2021 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label by adopting a more aggressive design. The large spindle grille, which had been introduced in 2016, became even more prominent in the 2020 model, blending well with the car's larger proportions. The rear of the ES was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, adding a touch of rakishness. Inside, the ES boasted a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen, rivaled only by Mercedes-Benz in terms of interior quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger maintained its muscular and aggressive stance, appealing to those who appreciated its "brotherhood of muscle" ethos. The Charger was available in both regular and widebody formats, with the latter offering a more athletic appearance. The interior, while updated over the years, still showed signs of its age with hard plastics and rubberized surfaces. However, it provided a spacious cabin with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Lexus ES was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the ES to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. The ride was comfortable and refined, thanks to the Dynamic Control Shocks, with the F Sport trim offering an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for a more engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains to suit different performance needs. The base models, SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim came with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, producing 370 horsepower. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 485 horsepower. The SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye models took performance to the next level with supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engines, delivering 717 and 797 horsepower, respectively. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for in-depth vehicle settings.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES provided 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting its cargo flexibility.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, as a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. The interior, though dated, was functional and easy to read. The steering wheel had easy-to-reach buttons, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. The Charger offered a spacious trunk with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, providing additional storage space when needed.

The 2020 Lexus ES came with the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easier to navigate and use. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display for added convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger included basic features such as push-button start, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the Charger lacked a head-up display, and some functions were buried too deeply in the Uconnect infotainment system.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for semi-autonomous driving.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning.