2021 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in Canada in S, SV, and Platinum trims, offered a sleek design with its Platinum model featuring 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels. The redesign from the previous year refined its styling, though some details like the door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel could have been improved. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean, contemporary design with user-friendly controls and a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system. The interior materials were on par with other midsize sedans, though colour options were limited to black and gray.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger, part of its seventh generation since 2011, maintained its popularity with a variety of trims, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. The Charger’s design remained largely unchanged over the years, giving it a timeless yet familiar look. The widebody option added an athletic stance, and the model offered numerous wheel, brake, and colour options. Inside, the Charger’s technology had evolved, but some features felt dated. The interior was utilitarian, with cloth seats standard on most trims and Nappa leather reserved for higher-end models.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada featured a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. The suspension and steering systems contributed to a smooth ride, enhanced by Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic but could produce sudden power surges.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance with multiple engine options. The base models had a 3.6-litre V6 with up to 300 horsepower, while the R/T featured a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 hp. The Scat Pack offered a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with 485 hp, and the SRT Hellcat Redeye boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 797 hp. The Charger’s powertrains were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a connected driving experience. The SRT Hellcat Redeye, though less fuel-efficient, delivered impressive power and handling.

The Altima’s interior was designed for comfort, with NASA-inspired seats, though it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. Heated front seats and mirrors were standard, with optional heated steering and rear air vents. The trunk offered 436 litres of space, with practical features like grocery bag hooks.

The Charger, a spacious five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. The interior featured a dated but functional instrument cluster, with paddle shifters on most models. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, which was average for its class.

The Altima’s infotainment system was nearly perfect, with an 8-inch display, physical controls, and standard connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a Bose audio system and NissanConnect Services, offering various plans for connected services.

The Charger’s standard features included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Available upgrades included a larger touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. The Uconnect system was user-friendly but lacked the latest updates, making some functions less accessible.

The Altima came with standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and ProPilot Assist, though the latter was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The Charger had not been tested by the IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received mostly "Good" ratings. The NHTSA gave it a four-star rating. Standard safety features included brake assist and stability control, with optional advanced safety packages.