2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger, with its roots tracing back to 2006, carried a modern muscle car silhouette. The 2015 facelift introduced a thin inlet grille and more aggressive headlights, enhancing its menacing look. Inside, the Charger blended retro and modern elements, featuring large vintage-looking bezels housing digital displays. The raised transmission tunnel and tall center console created a cockpit-like feel for the driver and front passenger. Trim levels included SXT, GT, R/T, and Hellcat, each offering unique features and performance upgrades.

The 2021 Lexus IS, designed to reflect its driver’s personality, showcased athletic proportions and a stance that suggested motion even when stationary. The elegant design was highlighted by a long distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and unique window base kick-up added to its sporty appearance. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. Inside, the dash was simple yet bold, with a retro hi-fi feel. However, the analog clock felt outdated in the otherwise modern interior.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains. The SXT and GT trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 292 hp in the SXT and 300 hp in the GT. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with AWD available as an option. The R/T trim came with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, along with an upgraded performance suspension and active exhaust. The R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, making 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, and included Brembo brakes and launch assist. The top-tier Hellcat featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The widebody variants had Bilstein adaptive suspension and wider tracks, enhancing cornering precision.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced the “Lexus Driving Signature,” focusing on linear operation and seamless transitions. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, generating 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-liter V6, producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, had the same V6, tuned to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models used an 8-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a 6-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The IS felt crisp and balanced, thanks to its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension and electrically powered steering.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out for its spacious interior. The rear seats offered ample legroom, and the front bucket seats were well-bolstered with plenty of head- and legroom. The doors had useful trays and cup holders, and the center console provided quick storage solutions. The trunk was large, with 16.5 cubic feet of space, and the 60/40 split-fold rear bench added more storage options.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered design. The driver’s position was easily adjustable, and the F Sport trim’s bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with an open cubby, twin cupholders, large door pockets, and a decent glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom needing negotiation. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space and included a temporary spare beneath the load floor.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch screen. Both sizes ran the Uconnect system, known for its simplicity and ease of use. The system included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The logical menu layout and dock icons made navigation straightforward, even when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The digital display screen in the instrument panel provided easy access to various functions and turn-by-turn navigation.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchpad remained but was no longer the default option. Lexus Enform services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote, with various trial periods. The Navigation Package offered Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option, providing superb sound quality and including a CD player.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Available features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers were also available. The Charger’s crash prevention technology earned a Superior rating from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional features included vehicle dynamic integrated management, tire pressure monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED lights, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.