2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger was a modern embodiment of the classic muscle car, with its aggressive headlights and distinctive grille that had evolved since its 2015 facelift. This update introduced a sleeker front design and more pronounced headlights, enhancing its menacing appearance. Inside, the Charger maintained a retro vibe with large bezels housing digital displays, and a raised transmission tunnel that created a cockpit-like feel. The trim levels ranged from the SXT to the powerful Hellcat, each offering unique features and performance enhancements, such as larger wheels, advanced infotainment systems, and premium interior materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was both striking and polarizing. The N Line variant further amplified its sporty aesthetics with larger air intakes, gloss black accents, and a four-outlet exhaust system. The interior featured sport seats with Nappa leather and Dinamica suede, red stitching, and aluminum pedal covers, creating a performance-oriented atmosphere. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while the overall design balanced comfort with a hint of sportiness, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a unique and stylish sedan.

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. 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 V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The pinnacle of performance was the Hellcat, with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 generating an astounding 707 horsepower. The Charger’s rear-wheel-drive platform and available all-wheel drive provided versatility, while the Performance Pages system allowed drivers to customize and monitor various performance metrics. Despite its weight, the Charger handled well, especially in widebody variants with adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control delivered power to the front wheels. The Sonata N Line featured multiple driving modes, an Active Sound Design system, and a sport-tuned suspension with larger brakes and 19-inch wheels. On winding roads, the Sonata N Line impressed with its responsive steering, minimal body roll, and effective braking. Despite being front-wheel drive, it managed understeer well, offering a dynamic driving experience without sacrificing ride comfort.

The 2020 Dodge Charger excelled in interior space, offering ample legroom for rear passengers and well-bolstered front seats with generous head- and legroom. The cabin featured practical storage solutions, including door trays and a spacious center console. The trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing many performance sedans and even some large family sedans. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats further enhanced its utility, making it a practical choice for those needing both performance and space.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and support. While the rear seats were not significantly more spacious than those in the Elantra N Line, the Sonata provided rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, and the materials used were of higher quality. Interior storage was practical, though the center console design was somewhat inelegant. The trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat and a Smart Trunk hands-free release feature for added convenience.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came with a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available satellite and HD radio. The system’s logical menu layout allowed for quick access to functions, and the digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information. The Performance Pages feature offered detailed performance data and customization options, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. It included HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services. However, it lacked a WiFi hotspot and a tuning knob, which affected user experience. The infotainment system offered Sounds of Nature for relaxation and Hyundai Digital Key for Android users, adding convenience and modernity to the driving experience.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors, with optional advanced features such as 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 N Line came equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Additional features like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning enhanced safety. The Sonata’s ADAS performed smoothly, building driver trust. While crash-test ratings for the N Line were not available, the standard Sonata rated high for occupant protection.