2020 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Dodge Charger was a modern take on the classic muscle car, featuring a bold design with menacing headlights and a distinctive grille. The 2015 facelift introduced a sleeker front with a thin inlet and enhanced the aggressive look of the headlights. Inside, the Charger combined retro elements with modern technology, offering a cockpit-like feel due to its raised transmission tunnel. Trim levels ranged from the SXT to the powerful SRT Hellcat, each adding unique features and performance enhancements.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated design, following a 2020 facelift that updated its panels while retaining the roof. Its smooth, aerodynamic shape was reminiscent of 1990s sedans, contributing to a drag coefficient of 0.28. The interior focused on functionality with analog controls and a clean layout, though some found it plain. The Passat prioritized practicality over sportiness, offering a comfortable but unremarkable driving experience.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 292 to 300 horsepower, depending on the trim. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-litre V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The top-tier SRT Hellcat Widebody came with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, generating an impressive 707 horsepower. The Charger excelled in performance, with features like Brembo brakes and adaptive suspension enhancing its handling.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, however, offered a single powertrain: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. While the torque was commendable, the horsepower lagged behind competitors. The Passat's driving experience was straightforward, lacking the sportiness found in rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. It provided a smooth ride but didn't stand out in terms of performance.

The 2020 Dodge Charger was notable for its spacious interior, offering ample legroom in both the front and rear seats. The trunk provided 467 litres of cargo space, surpassing many performance sedans and family sedans alike. The Charger’s interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage solutions and a 60/40 split-fold rear bench for added versatility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat emphasized rear legroom with 993 millimetres, though it fell short compared to some competitors. Front legroom and headroom were limited, leading to an uncomfortable driving position for some. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, which was competitive but not class-leading. Interior storage was limited, but the layout of controls was user-friendly, with large buttons and knobs for easy access.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its simplicity and ease of use. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system allowed seamless switching between functions, even when using smartphone integration, and the digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information at a glance.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with a 6.3-inch touchscreen and the MIB2 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims included navigation and a premium audio system. While the screen was smaller, the Passat's use of physical controls for basic functions was appreciated by those seeking simplicity. However, tech enthusiasts might have found the lack of advanced features disappointing.

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

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat earned top "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, though its headlights received a "marginal" rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Passat also featured VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System for added safety.