2020 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Dodge Charger

Ever heard of an eponym? It’s a brand or product that is so popular that it’s come to define its respective market. Think of Kleenex for tissues or Band-Aid for medical bandages. For hybrids, the Toyota Prius has ascended to near-eponym status. It was one of the first—and remains one of the most popular—hybrids ever made.

As automakers across the industry are rolling out more hybrid models, the Prius continues to be the standard-bearer of this genre. This is largely due to the fact that the Prius is a dedicated hybrid, rather than a hybrid variant of an existing model.

Throughout the industry, different companies are taking different approaches to alt-fuel vehicles, including full-electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. The Prius endures as the leader in hybrid power due to a focus on fuel efficiency that doesn’t compromise on style, drivability, and versatility. So how does the Prius hold its ground as more players enter the fray? Read on to find out.

The Dodge Charger represents an all-in-one approach to modern performance. Unlike its Challenger coupe counterpart, the Charger is a sedan, providing the usability of four full doors and five-passenger seating. It offers a wide variety of potent powertrains, as well as the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD). The Charger also provides the latest tech and infotainment features. It may be a classic nameplate, but it is a very different approach to the family sedan. This also makes it a breath of fresh air in the modern sedan market.

Thanks to its wide variety of performance models, the Charger's exact competition is hard to pin down. V6-powered versions like the SXT and GT compete with the likes of the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, and Chevrolet Impala. But the available performance on tap with R/T and Hellcat models opens it up to a world of sports cars and muscle cars. Which model you select determines its rivals.

No matter the trim selected, the Charger provides a baseline of athleticism paired with a spacious cabin, large rear seats, and a large trunk. Together, these make the Charger a fun and functional new car, with styling that helps it stand out in a crowd.