2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 designed to envelop the driver, blending modern infotainment with vintage aesthetics. Despite its retro charm, some might find the design dated if they didn't appreciate its nostalgic intent.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured a sharp, eye-catching design, more striking than the A-Class sedan it shared its underpinnings with. The cabin was where the CLA truly shined, offering a modern, functional, and elegant interior. The standard 7-inch digital instrument panel and center touchscreen were combined in a continuous bezel, dominating the dashboard. The CLA's trims included the CLA 250, AMG CLA 35, and AMG CLA 45, each offering a range of standard features and optional upgrades.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT and GT trims came with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). 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 the 8-speed automatic. The R/T Scat Pack upgraded to a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, making 485 hp and 475 lb-ft, and included performance features like Brembo brakes and launch control.

The Hellcat models boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing 717 hp and 656 lb-ft, with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. The Hellcat Redeye took it further, offering 797 hp and 707 lb-ft, exclusively with the 8-speed automatic. All Hellcat variants came with two sets of keys, one limiting power and the other unleashing full performance. The Widebody variants featured flared fenders, wider tires, and adaptive suspension, enhancing cornering capabilities. The SRT Performance Pages allowed for extensive customization of drive modes and performance metrics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across its trims. The CLA 250 produced 221 hp and 258 lb-ft, with power routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to FWD or available AWD. The AMG CLA 35 offered 302 hp and 295 lb-ft, with standard AWD. The AMG CLA 45 topped the range with 382 hp and 354 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard AWD, achieving a 0-60 time of just four seconds. The CLA's handling was taut and playful, though the ride could feel stiff, especially compared to other Mercedes models. The available adaptive damping suspension helped, but the overall ride remained firm.

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 Challenger provided 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the Camaro's 9.1 cubic feet and the Mustang's 13.5 cubic feet. The traditional RWD setup resulted in a large center console, though the AWD version had a hump that reduced front passenger footwell space. Overall, the Challenger offered more passenger space than its competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA, being a subcompact sedan, had its pros and cons. It was highly maneuverable in tight spaces and had spacious front seats. However, the rear seats were tight, and the trunk offered just 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, small even for a subcompact. The coupe-like profile compromised rear headroom and legroom, making the rear seats usable only if the front seats were slid forward. The CLA made good use of its front-seat space, with ergonomic controls, decent-sized cupholders, and large in-door cubbies.

The 2020 Dodge Challenger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring the Uconnect interface, known for its intuitive layout. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing easy switching between car menus and mobile platforms. The available Uconnect 8.4 offered a larger screen and Garmin-based navigation. Higher trims like the R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, and Hellcat Redeye 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured the MBUX infotainment system, controllable via the center touchscreen, a dial in the center console, or voice recognition. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless versions were not available. The CLA exclusively used USB-C outlets, which might require adaptors for some users. The MBUX system had a sensible layout, and once familiar, it allowed for minimal distraction while driving.

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. It received a "Good" rating in many IIHS crash tests but had an overall "Marginal" score.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA offered a solid list of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features were available through packages, such as the Driver Assistance package, which added adaptive cruise control, rear collision braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive headlights and a parallel park assist with a surround-view parking monitor were also available as options.