2021 Dodge Challenger vs 2021 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro offered buyers a choice between coupe and convertible body styles, both of which shared a similar aesthetic with the convertible's soft roof replacing the coupe's fixed roof. The Camaro coupe was noted for its fierce appearance, while the convertible exuded a classic American coastal touring vibe. Available in eight trim levels, the Camaro's design was complemented by standard features like 18-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels, a limited-slip differential, and LED daytime running lights. However, the interior design, despite a 2019 refresh, was criticized for its functionality, with parts-bin specials and limited visibility due to the narrow windscreen and oversized hood over the instrument cluster.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger, tested in its base SXT trim, was praised for its retro yet familiar style, with squared-off fenders, round headlights, and a wide stance emphasized by twin hood scoops and a double-nostril grille. Despite riding on plain 18-inch alloys, the Challenger maintained a cool demeanor, though it was suggested that 20-inch wheels were necessary for a meaner look. The interior, unchanged since a 2015 refresh, was described as adequate, with analog gauges and a standard central display. The Challenger's cabin offered a variety of seat materials and colors, with options for heated and cooled seats, and a range of steering wheel designs, though the base model was considered decent but unimpressive.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Buyers could upgrade to a 3.6-liter V6 with 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque, or choose from two V8 engines: a 6.2-liter V8 with 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged version delivering 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Camaro's manual transmission was less fuel-efficient than its automatic options, with the turbo-four manual achieving 19/29/22 mpg city/highway/combined, while the automatic got 22/30/25 mpg. The V8 engines offered similar fuel efficiency, with the manual 6.2-liter V8 achieving 16/24/19 mpg and the automatic 16/26/20 mpg. The Camaro's manual transmission was criticized for its long, narrow channels and numb clutch, detracting from the driving experience. The Camaro featured a drive mode selector with up to four modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and Track.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger offered a range of engine options, from a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT trims to a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Hellcat models. The V6 was described as quiet and efficient but lacking in excitement, while the R/T trim's 375-hp, 5.7-liter V8 provided a more engaging experience with a six-speed manual transmission and active exhaust. The R/T Scat Pack offered a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp and larger Brembo brakes. The Hellcat models boasted 717, 797, or 807 horsepower, with features like line lock, launch control, and an After-Run Chiller. The Challenger's handling and steering were adequate but unremarkable, with V6 models lacking grip and V8 models relying on weight and traction control for stability. The Challenger's performance was highlighted by its ability to achieve 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 203 mph in the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro featured standard cloth upholstery and front bucket seats, with options for leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and Recaro sport seats. The front seats were comfortable but not particularly sporty, and the rear seats were deemed unsuitable for adults. The Camaro's interior was criticized for limited visibility due to the narrow windscreen and oversized hood. The steering wheel was leather-wrapped and flat-bottomed, with manual tilting and telescoping capability. The Camaro offered single-zone climate control as standard, with dual-zone available on higher trims. The center console's cupholders were inconvenient for manual transmission models, and the trunk space, though ample for a muscle car, was limited by a high load height and narrow opening.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing many sedans and competitors like the Camaro and Mustang. The Challenger's interior was described as conventional, with simple climate controls, stereo, and shifter. The seats were comfortable, with options for cloth, leather, Alcantara, or Nappa leather upholstery, and a variety of color and material combinations. The Challenger's steering wheels offered multiple designs, with features like flat-bottom rims, contrast stitching, and thumb grips. The interior provided a moderately good view, though the side mirrors were small, requiring careful lane changes and parking.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro came equipped with a 7-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice command, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and keyless entry and start. Available options included a head-up display, navigation, Bose premium audio system, satellite radio, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging, and a rear-camera mirror. The driver-information center and infotainment touchscreen were functional but suffered from a forward lean that caused glare. USB ports were hidden in the center console, and the wireless charging pad was awkwardly positioned.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger's standard infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the 8.4-inch screen was recommended. The Performance Pages app provided real-time performance data, and the UConnect system allowed for custom driving modes. Available options included an Alpine audio system, power steering column, driver's seat memory, SiriusXM, HD radio, 4G WiFi hotspot, xenon headlights, auto high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. The Challenger lacked standard driver assists, with adaptive cruise control as an option.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with "Good," "Acceptable," and "Basic" scores, while the NHTSA awarded it five-star and four-star ratings. Available safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and rear parking sensors, though some were unavailable on convertible models.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in several areas, with "good" scores in only two tests. The Challenger's body structure was rated "poor" in a frontal crash, and the optional forward emergency braking was rated "basic." Available driver assists included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.