseat was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults. The Camaro's interior had a retro design with unique climate controls, but storage space was limited. The trunk offered 9.1 cubic feet of space in the coupe, enough for two full-size suitcases. Overall, the Camaro's interior was not its strong suit.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, more than many sedans. While it technically had five seat belts, the back seat was best deleted for more cargo space. The driver's seat provided a decent view, but the side mirrors were small. The interior featured conventional controls and the user-friendly UConnect infotainment system. The seats were comfortable and available in various materials and colors. The Challenger's interior was functional but dated.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 came with the standard Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar services, and a 6-speaker Bose sound system. Optional upgrades included an 8-inch display, additional speakers, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims offered advanced features like a head-up display, rear camera mirror, and Performance Data Recorder. The LT1's technology was adequate but not cutting-edge.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger's standard infotainment system had a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 8.4-inch screen was a recommended upgrade. The Performance Pages app provided real-time performance data and customizable driving modes. Optional features included an Alpine audio system, power steering column, driver's seat memory, SiriusXM, HD radio, 4G WiFi hotspot, xenon headlights, auto high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. The Challenger's technology was functional but not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 lacked advanced safety features. It came with stability control, a reversing camera, and OnStar services. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not available on the LT1. Other trims offered additional safety features like a rear camera mirror, rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The Camaro coupe received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had mixed results from the IIHS. Teen Driver technology was standard, allowing parents to monitor their young drivers.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA but struggled in IIHS tests. It received "good" ratings in side and moderate overlap front tests but "marginal" in the small overlap front test. The Challenger's body structure was rated "poor" in a frontal crash. Available safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Challenger's safety performance was below average for a modern car.