2021 Dodge Charger vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially celebrated for its aesthetics, often compared to a less appealing alien visage. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour, the Corolla transformed into a more attractive compact sedan. The interior saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previously cheap, glossy plastics, enhancing the perceived quality. Despite these upgrades, the Corolla's transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at a base MSRP of $18,990, with various trims offering different features and efficiencies, including a hybrid option for those prioritizing fuel economy.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a decade into its seventh generation, continued to captivate buyers with its variety of models, from the SXT to the powerful SRT Hellcat Redeye. The Charger maintained a consistent design over the years, appealing to those who appreciated its "brotherhood of muscle" aesthetic. The widebody styling option added an athletic flair, while the array of wheel, brake, and colour options allowed for personalization. Despite its dated interior technology, the Charger offered a spacious cabin and trunk, making it a practical choice for families. The model's fit and finish improved over time, though it still leaned towards a utilitarian feel compared to more luxurious competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a modest performance with its 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower in the L, LE, and XLE trims. The SE and XSE trims provided a more spirited drive with a 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine and a sophisticated CVT. The Corolla XSE's independent rear suspension contributed to a smooth ride, though the lack of power was evident during acceleration. Despite this, the Corolla delivered a fun driving experience with excellent brakes and handling. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the XSE rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway.

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 hp. The Scat Pack's 6.4-litre V8 delivered 485 hp, and the SRT Hellcat Redeye's supercharged 6.2-litre V8 produced an impressive 797 hp. The Charger provided a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye's fuel efficiency was the lowest, rated at 19.0 L/100 km in the city.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, though smaller than a Camry, offered practical space for a family of four. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports, along with the low seating position, were drawbacks. The driver's seat was comfortable, and the climate control system was effective. The back seat provided decent legroom, but taller passengers might struggle with headroom. Storage was limited, with small cupholders and a trunk capacity of 371 litres.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a spacious four-door sedan, balanced performance with practicality. The interior, though dated, was functional, with a steering wheel offering easy access to controls. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though they could be accidentally engaged. The Charger featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, expanding the trunk space, which was average for its class.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display and additional features like HD Radio and SiriusXM. The Corolla's infotainment was well-suited for iPhone users, though Android users might find it lacking.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered basic standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 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 dated interface contributed to a lower-tech feel.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Features included low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The Corolla received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

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 additional options like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available in packages.