2021 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, maintained its appeal through a variety of models, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger continued to attract enthusiasts with its widebody options and distinctive styling cues like the Hellcat badging. The exterior offered a range of wheel and colour choices, while the interior, though updated, lacked some modern comforts and conveniences. The Charger’s utilitarian interior materials and basic features were more akin to a Jeep Wrangler than a luxury vehicle, with cloth seats standard on most trims and limited premium options.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic, known for its segment-defining iterations, offered a more modern and practical design. Available in sedan, hatchback, and Type R formats, the Civic catered to a wide audience. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, provided a stylish appearance. Inside, the Civic boasted quality materials and thoughtful design, though its infotainment system showed signs of aging. Despite this, the Civic remained a trendsetter with its spacious interior, comparable to older midsize cars, and practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance with a range of powerful engines. The base models featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing up to 300 horsepower, while the R/T trim offered a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 hp. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre V8 delivering 485 hp, and the SRT Hellcat Redeye topped the lineup with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 generating 797 hp. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye was the least fuel-efficient, consuming 19.0 L/100 km in the city. The Charger’s automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, though it lacked a manual option.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a more modest performance with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 hp in the LX, EX, and Sport trims. The Touring trim featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with 174 hp, providing a spirited drive. The Civic’s CVT, while efficient, was less engaging than a manual transmission. The Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 L/100 km, surpassing estimates. Its independent suspension and responsive steering made for a composed and enjoyable driving experience, though the CVT’s droning was a drawback.

The Dodge Charger, a spacious five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. Its interior, though dated, was functional, with a straightforward instrument cluster and a well-designed steering wheel. The Charger offered ample cargo space with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, making it suitable for families.

The Honda Civic, despite its low seating position, provided a comfortable and roomy interior. The driver’s seat offered eight-way power adjustment, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic’s rear seats were spacious, with excellent thigh support, though rear air vents were absent. The centre console offered impressive storage, and the trunk provided 428 litres of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch screen and premium audio systems. However, the Charger’s technology felt outdated, with some functions buried in menus and no head-up display available.

The 2021 Honda Civic’s technology was also aging, with a standard 5-inch screen and Apple CarPlay. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker audio system. While the Civic’s voice recognition was unsophisticated, the premium sound system was a highlight. The Civic’s infotainment system was best used with smartphone integration for navigation and voice assistance.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star safety rating from NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist and electronic stability control. Optional safety packages included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Honda Civic excelled in safety, equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA. However, its LaneWatch system had limitations, lacking a traditional blind-spot warning.