2021 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

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 bold styling cues like the functional performance hood. The exterior offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to paint colours, allowing owners to personalize their ride. Inside, the Charger’s interior had seen improvements over the years, but it still lagged in terms of luxury and modern conveniences, especially in higher-priced models. The use of hard plastics and rubberized surfaces was reminiscent of more utilitarian vehicles, and while the seats offered some comfort, the overall cabin experience was not as premium as one might expect for the price.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima set itself apart with bold styling elements like the "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, which influenced other Nissan models. The Maxima's design was striking, with a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille that gave it a unique presence on the road. The interior prioritized the driver, offering a spacious front cabin with Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seats, though rear-seat passengers found less comfort due to limited legroom and headroom. The Maxima’s cabin was designed with the driver in mind, providing excellent visibility and a quiet ride, thanks to active noise cancellation. However, the interior space was somewhat compromised by the positioning of the seats and centre console, which could feel cramped despite the generous front dimensions.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the R/T model boasted a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models offered a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, featured a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 with an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to deliver a controlled driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient option. The Charger’s transmission provided smooth upshifts, though downshifts could be clunky under heavy braking. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on select models, enhancing the car’s versatility.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, while not a "four-door sports car," offered a respectable driving experience with its 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, which, while not as sporty as some competitors, provided a smooth and responsive drive. The Maxima handled corners well for a large sedan, though its steering lacked precision and feel, and the front-wheel-drive setup was prone to torque steer under heavy acceleration. Despite these limitations, the Maxima offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with a suspension that balanced handling and comfort. The cabin remained serene during highway cruising, making it a pleasant choice for long-distance travel.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality, offering a spacious back seat and a sizeable trunk. The interior, while dated in terms of technology, provided a functional layout with easy-to-read gauges and a well-designed steering wheel. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though their placement could lead to accidental shifts during spirited driving. The Charger’s trunk space was average for its class, but the 60/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for additional cargo capacity when needed.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat space, where headroom and legroom were limited compared to competitors. The cabin design focused on the driver, with excellent visibility and a well-organized layout, though the proximity of the centre console could feel cramped. The Maxima’s “Zero Gravity” seats provided excellent support, though more thigh bolstering would have been appreciated. Cargo space was limited, with the Maxima offering the least trunk capacity in its class, though its sedan design made loading and unloading straightforward.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with a basic set of standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Buyers could upgrade to an 8.4-inch touchscreen and premium audio systems, though the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from the overall tech experience. The system was functional but could be cumbersome to navigate, with some features buried in menus.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima’s technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen that, while functional, had dated graphics and small icons that were difficult to use while driving. Standard features included smartphone integration, a WiFi hotspot, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. The Maxima offered plenty of analog controls, which were appreciated, though the infotainment system’s notification sounds were jarring. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima provided a comprehensive set of features, though it lacked the modern polish of some competitors.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional safety packages added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, though the Charger’s headlights received poor ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with advanced systems like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Maxima also offered a 360-degree camera system on higher trims, enhancing its safety credentials.