2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, was a standout in terms of design. The hatchback, in particular, boasted a unique silhouette with flowing curves, often highlighted in Mazda's promotional materials. Despite the hatchback's appeal, many American buyers still leaned towards the sedan, which competed more directly with luxury brands like Audi. The Mazda3 sedan, especially with the Premium Package and all-wheel drive, featured 18-inch alloy wheels that complemented its compact wheel wells. The front end was marked by a striking blacked-out mesh grille and round running lamps, though these elements lost some charm when the headlights were on. The side profile was sculpted and smooth, contrasting with the angular designs of competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. However, the sedan's rear design felt somewhat disproportionate, unlike the more balanced hatchback.

Inside, the Mazda3 aimed for a premium feel with a minimalist design. The test vehicle's creamy white leather interior was complemented by slim steering wheel buttons and cockpit-style air vents. While the materials were soft and leather-clad, they didn't quite match the luxury of higher-end sedans. The redesigned cupholder placement improved driver comfort, aligning with the car's driver-focused theme. Despite its upscale aspirations, the Mazda3's construction felt less robust, with doors and trunk closures sounding hollow rather than solid.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation, continued to captivate buyers with its variety of models, from the SXT to the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. The Charger maintained a consistent design over the years, appealing to those in the "brotherhood of muscle" with subtle exterior cues like Hellcat badging. Available in both regular and widebody formats, the Charger offered a muscular stance, especially in the widebody models. The 2021 SRT Hellcat Redeye featured a new performance hood, enhancing its athletic look. The Charger provided numerous customization options, including wheel sizes, brake calipers, and paint colors with names like Hellraisin and Frostbite. Standard halogen projector headlights with LED accents could be upgraded to HID projector lights, and body-color elements differentiated the various trims. Despite its age, the Charger's design remained timeless, though some might find it outdated.

Inside, the Charger's technology had evolved, but comfort features were limited. The fit and finish improved over time, yet the gauge cluster and climate controls revealed the model's age. Hard plastics and rubberized surfaces were prevalent, aligning more with the utilitarian Jeep Wrangler than the luxurious Ram 1500. Cloth seats were standard, with Nappa leather reserved for higher trims. Power-adjustable seats varied by model, and options for heated and ventilated seats were available. While the base price was reasonable, higher trims demanded more premium features for their cost.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's performance was a mixed bag. The switch from a multi-link rear suspension to a torsion beam setup in the redesign was a cost-cutting measure that affected ride quality. Enthusiasts lamented the loss of the more sophisticated suspension, but everyday drivers might not notice the difference. The steering remained precise, with minimal body roll, though the ride could be jarring over rough roads. The 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine. However, the engine lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged competitors. A manual transmission was available only in specific configurations, with most models featuring a six-speed automatic.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engines. The base SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T model upgraded to a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, delivering 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 generated 717 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, while the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye offered a staggering 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. The Charger lacked a manual transmission, but its automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, especially in high-performance variants. All-wheel drive was available on select models, with rear-wheel drive standard on most. The Charger offered configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for in-depth vehicle adjustments.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. Despite its size, the interior provided ample space for the driver, with generous headroom. The back seat was tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated discomfort. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with materials that held up well over time. However, the rear middle seat was compromised by a large transmission hump. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. The interior technology was dated but functional, with instrument clusters varying by model. The steering wheel was well-designed, with accessible controls and paddle shifters on most models. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the already spacious trunk, offering average cargo space for a large car.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding the "tacked-on" look. Mazda eliminated touchscreen functionality, opting for a rotary dial controller between the front seats. The system included dedicated buttons and a volume knob with additional controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM were standard, with faster software and sharp graphics. The head-up display projected onto the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and a rearview camera. Available upgrades included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. The Uconnect system was user-friendly, though some functions were buried in menus. The lack of a head-up display and dated switchgear detracted from the tech experience.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control as standard.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 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 select models.