2021 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its robust lineup of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a distinctive presence on the road, characterized by its widebody styling and aggressive stance. The exterior offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to paint colours, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles. Inside, the Charger featured a straightforward yet somewhat dated interior, with a focus on functionality over luxury. While the fit and finish improved over the years, the abundance of hard plastics and utilitarian design elements reminded occupants of its performance-oriented roots.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold and modern design, especially in its N Line variant. The Sonata's exterior was marked by its daring styling, with a broad grille and sleek profile that set it apart from its competitors. The N Line added sporty touches like larger air intakes and gloss black accents, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sonata N Line offered a more refined experience, with sport seats featuring Nappa leather and Dinamica suede inserts, complemented by red stitching and dark chrome accents. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness, while the overall interior design prioritized comfort and quality materials.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engine options. 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 Charger R/T 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 Charger Scat Pack took performance up a notch with 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 boasted 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 offer a manageable driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient option.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Sonata N Line offered a dynamic driving experience with paddle shifters and multiple driving modes. The car's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering responsiveness contributed to its engaging performance. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata N Line handled well, with minimal understeer and a suspension that effectively managed body roll. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with an estimated 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2021 Dodge Charger functioned well as a family car, offering a spacious interior with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added cargo versatility. While the technology in the Charger was somewhat dated, it remained functional and easy to use. The steering wheel provided convenient access to in-car functions, though the paddle shifters could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving. The Charger's trunk offered average cargo space compared to other large sedans.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line provided a comfortable and accommodating interior, with heated front sport seats that balanced comfort and lateral support. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed amenities like air conditioning vents and a USB port, though legroom was similar to the smaller Elantra N Line. The Sonata's trunk offered 453 litres of space, with a hands-free trunk release feature for added convenience. Interior storage was practical, though the centre console design was somewhat inelegant.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly, though some functions were buried in menus. The lack of a head-up display and the use of interchangeable switchgear contributed to a lower-tech feel.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot. The absence of a tuning knob and the placement of the volume control knob were minor inconveniences, but the system offered ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience.

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

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning enhanced safety. The standard Sonata received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the N Line had not been independently tested.