2021 Subaru WRX vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger, with its modern muscle car silhouette, had a menacing presence thanks to its aggressive headlights and gaping grille. The 2015 facelift introduced a thin inlet grille and more pronounced lower front grille area, enhancing its intimidating look. The interior maintained a retro theme with large vintage-looking bezels housing modern 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX had a more adolescent aesthetic, with a wedge-like front end and short trunk lid giving it a speedy appearance even when stationary. The interior, however, felt dated, with hard plastics and a function-first design that lacked the refinement of competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. Trim levels included Base, Premium, and Limited, each offering incremental upgrades in features and comfort. The WRX's cockpit was practical but lacked the polish seen in more modern interiors.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The SXT and GT trims came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 292 and 300 horsepower, respectively. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier Hellcat variant had a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, delivering a staggering 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Charger’s performance was complemented by features like Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension, and the Performance Pages system for detailed performance monitoring and customization.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It offered a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT, with the latter providing paddle shifters for manual control. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring enhanced its cornering capabilities, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. However, the manual transmission's vague clutch feel was a letdown, and the CVT, while functional, was not ideal for driving enthusiasts. The WRX's stiff ride also made it less comfortable compared to rivals like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2020 Dodge Charger excelled in interior space, offering ample legroom for rear passengers and well-bolstered front bucket seats. The cabin featured practical storage solutions, including door trays, cup holders, and a spacious center console. The Charger also had a large trunk with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it more practical than many performance sedans.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, provided up to 12 cubic feet of trunk space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short compared to the sedan and the VW GTI. The WRX's interior showed its age, with limited in-door bottle holders and a center console that could obstruct shifting. However, it offered a comfortable driving position and decent rear seat space, accommodating four adults with relative ease.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8.4-inch screen. Uconnect was praised for its simplicity and logical menu layout, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system allowed for easy navigation between functions, even when using CarPlay or Android Auto. The digital display in the instrument panel provided useful information and was easy to operate via the steering wheel controls.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with the Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the graphics were somewhat dated. The Limited trim offered an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing excellent sound quality. Despite updates, the WRX's infotainment system felt less advanced compared to newer competitors.

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

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. The EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control and emergency automatic braking, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Other optional features included adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking. All trims came with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.