2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation, continued to captivate buyers with its diverse range of variants, from the base SXT to the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. The model maintained a consistent design over the years, which could be both a strength and a drawback, as it was difficult for casual observers to determine the car's age. The Charger offered a muscular aesthetic, especially with the widebody styling available on certain models, enhancing its athletic stance. Despite its aggressive exterior, the interior lagged in comfort and convenience features, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces. While the fit and finish improved over time, the technology and design elements revealed the model's age, particularly in the gauge cluster and climate controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive, offered a range of trims, including the F Sport and the luxurious Ultra Luxury. The ES 300h hybrid variant provided enhanced fuel economy. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition stood out with its unique styling elements and limited production run. The Lexus ES boasted a striking design, with a dramatic grille and artful details, while the interior exuded luxury with quality materials and a sophisticated layout. The ES's cabin was comfortable and well-appointed, offering a premium experience that aligned with its reputation as a refined sedan.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a variety of powertrains to suit different preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Charger R/T stepped up with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, delivering 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, along with a 1,000-pound towing capacity. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, generating 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The SRT Hellcat models took performance to the next level with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, producing 717 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, featured a high-output version of the same engine, delivering an impressive 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the Redeye managed to offer a manageable driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 12 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generated 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The ES 350 F Sport, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension, offered additional Sport+ and Custom driving modes. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.6 seconds, though the car felt quicker in real-world driving. The ES 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, though testing revealed an average of 22.9 mpg. The ES 350 F Sport impressed with its dynamic capabilities, offering a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism, though it was not an outright sports sedan. The ES 350 F Sport provided a balance of comfort and driving enjoyment, making it a competent and engaging choice for those seeking a sporty yet refined sedan.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality, offering a spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations. The interior technology, while dated, was functional and easy to read, with instrument clusters varying by model. The steering wheel was well-designed, with accessible controls, though paddle shifters could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving. The Charger featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, expanding the trunk's capacity for additional storage, though cargo space was average compared to other large cars.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring yet functional interior layout, with sport-bolstered front seats providing 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery mimicked the feel of genuine leather, ensuring comfort for front-seat occupants. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample foot and legroom, with supportive cushions and a comfortable seating angle. The ES provided rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade, though a panoramic glass roof was absent. Visibility was excellent, thanks to thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. Storage was plentiful, though configured with numerous small compartments rather than large bins. The trunk offered 13.9 cubic feet of space, comparable to a Toyota Corolla, with a hands-free power trunk available for added convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including push-button start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Optional features 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 lack of a head-up display and the use of interchangeable switchgear contributed to a lower-tech feel.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced challenges with its touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look away from the road to navigate the screen. However, the ES offered separate climate and stereo controls, with a convenient volume and tuning knob. The dynamic voice command technology was effective, allowing drivers to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display was visually appealing, though not a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, with trial periods ranging from three to ten years. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system for enhanced audio quality.

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 awarded the Charger a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system, with optional adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning.

The 2021 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ADAS proved effective, though lane-centering technology occasionally struggled. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.