2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, garnering admiration even from those who weren't car enthusiasts. Its long, elegant design, reminiscent of a fastback, was a testament to Hyundai's design evolution under the guidance of Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolke. The Sonata's sleek profile, wide grille, and aerodynamic features, such as the unique LED running lights and black ducktail spoiler, made it a standout in the family sedan category. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid boasted a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, large screens, and ambient lighting, rivaling even some luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger maintained its muscular and aggressive stance, appealing to those who valued power and performance. The Charger offered a variety of models, each with subtle exterior differences, but all maintaining the classic Charger look. The widebody options added an athletic flair, while the numerous wheel, brake, and color options allowed for personalization. Inside, the Charger's interior was functional but lacked the refinement seen in the Sonata. The use of hard plastics and dated technology was evident, though the spacious cabin and trunk made it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, producing a combined 192 hp. While not the most powerful, the Sonata Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving up to 54 mpg on the highway. Its six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. The Sonata Hybrid's ride was smooth and quiet, with a well-tuned suspension and light steering, making it a comfortable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, known for its performance, offered a range of powerful engines. The base models featured a 3.6-liter V6 with up to 300 hp, while the R/T and Scat Pack models boasted V8 engines with 370 hp and 485 hp, respectively. The SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye models took performance to another level with supercharged V8 engines producing 717 hp and 797 hp. Despite its power, the Charger was less fuel-efficient, with the Hellcat Redeye achieving only 15 mpg combined. The Charger's eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, though it could be clunky during aggressive driving.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with features like a solar-panel roof that provided extra headroom and additional driving range. The rear seats were roomy, with amenities like heated seats and manual shades, making it a pleasant space for passengers. The Sonata's trunk offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accessible with a hidden button. The interior design was modern, with a push-button gear selector and a high-resolution digital dash on the Limited trim.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, while functional as a family car, had a more utilitarian interior. The instrument cluster varied by model, with speedometers reflecting the car's performance capabilities. The steering wheel was well-designed, with easy-to-reach controls, though the paddle shifters could be accidentally engaged. The Charger's trunk was spacious, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats allowed for additional cargo space. However, the interior materials and technology felt dated compared to the Sonata.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system was a highlight, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link, with the Limited trim offering a digital key and live camera feeds for blind-spot monitoring. The Sonata also featured advanced voice recognition and Highway Driving Assist, providing a semi-automated driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic technology features, such as a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8.4-inch screen and premium audio systems, but the lack of a head-up display and dated interface detracted from the overall experience. The Uconnect system was user-friendly, though some functions were buried in menus, and the latest version was not yet available on the Charger.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It came standard with a suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2020 model earning mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available on higher trims.