2020 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and functional air intake. The WRX STI took it further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite these sporty touches, the non-STI version maintained a sleeper appeal, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, though functional, was considered somewhat pedestrian for a new car in 2021.

Trim levels for the WRX included Base, Premium, and Limited. The Base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium added 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and STI Limited trims, included 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-and-suede upholstery, and advanced safety features.

The 2020 Dodge Charger, resurrected in 2006, maintained its muscle car silhouette with menacing headlights and a gaping grille. The 2015 facelift introduced a thin inlet grille and more aggressive headlights, aligning with Dodge's performance identity. The cabin blended retro and modern elements, with large vintage-looking bezels housing digital displays and a raised transmission tunnel creating a cockpit-like feel.

Trim levels for the Charger included SXT, GT, R/T, and Hellcat, with sub-trims for R/T and Hellcat. The SXT featured 17-inch alloy wheels, remote start, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The GT added 20-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and an 8.4-inch infotainment screen. The R/T shared visual cues with the GT but included a V8 engine. The R/T Scat Pack offered a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and performance upgrades. The Hellcat, with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, featured leather upholstery, heated seats, and a widebody kit.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT. The CVT included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split. The WRX STI, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivered 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered various powertrains. The SXT and GT featured a 3.6-liter V6, producing 292 hp in the SXT and 300 hp in the GT. The R/T came with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Scat Pack, with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, produced 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat, with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, boasted 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Charger’s 8-speed automatic transmission and available AWD provided versatility, while the widebody models featured Bilstein adaptive suspension for precise handling.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and slanted hood. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. The WRX provided plenty of first-row seating space and adequate rear-seat space for adults. However, its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans but similar to sports cars.

The 2020 Dodge Charger excelled in interior space, offering ample legroom in both front and rear seats. The front bucket seats were well-bolstered, and the cabin featured numerous storage solutions. The Charger’s trunk, with 16.5 cubic feet of space, was larger than many performance sedans and above average for large family sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench added versatility for additional storage.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a user-friendly experience. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, offering key driver information.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch screen available on higher trims. The Uconnect system included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system’s simplicity and logical menu layout made it easy to use. The Charger also had a digital display screen in the instrument panel, providing trip computer, digital speedometer, and vehicle settings information.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors as standard. Available safety features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. The Charger’s crash prevention technology earned a Superior rating from the IIHS, but many features were optional.