2020 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Dodge Charger had a distinctive muscle car silhouette, a design lineage that began with its 2006 resurrection. The menacing headlights and gaping grille were key features that carried over to the 2011 model. In 2015, the Charger received a significant facelift, aligning with Dodge's modern American performance identity. This update introduced a thin inlet grille and more aggressive headlights, enhancing its menacing look. Inside, the Charger blended retro themes with modern technology, featuring large vintage-looking bezels housing digital displays. The RWD platform necessitated a raised transmission tunnel, creating a cockpit-like feel. Trim levels included SXT, GT, R/T, and Hellcat, each offering unique features and performance upgrades.

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design that had been part of its identity for over 15 years. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius stuck to its unique styling. The interior was unconventional, with instrumentation in a central strip near the windshield and a toggle lever for transmission controls. The dashboard wrapped dramatically into the door panels, and the infotainment pod was positioned towards the front seat occupants. Gloss-black trim, while stylish, attracted dust and fingerprints. The Prius was available in L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited trims, with an optional AWD-e system for LE and XLE. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid offered different styling and trim levels.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains. The SXT and GT trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 292 hp in the SXT and 300 hp in the GT. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with AWD available as an option. The R/T trim came with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, along with an upgraded performance suspension and active exhaust. The R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, and included Brembo high-performance brakes and launch assist. The top-tier Hellcat featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Charger’s Performance Pages allowed for detailed monitoring and customization of driving dynamics.

The 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving an EPA-rated 56 mpg combined. Other FWD models earned 52 mpg, while AWD-e models managed 49 mpg. The Prius paired a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 hp. The electric motor provided 120 lb-ft of torque, aiding in lively acceleration from a stop. The Prius offered Eco, Normal, and Power driving modes, with an EV Mode for electric-only driving at low speeds. The TNGA platform contributed to a lower center of gravity and improved handling, though the Prius was not designed for high-performance driving. Regenerative braking and predictable handling made it suitable for urban commuting.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out among high-horsepower sedans for its spacious interior. The rear seats offered ample legroom, and the front bucket seats were well-bolstered with plenty of head- and legroom. The Charger featured practical storage solutions, including door trays, cup holders, and a large center console. The trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench for additional storage.

The 2021 Toyota Prius, though perceived as small, offered surprising interior space. It could accommodate up to five people, with comfortable seats covered in SofTex synthetic leather. The test vehicle included an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats provided adequate foot, leg, and headroom, though they lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space ranged from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 47.9 to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8.4-inch screen. Both sizes used the Uconnect system, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system’s logical menu layout and persistent dock icons made navigation straightforward. The digital display in the instrument panel provided easy access to various functions and turn-by-turn navigation.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with stereo-volume and tuning knobs, and shortcut buttons. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL sound system, navigation, and an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto. The digital instrumentation on the dashboard had dated graphics and lacked sophistication.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing wipers were also available. The IIHS rated the Charger’s crash prevention technology as Superior.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beams, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were free for the first three years. The IIHS gave the Prius favorable marks, though it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick rating.