2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its diverse range of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a distinctive presence with its widebody options and aggressive stance. The exterior offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel sizes to paint colours with evocative names like Hellraisin and Frostbite. However, the interior lagged in terms of modern comfort and convenience features, with a noticeable amount of hard plastic and utilitarian design elements. While the base models featured cloth seats, higher trims offered Nappa leather and additional amenities, though the overall interior experience felt lacking for the price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima presented a sleek, aerodynamic profile with its V-Motion grille and coupe-like roofline. The Altima's design was modernized with standard LED lighting and alloy wheels, though its proportions gave it a slightly traditional look. The interior boasted Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, praised for their comfort on long drives, and a well-organized dashboard with an 8-inch touchscreen. The Altima offered ample storage and convenience features, with a spacious trunk and rear seats that folded flat for additional cargo space. The fit and finish were commendable, with premium materials available on higher trims, enhancing the overall cabin experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different driving 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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T variant featured a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, 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 balanced driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient option.

The 2021 Nissan Altima, available in Canada with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The Altima stood out by offering all-wheel drive as standard, a rarity among mid-size sedans in Canada. The AWD system was front-wheel biased but could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. The Altima's fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined for the base model. The Altima's suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, with decent steering feedback and handling.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality, offering a spacious back seat and trunk. The interior technology, while dated, was functional and easy to read. The steering wheel featured accessible controls, and paddle shifters were available on most models. The rear seat's 60/40 split-folding capability expanded the trunk space, making it suitable for family use.

The 2021 Nissan Altima excelled in interior comfort, featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, which provided exceptional support on long journeys. The cabin offered ample storage options, including a large glovebox, centre console, and door pockets. The rear seats were spacious, accommodating two adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding design for additional cargo space. The trunk offered 436 litres of storage, making the Altima a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control. Optional upgrades included a larger 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 2021 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of standard tech features, including an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added a Bose audio system and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. The Altima also included NissanConnect Services, offering features like a WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notification, enhancing the vehicle's connectivity and convenience.

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

The 2021 Nissan Altima excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + from the IIHS. The standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 included features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. The Platinum trim offered ProPilot Assist, enhancing highway driving safety with features like adaptive cruise control and lane intervention.