2021 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger continued to embody the modern muscle car aesthetic that Dodge had been refining since the model's reintroduction in 2006. With its aggressive headlights and distinctive grille, the Charger maintained a menacing presence on the road. The 2015 facelift had introduced a sleeker front end with a thin inlet and a more pronounced lower grille, enhancing its bold look. Inside, the Charger combined retro elements with modern technology, featuring large bezels housing digital displays and a cockpit-like feel due to its raised transmission tunnel. The 2020 model offered various trims, each with unique features, from the base SXT with its 17-inch wheels and 7-inch touchscreen to the high-performance Hellcat with its widebody kit and leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger retained much of the same design language that had defined the model for a decade. The exterior offered subtle differences between trims, with options for widebody styling and various wheel and brake configurations. The interior, while updated over the years, still lacked some modern comforts and conveniences, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces. The 2021 model lineup was extensive, including the powerful SRT Hellcat Redeye, which boasted a supercharged engine and a more aggressive stance. Despite its dated technology, the Charger remained a popular choice for those seeking a blend of performance and practicality.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The SXT and GT trims were equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 292 and 300 horsepower, respectively. Both models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. The R/T trim stepped up the performance with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, along with an upgraded suspension and active exhaust. The R/T Scat Pack took it further with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, generating 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, complemented by Brembo brakes and launch assist. The pinnacle of the lineup, the Charger SRT Hellcat, boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 707 horsepower, offering exhilarating acceleration and precise handling thanks to its Bilstein adaptive suspension and widebody design.

The 2021 Dodge Charger continued to impress with its performance capabilities. The SXT and GT models shared the same 3.6-liter V6 engine, providing up to 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, offering 370 horsepower and a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The Scat Pack models retained the 6.4-liter HEMI V8, delivering 485 horsepower. The SRT Hellcat upped the ante with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, producing 717 horsepower, while the SRT Hellcat Redeye pushed the limits with 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Redeye managed to balance performance with drivability, though it was the least fuel-efficient option. The 2021 Charger offered configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for in-depth vehicle adjustments, ensuring a connected driving experience.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out among high-horsepower sedans for its spacious interior. Unlike many performance sedans, the Charger provided ample legroom in the rear seats, making it a practical choice for families. The front seats were well-bolstered, offering plenty of head- and legroom for the driver and passenger. The cabin featured convenient storage solutions, including door trays, cup holders, and a large center console. The trunk was notably large, with 16.5 cubic feet of space, and the 60/40 split-fold rear bench allowed for additional storage flexibility.

The 2021 Dodge Charger continued to offer a spacious interior, accommodating up to five passengers comfortably. While the technology in the cabin was somewhat dated, the instrument cluster varied by model, reflecting the car's top speed. The steering wheel was functional, with easy-to-reach buttons, and paddle shifters were available on most trims. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design, expanding the already generous trunk space. Overall, the Charger provided average cargo space compared to other large sedans, balancing performance with practicality.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with higher trims featuring an 8.4-inch screen. Both sizes utilized FCA's Uconnect system, known for its user-friendly interface. The system included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The intuitive menu layout allowed for easy navigation, with docked icons providing quick access to various functions. The digital display in the instrument panel offered additional information, such as trip data and navigation directions, enhancing the driving experience.

In 2021, the Dodge Charger offered a basic set of standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and a rearview camera. Buyers could upgrade to an 8.4-inch screen and add features like a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and premium audio systems. While the Uconnect system was easy to use, some functions were buried in menus, and the lack of a head-up display made navigation less convenient. Despite these limitations, the Charger provided a range of technology options to suit different preferences.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety technologies included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger's crash prevention technology received a "Superior" rating from the IIHS, though many of these features were optional rather than standard.

For 2021, the Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additional safety options, such as adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning, were available on select models, providing a range of safety enhancements.