2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, which was tested, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication, with a focus on driver-centric design. The Premium Plus trim added luxurious touches like Nappa leather and metallic accents, elevating the car's interior to near-luxury status. Despite some hard plastics, the overall quality and attention to detail were evident, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger maintained its muscular and aggressive stance, especially in the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye variant. The widebody format and functional performance hood added to its athletic appeal. The Charger offered a variety of trims, each with subtle differences, catering to a "brotherhood of muscle" ethos. While the exterior design remained largely unchanged over the years, it still managed to attract buyers with its bold and unmistakable look.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission, paired with Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, provided smooth and predictable performance. The car's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software enhanced its cornering capabilities, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo managed to maintain a refined and consistent driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 horsepower. The R/T variant featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 485 horsepower. The SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye models took performance to the next level with supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engines, delivering 717 and 797 horsepower, respectively. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, although it could be clunky during aggressive downshifts. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for in-depth vehicle settings.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo's interior featured Nappa leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, giving it a luxurious feel. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The trunk space measured 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback variant offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a spacious four-door sedan, balanced performance with practicality. The interior, though dated in some areas, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk's capacity, making it suitable for family use. The instrument cluster varied by model, reflecting the car's top speed, and the steering wheel offered easy-to-use controls. Paddle shifters were available on all but the base model, though they could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology detracted from the experience. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system provided excellent audio quality, especially with FLAC files. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful addition, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with a standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. The Uconnect system was user-friendly but had some functions buried in menus. The lack of a head-up display in higher trims made navigation less convenient.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) designed to support the driver. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and rear park assist. Optional features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning were available on higher trims. The 2020 model, structurally similar to the 2021 version, received mostly "Good" ratings from IIHS but "Poor" marks for headlights.