2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its wide array of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a distinctive look that resonated with its "brotherhood of muscle" ethos. The widebody styling option added an athletic flair, while the functional performance hood on the SRT Hellcat Redeye enhanced its aggressive stance. The Charger offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to exterior colours, allowing buyers to tailor their vehicle to their preferences. However, the interior, though improved over the years, still lacked the premium feel expected in higher-priced models, with a mix of hard plastics and limited comfort features.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS exuded elegance and sportiness, with its sleek design and assertive stance. The IS's exterior featured a new spindle grille and narrow headlights, giving it a modern and aggressive look. Inside, the IS boasted a tastefully simple dashboard and a retro hi-fi feel, with high-quality materials and a modern aesthetic. The interior design was bold and assertive, matching the car's exterior. However, the analog clock felt outdated in the otherwise contemporary cabin. The IS's design successfully combined elegance and sportiness, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury sports sedan.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains to suit different preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, were equipped with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the R/T model featured a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye offered a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, delivering an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to provide a manageable driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient option. The Charger featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models, with no manual option available. The car's handling was precise, and the braking performance was adequate for street driving, though slightly softer for track use.

The 2021 Lexus IS, designed to compete in the luxury sports sedan category, introduced the "Lexus Driving Signature," focusing on linear operation and driver engagement. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AWD variant came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered the same V6 engine, tuned to produce 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS's top speed was 230 km/h, with acceleration times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. The IS's suspension and steering provided a crisp and balanced driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway, while the AWD models were slightly less efficient.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality, making it a viable family car. The interior, though dated in technology, was functional and easy to read. The steering wheel offered convenient controls, and paddle shifters were available on most models. The Charger provided ample cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanding the trunk's capacity. While the Charger offered average cargo space compared to other large cars, its spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver-centric design, with a comfortable and adjustable driver position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, offering the look and feel of leather without the added cost and care. The interior provided ample storage options, including an open cubby, twin cupholders, and large door pockets. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though cramped for three, with legroom requiring negotiation with front-seat occupants. The trunk offered 305.8 litres of space, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Buyers could upgrade to an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the outdated Uconnect system detracted from the overall tech experience. The Charger offered a range of available features, but the technology felt less advanced compared to competitors.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The IS offered various connected services, including Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect, with trial subscriptions. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, available in the Ultra Luxury package, provided an exceptional listening experience. However, the subscription model for technology features, such as navigation, posed potential future costs for owners. Overall, the IS offered a comprehensive tech package, though some features required additional investment.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features including brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional safety packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The Charger offered a solid safety package, though its headlights received poor ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The IS's safety package was robust, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.