2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger was a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, with its aggressive headlights and distinctive grille. The 2015 facelift introduced a sleeker front design and more pronounced headlights, enhancing its menacing look. Inside, the Charger combined retro elements with modern technology, featuring large bezels housing digital displays. The RWD platform contributed to a cockpit-like feel, with a raised transmission tunnel and a tall center console. The Charger offered various trims, from the base SXT with 17-inch wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the high-performance Hellcat with a powerful engine and advanced safety features.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid carried over the bold design of the eighth-generation Sonata, introduced in 2020. Its standout styling, including a matte gray paint scheme and aerodynamic details, made it noticeable in a crowded market. The interior was more conventional, with soft-touch surfaces and a modern infotainment system. The Sonata Hybrid offered trims like Blue, SEL, and Limited, each adding features such as dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and a solar panel roof on the Limited. The cabin was comfortable for long trips, with supportive seats and ample space for rear passengers.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine in the SXT and GT trims, producing 292 and 300 horsepower, respectively. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp. The top-tier Hellcat Widebody came with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, delivering an impressive 707 horsepower. The Charger provided a thrilling driving experience, with options for AWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Performance Pages feature allowed drivers to customize settings and monitor performance metrics.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 192 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration and a smooth transition between electric and gasoline power. Drive modes included Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The Sonata Hybrid's steering was precise, and the brakes provided solid stopping power, contributing to its refined driving dynamics.

The 2020 Dodge Charger provided ample interior space, with well-bolstered front seats and generous legroom for rear passengers. The large trunk offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing many performance sedans and even some large family sedans. The Charger featured a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, enhancing its practicality for carrying larger items.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, comparable to its non-hybrid counterpart and competitive among midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. The sloping roofline affected rear door access, but once inside, headroom was adequate. Front passengers had access to convenient storage solutions, including door pockets and a center console.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8.4-inch screen. The Uconnect system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, offering Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's logical menu layout allowed for quick access to various functions, and the digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the Limited trim offering a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though CarPlay only occupied part of the screen. The layout was intuitive, with crisp graphics and haptic buttons for key functions. The Limited trim added a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, though the HUD's adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Charger's crash prevention technology earned a Superior rating from the IIHS, though many features were optional rather than standard.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree parking monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.