2021 Dodge Challenger vs 2020 Dodge Challenger

The 2020 Dodge Challenger, a third-generation model, was a tribute to the 1970s classic. Updated in 2015, it retained its muscular silhouette while incorporating modern design elements like vents, wings, and scoops. The recessed headlights and grille gave it a menacing look, hinting at its performance capabilities. Inside, the cockpit was driver-focused, blending modern infotainment with vintage aesthetics. The trim lineup included nine options, from the base SXT to the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody. Standard features on the SXT included 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added performance upgrades and unique design elements, such as the dual-intake hood scoop on Hellcat models.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger maintained its retro-inspired design but felt more familiar than novel. Even the base SXT, with its 18-inch alloys, looked cool, though it lacked the aggressive stance of models with 20-inch wheels. The interior, unchanged since the 2015 refresh, was functional but unremarkable. The analog gauges and standard central display were user-friendly, but the base model's features were basic. Higher trims offered more luxurious materials and advanced features, like Nappa leather seats and carbon fiber accents. The SRT Super Stock, new for 2021, featured deep-inset 18-inch wheels on drag tires, emphasizing its performance focus.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT trims, producing 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. These trims could be equipped with all-wheel drive. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 475 hp and 410 lb-ft with a 6-speed manual, or 372 hp and 400 lb-ft with an 8-speed automatic. The R/T Scat Pack upgraded to a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, making 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. The Hellcat models boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing 717 hp and 656 lb-ft, with the Redeye variant cranking it up to 797 hp and 707 lb-ft. The Widebody variants added flared fenders, wider tires, and adaptive suspension, enhancing cornering capabilities. The SRT Performance Pages allowed for extensive customization of driving modes and performance metrics.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger continued to offer a wide range of powertrains, from the base 3.6-liter V6 to the monstrous 807-hp SRT Super Stock. The V6 was adequate for highway cruising but lacked excitement. The R/T trim, with its 375-hp 5.7-liter V8, was the recommended starting point for performance enthusiasts. The R/T Scat Pack, with a 485-hp 6.4-liter V8, added larger Brembo brakes and adaptive Bilstein dampers. The Hellcat models, with their supercharged 6.2-liter V8s, offered 717 hp, 797 hp, or 807 hp, depending on the variant. Advanced features like line lock, launch control, and the After-Run Chiller enhanced performance. The SRT Super Stock, with its drag-focused setup, was a standout, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 203 mph.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger stood out among American sports coupes for its spacious cabin. It offered ample legroom and decent headroom, even in the rear seats, which were accessible via a quick-release latch. The retro styling and large rear pillars limited visibility but added to the car's character. The Challenger provided 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the Camaro and Mustang. The traditional rear-wheel-drive setup resulted in a large center console, which, along with the AWD system, slightly compromised front passenger space.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger also offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space, making it practical for a sports coupe. While technically a five-seater, the rear seats were best deleted for more cargo space, as they were not very useful. The driver's view was moderately good, better than the Camaro but worse than the Mustang, with small side mirrors requiring careful lane changes and parking. The interior featured conventional controls and the UConnect infotainment system, which was user-friendly. The seats were comfortable, with various material and color options, and the steering wheels offered multiple designs and features, including hidden stereo controls.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring the Uconnect interface, known for its intuitive layout. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing easy switching between car menus and mobile platforms. The available 8.4-inch screen offered similar functionality with a larger display and optional Garmin-based navigation. Higher trims included an Alpine premium stereo system. The digital display in the instrument panel was user-friendly, with large directional pad buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger's standard 7-inch touchscreen felt small for a modern car, but it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 8.4-inch screen, recommended for its larger size, offered navigation and performance data through the Performance Pages app. This app displayed power, torque, G-force, and other vehicle vitals, and could record performance metrics. Additional available 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. However, no driver assists were standard, and adaptive cruise control was optional.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger came with standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, brake assist, and a child-seat anchoring system. Optional features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path alert, and ParkSense reverse sensing. The Challenger earned four out of five stars in front driver’s side crash testing by the NHTSA, five stars for front passenger side testing, and four stars for rollover testing. The IIHS rated it "Good" in many tests but gave it a "Marginal" overall score.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for the driver and five stars for the passenger in frontal crashes, five stars for side impact, and four stars for rollover testing. However, the IIHS rated it poorly, with "Good" ratings in only two tests, "Acceptable" for roof strength and head restraints, and "Marginal" for the driver in the small overlap front test. The body structure was rated "Poor" in a frontal crash. The optional forward emergency braking was rated "Basic," and other available driver assists included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.