2020 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance-oriented offshoot of the Impreza, was known for its aggressive styling and sporty features. It boasted a wider stance, a lower front splitter, and a rear deck spoiler, making it stand out in Subaru's lineup. Despite its racy exterior, the non-STI version maintained a sleeper appeal, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. Inside, the WRX offered a straightforward cabin design, which some found pedestrian for a modern car. Canadian trims included Base, Sport, Sport-tech, and Sport-tech RS, each adding features like larger wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced audio systems.

The 2020 Dodge Charger, with its roots in the muscle car era, presented a modern yet retro-inspired design. The 2015 facelift introduced a thin inlet grille and more menacing headlights, aligning with Dodge's performance identity. Inside, the Charger combined vintage aesthetics with modern technology, featuring large bezels housing digital displays. The rear-wheel-drive platform contributed to a cockpit-like feel, enhanced by a tall centre console. Trim levels ranged from SXT to the powerful SRT Hellcat, each offering unique features like larger wheels, houndstooth fabric seats, and widebody kits for enhanced performance and style.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT offering multiple drive modes. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split, enhancing responsiveness. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant offered even more power with a 2.5-litre engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for sharper handling.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing up to 300 horsepower in the SXT and GT trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 hp. The SRT Hellcat topped the lineup with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, delivering a staggering 707 horsepower. The Charger excelled in straight-line speed, with the Hellcat providing exhilarating acceleration. Despite its weight, the Charger handled well, especially in widebody models with Bilstein adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes, offering precise cornering and impressive stopping power.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windshield. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating provided plenty of space, while rear-seat space was adequate for adults on short trips. The WRX's 340 litres of cargo space was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out for its spacious interior, offering ample legroom in both front and rear seats. The well-bolstered front bucket seats provided comfort, while the large trunk offered 467 litres of cargo space, surpassing many performance sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench added versatility, making the Charger a practical choice for those needing extra storage.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a 6.5-inch or optional 7-inch touchscreen with the Starlink infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, allowing seamless navigation between CarPlay and native Subaru menus. Additional digital displays provided key driver information, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's simplicity and logical menu layout made it easy to use, with docked icons for quick access to various functions. The digital display in the instrument panel offered additional information, including navigation directions.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite added features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for drivers.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included standard airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. It also offered advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger's crash prevention technology received a Superior rating from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.