2021 Honda Civic vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger was a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, with its aggressive headlights and distinctive grille that had evolved since its 2011 iteration. The 2015 facelift introduced a sleeker front design, with a thin inlet replacing the large grille, and more menacing headlights. Inside, the Charger maintained a retro vibe, blending vintage aesthetics with modern technology. The cabin featured large bezels housing digital displays, and the RWD platform contributed to a cockpit-like feel with a raised transmission tunnel. The Charger offered various trims, from the base SXT with 17-inch alloy wheels and a host of standard features, to the high-performance SRT Hellcat with a powerful engine and widebody kit.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic was a compact car that had been a trendsetter in its segment. Available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, the Civic offered a range of trims, with the Touring sedan being the top choice for those seeking premium features. The Civic's design was polarizing, with some loving its bold look while others were less impressed. The interior, though not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design. The Civic's cabin was spacious, comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago, and offered a comfortable ride for both front and rear passengers.

The 2020 Dodge Charger provided a variety of powertrain options, catering to different performance preferences. The SXT and GT trims were equipped with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 292 horsepower in the SXT RWD and 300 horsepower in the AWD and GT versions. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, along with an upgraded suspension and active exhaust. The Scat Pack variant boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, complemented by Brembo brakes and launch assist. The SRT Hellcat Widebody topped the range with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, generating an impressive 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight, the Charger handled well, especially in widebody models with Bilstein adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes, offering precise cornering and excellent stopping power.

The 2021 Honda Civic, on the other hand, offered a more modest performance. The base LX, EX, and Sport trims came with a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT driving the front wheels. The Touring trim featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited drive. While the Civic's suspension and steering were praised for their ride and handling qualities, the CVT was a point of contention, often criticized for its droning nature. However, the Civic excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing official estimates.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out among performance sedans for its spacious interior. It offered ample legroom in the rear seats, which was often overlooked in high-horsepower sedans. The front featured well-bolstered bucket seats with generous head- and legroom, along with practical storage solutions in the doors and centre console. The Charger's trunk was notably large, with a capacity of 467 litres, surpassing many performance and family sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench further enhanced its cargo versatility.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, while low to the ground, provided a roomy interior comparable to older midsize cars. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment for the driver, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was exclusive to the Touring trim. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, with excellent thigh support and a well-angled backrest. The centre console was highly practical, offering ample storage space. The Civic's trunk was spacious for its class, with a capacity of 428 litres, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen across all trims, running the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available satellite and HD radio. The system's intuitive layout allowed easy navigation between functions, with docked icons always accessible, even when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information and was easily operated via the steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic's technology was beginning to show its age. Standard features included a 5-inch LCD screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and navigation. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered familiar interfaces, the Touring's voice recognition system was less sophisticated, requiring specific prompts. The premium sound system was a nice addition, but the standard eight-speaker setup was adequate.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Standard advanced safety technologies included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beams. Optional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rain-sensing wipers. The Charger's crash prevention technology received a Superior rating from the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. Standard features also included automatic high-beam headlights and a multi-angle rearview camera. The Civic offered LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, though it was limited to the right side. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the Touring trim and received five-star ratings in all NHTSA assessments.