2020 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Dodge Charger was a modern embodiment 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 appeal. Inside, the Charger combined retro aesthetics with modern technology, featuring large bezels housing digital displays and a cockpit-like feel due to its RWD platform. The various trims, from the SXT to the SRT Hellcat, offered a range of features, including different wheel sizes, upholstery options, and performance enhancements, catering to diverse preferences.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, was noted for its attractive design, featuring sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, were less appealing. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including a hybrid version, with prices varying from $19,350 to $27,450 CAD. The XSE trim, tested at $30,771 CAD, boasted a refined interior with high-quality materials and a minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a variety of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre 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 delivering 485 hp. The SRT Hellcat Widebody topped the range with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, generating 707 hp. The Charger was known for its impressive acceleration and handling, with adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing its performance. The Performance Pages feature allowed drivers to customize and monitor various aspects of the car's performance.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport mode, provided a smooth driving experience, though the manual gearbox option offered a more engaging drive. Built on the TNGA platform, the Corolla delivered predictable handling and a comfortable ride, with electric steering and a well-tuned suspension. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the XSE averaging 7.6 L/100 km in mixed driving conditions.

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

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, such as SofTex leatherette seats and an eight-way power driver's seat. While the front seats provided comfort and support, the rear seats were less spacious, with limited headroom and legroom. The trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, which was adequate but not class-leading. The lack of rear climate vents was a drawback, though heated rear seats added some comfort.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's logical menu layout and persistent dock icons made navigation intuitive, while the digital display in the instrument panel provided easy access to various functions and navigation directions.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla impressed with its standard infotainment features, including an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a year of Safety Connect services. The XSE trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and Remote Connect, enhancing convenience with features like remote engine start and vehicle finder. The system's simplicity, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons, contributed to a positive user experience, though the radio knobs could have been more ergonomic.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Advanced features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring were standard, with optional lane-departure warning and rain-sensing wipers. The Charger earned a Superior rating for its crash prevention technology from the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla's safety was bolstered by the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. New for 2021 were rear side-impact airbags and an enhanced blind-spot warning system. While some ADAS features displayed minor quirks, the overall performance was reliable. The 2020 Corolla had received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the 2021 model awaited re-testing due to new safety features.