2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger was a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, with its aggressive headlights and distinctive grille that had evolved since its 2011 iteration. The 2015 facelift introduced a sleeker front design, enhancing its menacing appearance. Inside, the Charger combined retro elements with modern technology, featuring large bezels housing digital displays. The RWD platform contributed to a cockpit-like feel, with a raised transmission tunnel and a tall centre console. The Charger offered various trims, from the base SXT with 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8.4-inch infotainment screen, to the high-performance SRT Hellcat with a widebody kit and leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of elegance and sportiness, with its athletic proportions and dynamic stance. The design captured motion even when stationary, with a fast roofline and a distinctive spindle grille. The interior was tastefully simple, with a centre stack reminiscent of retro hi-fi systems. The IS's cabin was a blend of bold lines and modern aesthetics, though the analog clock felt outdated. The IS was a reflection of its driver, offering a balance of elegance and sportiness, with flawless paint, chrome, and panel gaps.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine in the SXT and GT trims, producing 292 to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp. The SRT Hellcat topped the lineup with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, delivering a staggering 707 hp. The Charger was known for its impressive acceleration and cornering capabilities, aided by features like Brembo brakes and Bilstein adaptive suspension. The Performance Pages system allowed drivers to customize and monitor various performance aspects.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on delivering a refined driving experience, with the IS 300 RWD powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 241 hp. The AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 with 260 hp, while the IS 350 offered 311 hp. The IS featured an eight-speed automatic transmission for RWD models and a six-speed for AWD. The IS was praised for its crisp handling and balanced feel, thanks to its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out for its spacious interior, offering ample legroom for rear passengers and well-bolstered front seats. The cabin featured practical storage solutions, including door trays and a large centre console. The Charger's trunk was notably large, with a capacity of 467 litres, surpassing many performance sedans and even some family sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench added versatility for additional storage.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with a well-positioned seat and adjustable controls. The F Sport trim's bolstered seats were standard in the IS 350, offering heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to maintain. Storage options included a centre stack cubby, cupholders, and door pockets. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited. The trunk offered 305.8 litres of space, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare beneath the load floor.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was praised for its simplicity, with a consistent menu layout and docked icons for easy navigation. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information and turn-by-turn directions for the available navigation system.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Bluetooth connectivity. Lexus Enform services offered various connected features, with trial subscriptions for Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout option, providing exceptional sound quality. However, the subscription model for navigation and other features posed potential future costs.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Advanced features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring were standard. The Charger's crash prevention technology received a Superior rating from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus IS was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting enhanced safety. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification.