2020 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

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 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 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale and dramatic design compared to its predecessor. It featured a longer wheelbase and a wider stance, complemented by a bold grille inspired by the VW Arteon. The interior mirrored this angular design, offering a spacious and functional cabin with comfortable seats suitable for long drives. The Jetta's trim levels ranged from the well-equipped base Comfortline to the luxurious Execline, which included features like a digital instrument cluster and a premium audio system. The Jetta's design aimed to blend practicality with a touch of sophistication.

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 delivering 485 hp. The pinnacle of performance was the SRT Hellcat, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 generating 707 hp. The Charger excelled in acceleration and handling, with adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing its cornering capabilities. The Performance Pages system allowed drivers to customize and monitor various performance aspects.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, was powered by a single 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta's engine and transmission combination provided smooth acceleration and efficient power delivery across different driving conditions. The steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a blend of comfort and sportiness. The Jetta's ride quality was refined, with minimal body roll and a soft suspension that handled rough roads well.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out among performance sedans 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 was notably large, with a capacity of 467 litres, surpassing many competitors in its class. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench further enhanced its cargo versatility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta provided a comfortable and practical interior, with front seats designed for long-distance comfort. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, and the trunk offered 399 litres of space, typical for its class. The Jetta's interior layout prioritized functionality, with a user-friendly touchscreen positioned for easy access. The combination of physical buttons and dials for climate and volume controls added to its practicality, making it a strong contender for those seeking a functional and well-designed cabin.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, which included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's simplicity and logical menu layout made it easy to navigate, with docked icons for quick access to various functions. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information and turn-by-turn navigation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen offering Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that replaced the traditional instrument panel. This feature allowed drivers to personalize the information displayed, including navigation, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Advanced safety technologies like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The Charger earned a Superior rating for its crash prevention technology from the IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline included automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a Good rating in IIHS crash tests but did not achieve a Top Safety Pick due to its headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded the Jetta a five-star safety rating.