2021 Charger vs 2021 Challenger
Dodge offers two different takes on the modern muscle car in their lineup with the 2021 Dodge Charger and the 2021 Dodge Challenger. Both vehicles are built on the same platform and have been on sale for a number of years now, they even have similar engines under the hood – ranging from the standard V6 to a supercharged HEMI V8. To some it may seem like the only difference between the Charger and the Challenger are the number of doors and their body design, but there are a few other differences between the two models that we’ll run through below.
Exterior
Despite the fact that they do share a platform, both the 2021 Charger and Challenger have significantly different styling. The Challenger is nostalgic with its design that clearly channels the original from the 1970s. It’s got round headlights, a low and flat roof, and a long, wide rectangular-shaped hood while the sides of the vehicle are simple and sculpted. On the other hand, the Charger offers a more traditional sedan body style complete with four doors that offer better outward visibility. Just because we used the word sedan to describe the Charger does not make it any less a muscle car, in fact, the Charger offers SRT trim levels and can be outfitted with an aggressive body kit as well.
Interior
The Charger and Challenger both have what is effectively the same exact dashboard. Control layouts, steering wheels, and infotainment systems are the same on both models as well. The only major difference between the two models? The interior space of the Challenger is compromised when compared to the Charger, whose taller greenhouse and 4-door design naturally allow for more room. Speaking of interior room, the extra space in the Charger allows for an extra passenger – with room for five – when compared to the Challenger and its 4-passenger capacity.
Tech & Infotainment
Standard on both models is a 7.0-inch touchscreen display with the latest infotainment system, Stellantis’ Uconnect software. An optional upgrade to an 8.4-inch screen is available on both models as well. The touchscreen upgrade also includes additional features such as an extra USB port, built-in navigation, and a one-year SiriusXM Satellite radio subscription. Both vehicles can also be upgraded with a premium Harman Kardon audio system. Since the Charger is considerably more passenger-friendly it comes with an additional 12-volt outlet and two extra USB ports for those riding along in the back seat.
Safety Features
Both the Charger and the Challenger are overdue for an overhaul, which Dodge assures is coming soon. In terms of popular driver-assist features, it is the Charger that delivers with its ample features available such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Challenger only offers available adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Both the Charger and the Challenger are set up like old-school muscle cars complete with aggressive styling and available high-performance engines. Choosing between the two is entirely subjective and based on your unique needs. Explore the 2021 Dodge Charger and 2021 Dodge Challenger inventory at University Dodge and schedule your test drive today!