2021 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Subaru WRX

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

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation since 2011, continued to appeal to buyers with its numerous variants, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. The Charger maintained a consistent design over the years, making it hard to distinguish newer models from older ones. The widebody format, available on some models, added an extra 3.5 inches, giving the car a more athletic stance. The interior had been updated over time but still lacked some modern comfort and convenience features, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The manual transmission provided a continuous all-wheel-drive system with a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio. The WRX STI variant boasted a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine with 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering abilities. The WRX was known for its precise steering and minimal body lean, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT models, delivering up to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack models had a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat came with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, generating 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the SRT Hellcat Redeye had a high-output version of the same engine, producing 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for in-depth vehicle settings.

The 2020 Subaru WRX had excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout, large windshield, slanted hood, and quarter windows in the front doors. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The first-row seating provided plenty of head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on short trips. The WRX offered 12 cubic feet of cargo space, which was comparable to other sports cars.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced speed and power with family-friendly accommodations. The instrument cluster varied by model, with speedometers ranging from 140 mph to 220 mph. The steering wheel had easy-to-reach buttons, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. The Charger featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, expanding the already spacious trunk for additional storage. Compared to other large cars, the Charger had average cargo space.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and was user-friendly without being overly complex. The WRX also had a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had a basic set of standard features, including push-button start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, keyless entry, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Available features included a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, HD Radio, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. The Uconnect infotainment system was easy to navigate but had some functions buried too deeply in menus.

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. Other optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received mostly "Good" ratings, with "Poor" marks for headlights. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Charger a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlights were available on some models.