2021 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold geometric styling from the previous year, which was a departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This design was intended to pave the way for the more angular 2021 model. Available in five trims—Essential, Preferred, Luxury, Ultimate, and Sport—the Elantra's price ranged from $17,099 to $27,549, excluding a $1,825 destination charge. The Ultimate trim, tested here, featured a striking black paint job that highlighted its angular design elements, contrasting with chrome detailing. Inside, the Elantra's interior was updated with silver trim accents, though it still featured some hard plastics, reminding occupants of its mainstream compact car status.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to appeal to buyers with its wide range of variants, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained its iconic look, with subtle differences between models. The widebody format added an athletic stance, complemented by options like a Satin Black performance hood. The Charger offered a plethora of wheel, brake, and colour options, with 18 wheel choices and 13 paint jobs. The interior, while updated over the years, still lacked some modern comforts, with a mix of hard plastics and rubberized surfaces. Cloth seats were standard, with Nappa leather available on higher trims.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, dubbed "Intelligent Variable Transmission" by Hyundai, offered simulated gear shifts for a more traditional driving feel. Despite claims of improved fuel efficiency, real-world tests showed an average of 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of the expected 6.8 L/100 km. The Elantra Sport trim offered a more engaging drive with a 201-horsepower, 1.6-litre turbo engine and independent rear suspension, providing a superior ride compared to the standard torsion beam axle.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engines. The SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-litre V6 with up to 300 horsepower, while the R/T boasted a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 horsepower. The Scat Pack models upped the ante with a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The SRT Hellcat Redeye, with its supercharged 6.2-litre V8, produced a staggering 797 horsepower. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye managed its output well, though it was the least fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 15.6 L/100 km. The Charger offered a connected driving experience, with configurable drive modes and Brembo brakes for enhanced performance.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was among the roomier compact cars, comfortably accommodating four adults. The test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding centre console armrest. Upper trims included dual-zone automatic climate control, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 407 litres of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, with a convenient interior grab handle for easy closure.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. Its spacious back seat and 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk's storage capacity. The interior, while dated, was functional, with easy-to-read instruments and a well-designed steering wheel. Paddle shifters were standard on most models, though they could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving. The Charger's cargo space was average for its class.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base Essential trim featured a 5-inch screen, while the Preferred trim offered a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Ultimate trim added a wireless charging pad, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a premium Infinity sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and a responsive voice recognition system.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades included an 8.4-inch screen, premium audio systems, and navigation. The Uconnect system was easy to navigate, though some functions were buried in menus. The lack of a head-up display and the use of interchangeable switchgear contributed to a lower-tech feel.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered advanced driving assistance systems on the Preferred trim, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade added adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. With full LED headlights, the Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though there was a concern about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received mostly "Good" ratings. The NHTSA awarded the Charger a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included brake assist and electronic stability control, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available in packages.