2020 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Toyota Camry had a renewed focus on quality and appeal, aiming to reclaim its status as a top contender in the sedan market. Its styling was more expressive than ever, with a bold front fascia and taut lines that gave it a sporty edge. The design borrowed cues from luxury brands, offering 13 exterior colour options, including a fashionable black roof. Inside, the Camry used high-quality materials, creating a driver-focused cockpit that felt upscale, especially in higher trims with leather and wood accents. While it wasn't a luxury car, the Camry's starting price of $26,620 made it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish sedan.

The 2021 Dodge Charger continued to captivate buyers with its muscular design and wide range of variants. The model maintained its iconic look, with subtle differences between trims that catered to the "brotherhood of muscle" enthusiasts. Available in regular and widebody formats, the Charger offered a commanding presence on the road. Its interior, though updated over the years, still lacked some modern comforts and conveniences. The fit and finish improved, but the use of hard plastics and rubberized surfaces kept it closer to utilitarian than luxurious. Despite this, the Charger provided ample space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that expanded its average cargo capacity.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered a variety of powertrains, including a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower (206 in XSE trim) and a 3.5-litre V6 producing 301 horsepower. The V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, making the Camry feel like a budget luxury car. The four-cylinder engine, though less powerful, offered a lighter front end, enhancing the sporty feel of the XSE trim. The Camry also introduced an all-wheel-drive option, improving traction in slippery conditions without significantly impacting fuel efficiency. The front-drive Camry achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, while the AWD version rated at 8.4 L/100 km.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engines. The base models featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with up to 300 horsepower, while the R/T trim boasted a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 horsepower. The Charger Scat Pack upped the ante with a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The pinnacle of performance was the SRT Hellcat Redeye, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 producing a staggering 797 horsepower. Despite its power, the Charger maintained a connected driving experience, with configurable drive modes and Brembo brakes enhancing its performance. However, the SRT Hellcat Redeye's fuel efficiency was the lowest, with a combined rating of 15.6 L/100 km.

The 2020 Toyota Camry provided a user-friendly driving experience, with controls that were easy to reach and operate. The front seats offered increased legroom and hip room, while the rear seat and trunk space were slightly reduced compared to competitors. Despite these changes, the Camry remained practical, with a trunk capacity of 428 litres. The addition of all-wheel drive did not compromise interior space, as Toyota made structural modifications to accommodate the system.

The 2021 Dodge Charger functioned well as a family car, offering a spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations. The interior featured dated technology, but the instrument cluster varied by model, reflecting the car's top speed. The steering wheel was functional, with easy-to-use buttons and paddle shifters. The Charger's trunk space was average for its class, but the 60/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for additional storage when needed.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, along with Bluetooth and a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system, though functional, felt dated, with low-resolution graphics. The standard 7-inch screen could be upgraded to an 8-inch version, and higher trims offered a 10-inch head-up display. Remote Connect allowed smartphone integration for locking, unlocking, and remote starting the vehicle.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic features like push-button start, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Buyers could upgrade to an 8.4-inch screen, premium audio systems, and navigation. The Uconnect system was user-friendly, but 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 Toyota Camry featured Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional, and higher trims offered Bird's Eye View for enhanced parking assistance. The Camry received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. A recall for leaking engine coolant affected some models.

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, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional packages offered adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning.