2020 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Toyota Camry

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, with a thin inlet replacing the large grille, and more menacing headlights. Inside, the Charger maintained a retro vibe, blending vintage elements with modern technology. The cabin featured large bezels housing digital displays, and the RWD platform contributed to a cockpit-like feel with a raised transmission tunnel. The Charger offered various trims, from the base SXT with 17-inch alloy wheels and a host of standard features, to the high-performance SRT Hellcat with a powerful engine and widebody kit.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to shed its previous image of a generic sedan by incorporating bold styling elements. The flared wheel arches and thin headlights and taillights gave it a wider appearance, although some trims like the SE and XSE added fake vents that cluttered the design. The Camry was built on the TNGA-K platform, shared with other Toyota models, and featured a refreshed front fascia for 2021. The Nightshade Edition, based on the SE trim, offered blacked-out exterior elements. Inside, the Camry's design was chaotic, with a mix of materials and trim elements that lacked a cohesive theme. Despite this, the interior was functional, with comfortable seats and good visibility.

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 horsepower in RWD and 300 horsepower in AWD configurations. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, along with an upgraded suspension and active exhaust. The Scat Pack variant boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, complemented by Brembo brakes and launch assist. The SRT Hellcat Widebody topped the lineup with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, delivering 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Charger excelled in performance, with its powerful engines and adaptive suspension, although its weight was noticeable in turns.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in FWD, and slightly less in AWD. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output to 206 horsepower. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was available, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid model combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for 208 horsepower. The Camry's chassis provided a balance between handling and ride quality, making it enjoyable to drive. The TRD package, introduced in 2020, added performance enhancements like stiffer suspension and bigger brakes. The AWD system, derived from the RAV4, offered additional traction without compromising space.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out among performance sedans for its spacious interior, offering ample legroom in the rear seats. The front featured well-bolstered bucket seats with plenty of head- and legroom, along with practical storage solutions in the doors and centre console. The Charger's trunk was notably large, with a capacity of 467 litres, surpassing many competitors and providing additional storage with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was average at 428 litres, falling short of the Honda Accord's capacity. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bins. Toyota included analog controls for key functions, enhancing usability, though some controls were awkwardly placed. Higher trims offered dual-zone climate control.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its simplicity and functionality. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's intuitive layout allowed easy navigation between functions, even when using smartphone integration. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information and navigation directions.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. A 10-inch HUD was available on select trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics. USB ports and a 12-volt outlet were standard, but no additional ports were offered on higher trims.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. It also offered forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included lane-departure warning and rain-sensing wipers. The Charger earned a Superior rating for crash prevention from the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the TSS 2.5+ package with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. New enhancements included improved adaptive cruise control and forward-collision detection. The Camry also introduced a Rear Seat Reminder and offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as options.