2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger, with its roots tracing back to 2006, embodied a modern muscle car aesthetic. Its aggressive headlights and expansive grille were signature elements that evolved over the years, culminating in a significant facelift in 2015. This update introduced a sleeker front design and more menacing headlights, aligning perfectly with Dodge's performance-driven identity. Inside, the Charger maintained a retro vibe, blending vintage bezels with modern digital displays. The RWD platform contributed to a cockpit-like feel, enhanced by a tall centre console. Trim levels ranged from the SXT to the powerful SRT Hellcat, each offering unique features and performance enhancements.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its award-winning 2019 redesign, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication. The sedan version was more conservative, while the hatchback, known as the Mazda3 Sport, boasted a bold, aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured AWD and a premium interior with options like white leather. The cabin was meticulously designed, with metallic accents and a focus on driver-centric features. Despite some use of hard plastics, the Mazda3 aimed to elevate its brand into the premium segment, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre V6 engine in the SXT and GT trims, producing up 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 V8 delivering 485 hp. The pinnacle was the SRT Hellcat, with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 generating 707 hp. The Charger excelled in straight-line speed, with adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing its handling. Performance Pages allowed drivers to customize and monitor various driving parameters, making it a versatile performance sedan.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 250 hp with premium fuel and 320 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, it offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Turbo model included Sport mode and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved cornering. Despite its compact size, the Mazda3 Turbo delivered impressive performance, with enhanced steering and suspension tuning. It provided a thrilling yet refined drive, with an average fuel consumption of 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out for its spacious interior, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The trunk provided 467 litres of space, surpassing many performance sedans. Practical storage solutions and a 60/40 split-fold rear bench added to its versatility, making it suitable for families and performance enthusiasts alike.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, while luxurious with leather upholstery and heated features, lacked some premium touches like ventilated seats. The driver-focused cabin offered adequate storage, but rear passengers faced limited space and amenities. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres, while the hatchback variant offered significantly more utility with up to 1,334 litres of cargo space.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect system, praised for its intuitive interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a logical menu layout, ensuring seamless navigation between functions. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential driving information and navigation prompts.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 used the Mazda Connect system with an 8.8-inch display, integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose audio system offered excellent sound quality, and the Premium Package included a useful head-up display.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, traction control, and advanced driver assistance systems like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It received a Superior rating in IIHS crash prevention tests.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its ADAS, offering adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera. It excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from both NHTSA and IIHS, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.