2021 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was a notable departure from its predecessors, offering a more attractive design with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, enhancing its appeal. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end, and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition further amplified these design eccentricities. For those preferring a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE were available, along with a hybrid version offering better fuel efficiency.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger maintained its iconic design, largely unchanged over the past decade, which could be both a blessing and a curse. The model was available in various trims, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye, each offering subtle differences. The widebody styling option gave the Charger a more athletic stance, complemented by a functional performance hood. The Charger offered a plethora of wheel, brake, and exterior colour options, maintaining its signature look across all trims. The interior, though updated over the years, still lacked some modern comfort and convenience features, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, featuring paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode. The XSE's CVT was praised for its mechanical first gear, which improved initial acceleration. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, making it a competent compact car with predictable handling. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with an average of 7.6 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, delivering up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with 485 hp. The SRT Hellcat Redeye topped the lineup with a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, producing 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. The Charger was available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye's fuel efficiency was the lowest, with a combined rating of 15.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated front and rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The rear seats provided good support, though headroom and legroom were tight. The trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, which was average for its class.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. The interior featured dated technology but was functional and easy to use. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though they could be accidentally engaged. The Charger offered a spacious trunk with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional storage.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth, along with a free year of Safety Connect services. The SE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE added Service Connect and Remote Connect. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

The 2021 Dodge Charger included basic features like push-button start, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch screen, premium audio systems, and navigation. The Uconnect system was straightforward but lacked the latest updates, making some functions cumbersome to access.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS for models with curve adaptive headlights and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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, electronic stability control, and rear park assist, with additional options available in packages.