2021 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat bore a striking resemblance to its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. The exterior design borrowed heavily from the Jetta, giving it a familiar yet refreshed look. Inside, the Passat's dashboard retained the architectural T-square design of the previous model, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This model lacked the latest VW technology, including the larger display and digital instrumentation found in the Jetta. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, which, while easy to clean, did not exude a premium feel. However, the Passat was easy to drive, easy to use, and easy on the wallet, making it a practical choice for many.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger continued to build on its seventh-generation design, which debuted in 2011. The model remained popular due to the variety of variants available, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. The Charger maintained a consistent exterior design, with subtle differences between models, often only noticeable to enthusiasts. The widebody format, available on some models, added an extra 3.5 inches to the car's width, enhancing its athletic stance. The Charger offered a range of tire, wheel, brake, and exterior color options, allowing for significant customization. The interior, while updated over the years, still showed its age, particularly in the gauge cluster and climate controls. The fit and finish had improved, but the use of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces kept it closer to utilitarian than luxurious.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. This engine did not require premium gas, making it economical to run. The 6-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels and offered a Sport mode and paddle shifters. The Passat's engine provided adequate acceleration, though it was not particularly thrilling. The transmission occasionally upshifted too eagerly, but selecting Sport mode mitigated this issue. The Passat averaged 26 mpg in combined driving, just shy of the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The steering was light and precise, and the brakes, though a bit grabby, performed well under repeated use. The suspension, however, was a mixed bag, being too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulations, resulting in a busy ride.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engines. The base models, SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T model boasted 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 featured a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The SRT Hellcat models were equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, with the Hellcat Redeye variant pushing 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for in-depth vehicle settings. The SRT Hellcat Redeye, despite its immense power, managed to be both track-ready and suitable for everyday driving.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five passengers. The car featured sizable cupholders, plenty of storage bins, and excellent outward visibility. Cloth upholstery was standard in the base model, while higher trims offered V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather seats. The trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a flat load floor for maximum utility. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical alternative to more expensive and less fuel-efficient SUVs, unless all-wheel drive or additional cargo space was required.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. The interior, though dated in some aspects, was functional and easy to read. The instrument cluster varied by model, reflecting the car's top speed. The steering wheel featured easy-to-reach buttons, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. The Charger offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, expanding the already spacious trunk for additional storage. While the cargo space was average compared to other large cars, the Charger provided a comfortable and accommodating environment for families.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, but it still offered essential features. The 6.3-inch touchscreen display included App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim added navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The infotainment system's simplicity was a refreshing change from modern, overly complex systems. The Passat also offered optional remote engine start and parking steering-assist system on the SEL trim.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with 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 upgrades included a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and premium audio systems. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly, though some functions were buried in menus. The latest version of Uconnect, with a larger screen, was not yet available on the Charger.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and an automatic post-collision braking system. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received the top rating of Good in crash-test assessments by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded 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.