2020 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2020 Dodge Charger, with its roots tracing back to 2006, maintained a modern muscle car aesthetic that evolved significantly over the years. By 2015, the Charger had undergone a major facelift, introducing a sleeker front grille and more aggressive headlights, aligning with Dodge's identity as a modern American performance brand. Inside, the Charger blended retro themes with contemporary technology, featuring large vintage-style bezels housing digital displays. The RWD platform contributed to a cockpit-like feel, enhanced by a tall center console. The 2020 model offered various trims, from the base SXT with 17-inch wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen, to the high-performance Hellcat with a widebody kit and advanced safety features.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design" since its 2014 facelift, offering a timeless and straightforward profile. The 300's appearance was both nostalgic and modern, with bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and adaptive HID lamps available on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch alloys on the base Touring trim to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. Inside, the 300 boasted a luxurious feel, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on higher trims and heated front seats available. The 300's design allowed it to stand out at any valet, offering a blend of elegance and simplicity.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 horsepower in the SXT and 300 horsepower in the GT. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with AWD available as an option. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The top-tier Hellcat Widebody came with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing a staggering 707 horsepower. The Charger excelled in performance, offering a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engines and advanced suspension systems.

The 2021 Chrysler 300, while not designed for high-speed thrills, provided a solid performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 292 horsepower in the Touring and Touring L trims, and 300 horsepower in the 300S. The 300S also offered an optional 5.7-liter V8 with 363 horsepower. Both engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available for an additional cost. The 300 prioritized comfort and luxury over performance, offering a smooth and quiet ride, especially in the higher trims with AWD.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out among performance sedans for its spacious interior, offering ample legroom in the rear seats and well-bolstered front bucket seats. The cabin featured practical storage solutions, including door trays and a large center console. The Charger's trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, surpassing many competitors and offering flexibility with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in providing generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury sedans. The 300 offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it feel spacious and comfortable. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating several large suitcases, making it a practical choice for those seeking luxury and space.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard and an 8.4-inch screen available on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The intuitive menu layout allowed for easy navigation, with docked icons for quick access to various functions. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information and turn-by-turn directions for the available navigation system.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 also utilized the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen standard across all trims. The system was praised for its intuitive interface, featuring prominent knobs and steering wheel controls. The Popular Equipment Group added advanced audio and navigation features, enhancing the 300's tech offerings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, ensuring seamless connectivity for drivers.

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

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. The 300 offered a range of safety features, including active head restraints and various airbags, but advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were only available on higher trims or as part of expensive packages.