2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation, continued to captivate buyers with its array of variants, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite the subtle differences among models, the Charger maintained a consistent design, appealing to the "brotherhood of muscle" with its widebody options and distinctive Hellcat badging. The car's exterior featured a range of tire, wheel, brake, and color options, with halogen projector headlights and optional high-intensity discharge lights. However, the design had remained largely unchanged for a decade, making it difficult for casual observers to determine the model's age.

Inside, the Charger had seen updates over the years, but it still lacked in comfort and convenience features. The fit and finish had improved, yet the gauge cluster and climate controls revealed the car's age. Hard plastic and rubberized surfaces were prevalent, and while cloth seats were standard, higher trims offered Nappa leather. The interior's utilitarian nature was more akin to a Jeep Wrangler than a plush Ram 1500, and the higher-priced models left buyers expecting more premium accommodations and technology.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. The car's stance and fast roofline gave it a sporty and compact look, while the new spindle grille and narrow headlights added to its assertive appearance. The exterior was flawless, with perfect paint, chrome, and panel gaps, as expected from a Lexus. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack. The interior matched the exterior's bold and modern aesthetic, though the analog clock felt outdated.

The IS's interior focused on the driver, with a comfortable and supportive seat that was easily adjustable. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured ample storage space, from the center stack cubby to the door pockets and glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiated with front-seat occupants. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different preferences. The SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a 1,000-pound towing capacity. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, yielding 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

The SRT Hellcat models took performance to the next level. The SRT Hellcat featured a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat Redeye had a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8, delivering an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Redeye's powertrain was manageable and versatile, though it was the least fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 12 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined.

The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for SRT models. The car's braking performance was softer on the track but perfectly fine on the street. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on select models.

The 2021 Lexus IS brought a competitive edge to the luxury sports sedan category. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, delivering 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, shared the same V6, tuned to produce 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic.

The IS's performance was tested on public roads, with the IS 350 RWD showcasing a 54/46 front/rear balance and weighing 3,748 pounds. The car's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear independent suspension, along with electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering, provided a crisp, precise, and balanced driving experience. The IS's fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the IS 350 AWD was rated at 19/26/22.

The 2021 Dodge Charger was a four-door, five-passenger sedan that balanced speed and power with family-friendly accommodations. The interior featured dated technology, with instrument clusters varying by model. The steering wheel was functional, with easy-to-reach buttons and paddle shifters on all but the base model. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk's already average cargo space.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on the driver, with a comfortable and supportive seat that was easily adjustable. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured ample storage space, from the center stack cubby to the door pockets and glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiated with front-seat occupants. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic 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, upgraded audio systems, HD Radio, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly but had some buried functions.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The IS included various connected services with free trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option, providing superb audio quality.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlights.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED lights, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.