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Overview

History tells us the 2021 Dodge Challenger competes with the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang, but reality tells me it has a totally different personality.

While all three American muscle cars are headlined by high-powered V-8s, there's a big discrepancy in how they drive.

Compared with the Chevy's and the Ford's razor-sharp handling, the Dodge is better suited for relaxed cruising, with a V-8 exhaust note always ready on command.

Those who desire the mightiest version will want the SRT Hellcat (reviewed separately), which makes up to 807 horsepower.

The Challenger's interior isn't always easy to look at or see out of, but it has comfier seats and more passenger space than its rivals'.

Its capacious trunk, segment-exclusive all-wheel-drive option (available on V-6 models only), and roster of colorful paint options and retro-themed appearance packages also make it stand out from the Camaro and Mustang.

What's New for 2021?

The Challenger lineup receives several minor updates for 2021. Dodge now offers a memory feature for models with a power-adjustable steering column, driver's seat, and side mirrors as well as for the radio presets.

A set of 20-inch wheels are newly optional on the all-wheel-drive SXT and standard on the all-wheel-drive GT. And R/T Scat Pack buyers can now add SRT branding to their Brembo brake calipers.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Despite my preference for the V-8-powered Camaro and Mustang, there's a lot of nostalgia and value offered by the Challenger. So I'd maximize both of those attributes, selecting the R/T Scat Pack model.

It comes standard with the 485-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 (versus the 375-hp 5.7-liter on the regular R/T) and the choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

Believe it or not, I'd opt for the $1595 automatic because it's much more responsive than the slushy-feeling stick-shift.

I'd also add the adaptive dampers for adjustable ride quality and the Dynamics package for its wide 20-inch wheels, six-piston Brembo front brakes, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Plus package improves the interior with ambient lighting, faux-suede seat inserts, and much nicer materials on the dashboard and doors.

It requires the Driver Convenience Group, too, which brings blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, power mirrors, and high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Challenger's base 305-hp V-6 won't satisfy thrill seekers. The modest engine mates exclusively to the eight-speed automatic, but in the heavy Challenger, it lacks the acceleration and excitement of rivals.

The Dodge's Hemi V-8 engines are another story. The 375-hp 5.7-liter has plenty of juice to power-slide on demand, and its guttural growl is gratifying.

Those looking to maximize the Challenger's potential will want the 6.4-liter V-8, which produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

The ZF automatic is incredibly responsive to throttle inputs, with quick power-on downshifts.

The Challenger hustles through corners like a raging bull seeing red, snorting aggressively and swaying threateningly.

The burly Dodge is a muscle car in the truest sense: It's better on the street and the drag strip than on two-lanes and road courses.

Since the lineup's redesign in 2015, Compared with the sharper and stickier handling of the Camaro and Mustang, however, the Challenger is too soft in tight turns and its steering is too numb.

The slow-to-react helm is well suited to leisurely drives and easily controlled power-induced tail slides.

Fuel Economy

The Dodge's 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter V-8s improve fuel efficiency by seamlessly deactivating four cylinders when they're not needed, such as when maintaining steady highway speeds.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Challenger has a classic muscle-car interior, with a simple design inspired by its 1970s-era predecessors and comfortable accommodations.

Compared with its pony-car rivals, the Dodge is far roomier inside, and adults can actually use the back seat.

Unfortunately, its rubberized materials resemble old vinyl rather than premium plastic, and rear visibility is lousy.

The Challenger's broad front seats are comfortable for cruising, but even the optional seats, which have added bolstering, don't hug their occupants the way those in the Camaro or Mustang do.

Dodge's pony car has an extra seven cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk versus the Camaro.

This allows the Challenger to swallow two more bags of luggage than the Camaro.

Fold the back seats down and that advantage grows to six. The Challenger has a big center-console bin and a useful spot for a smartphone.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Challenger has a version of Dodge's easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system. The feature-filled unit includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard equipment. Looking to get the Led out?

Listen to Jimmy Page's spine-tingling guitar riffs with one of two optional Alpine audio systems or the crème-de-la-crème 900-watt, 18-speaker Harman/Kardon setup.

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Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Challenger earned a four-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the 2020 model to be Marginal overall.

This old-school coupe is available with desirable driver-assistance technology.

Key safety features:

Available blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
Available adaptive cruise control
Available automatic high-beams
2021 Dodge Challenger
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Challenger has average limited and power-train warranties. Unlike BMW and Chevrolet, Dodge doesn't provide any complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
2021 Dodge Challenger

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Saturday, September 19, 2020

2021 Dodge Charger Review

Overview

The 2021 Dodge Charger recalls the days when most full-size sedans had rear-wheel drive and rumbly V-8 engines. But the big Dodge sedan also caters to modern society with popular options such as all-wheel drive and contemporary technology.

The latter consists of extensive driver assists as well as an excellent infotainment system. Of course, the Charger's broad appeal also stems from its cool appearance packages, alluring performance equipment, and largely affordable pricing.

While its interior suffers from some low-quality materials, and models rolling on the largest wheels have a harsher ride, its roomy cabin and large trunk essentially make it a practical muscle car.

Sure, there's nothing too muscular about the standard V-6, but either of the optional Hemi V-8s have the sound and power to tug.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the Charger lineup receives the smallest of updates. The GT AWD model now comes standard with 20-inch wheels, which are also newly optional on the SXT AWD.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

I think the Charger R/T, with its 370-hp 5.7-liter V-8, has the perfect mix of power and features. Those who want all-wheel drive are limited to the V-6 versions.

The bigger 485-hp V-8 that comes with the Scat Pack makes accelerating great again but costs about $5000 more than the R/T.

Along with a standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, My choice includes a throbbing dual-mode exhaust, a leather-wrapped performance steering wheel, and 20-inch rims.

I'd also add the Driver Convenience Group (blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, heated exterior mirrors, and upgraded headlights) and the Performance Handling Group (20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires, Brembo brakes, and sport-tuned suspension).

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Charger channels its NASCAR roots with big V-8 power and rowdy sounds. However, not every Charger has a mighty Hemi V-8 under the hood—what a pity—but they do all share an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive.

In contrast, the V-6 is subdued but does add the availability of all-wheel drive. Dodge doesn't build a Charger with a manual gearbox, but it would be so much cooler if it did. The standard V-6 is no slouch, yet it lacks the giddy-up of front-drivers such as the Nissan Maxima.

The more powerful versions excel at the strip, where the 485-hp Charger R/T Scat Pack posts an impressive 3.8-second to 60 mph. The 370-hp Charger has enough HPs to outrun most family sedans. The big-bodied sedan is remarkably balanced when cornering, too.

Although the V-6 version has nearly identical cornering grip, the Daytona's hefty horsepower advantage amplified the fun. The electrically assisted power steering contributes to the Charger's purposeful control, but its feedback is too heavy and slow to be engaging.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Charger's interior is highly functional yet the opposite of luxurious, with more rubberized materials than the set of an adult film.

Apart from excellent rear-seat legroom, its passenger space is slightly below average. The cabin's simplistic design is classic muscle car, but options are plentiful.

Although its trunk volume is similar to those of most rivals, the Charger is able to fit an extra carry-on box than its rivals. It holds 18 total with the rear seat stowed, beating the Maxima and the fastback-hatchback Kia Stinger by three.

Its center console features plenty of spots for small items and a slot alongside the shifter that is perfect for storing your smartphone.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Challenger has a version of the excellent Uconnect infotainment system.

That means standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Some optional controls can only be accessed via the touchscreen; a Wi-Fi hotspot also is unavailable.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Charger earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the last version evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had only average scores.

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The Dodge sedan does offer a host of driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking.

However, these features cost extra, and base models are excluded from the most advanced options.

Key safety features include:

Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available forward collision warning
2021 Dodge Charger

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Dodge provides an average limited and power-train warranty set that aligns with the Maxima's coverage, but the Kia Cadenza has a significantly longer power-train warranty and the Toyota Avalon offers complimentary maintenance.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
2021 Dodge Charger

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Friday, September 18, 2020

2021 Dodge Durango Review

Overview

Among mid-size three-row crossovers, there's only one muscle-ute: the 2021 Dodge Durango. While many of its rivals start with a four-cylinder and offer a V-6 as an option, the Durango starts with the V-6 and lets buyers upgrade to a burly Hemi V-8 engine.

The family can all pile in thanks to the optional third row of seats, and those up front get treated to comfortable chairs and an intuitive infotainment system.

The Durango is perhaps the best choice in its class for towing tasks, especially when equipped with the V-8.

Other SUVs may offer more panache, more high-tech driver-assistance features, or comfier rides, but when it comes to machismo, the Durango stands alone.

What's New for 2021?

Dodge has freshened the Durango's look for 2021 with new headlamps, an updated grille, a revised rear spoiler, and a tweaked front bumper, but changes are more noticeable inside.

Changes to the dashboard create a more driver-oriented layout, with the infotainment display and lower controls angled slightly to the left.

Speaking of infotainment, the Durango can now be had with a new optional 10.1-inch infotainment system running an updated version of the Uconnect interface; the larger display is also bundled with a wireless smartphone charging pad; the new system will be optional on the GT and standard on the Citadel and R/T.

A new Tow N Go package is available on the top-spec R/T trim. It bumps maximum towing capacity to 8700 pounds and adds a dedicated towing mode as well as unique 20-inch wheels and flared fenders.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The mid-range GT model is the best value of the bunch, and I'd stick with the standard V-6 over the thirstier V-8 engine.

After all, if you're looking for a performance SUV, the Durango SRT or the limited-edition Durango SRT Hellcat (both reviewed separately) are more likely to please.

I'd be interested in upgrading from the standard 8.4-inch infotainment system to the new 10.1-inch unit, though, and that costs $995 on the GT model and also adds in-dash navigation, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Durango's optional 360-hp V-8 provides a significant boost in towing capacity (up to 8700 pounds), while the 295-hp V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are a more efficient pairing.

The Durango's fuel economy doesn't beat that of its four-cylinder rivals, of course, but the trade-off for the more entertaining V-8 and its burly towing capacity might be worth it for some buyers.

The Durango with the V-6 manages a 7.4-second zero-to-60-mph; the V-8 does it in 6.2 seconds. The Dodge's suspension walks the fine line between sport and comfort, but the steering feel and braking performance remind you that you're driving an SUV.

Although it's not overtly sporty, the Durango's rear-wheel-drive platform lends an athletic feel to the Durango, and its muscle-car persona shines through in everyday use. It still manages to deliver a comfortable ride, making it a family-friendly SUV that's both fun to drive and easy to live with.

Fuel Economy

Crossovers with a four-cylinder under the hood are more fuel-efficient, but the Durango's V-6 is still competitive with other V-6–powered rivals. While the EPA hasn't yet released fuel efficiency estimates at the time of writing this post for the 2021 Durango, I expect to see little to no changes from the 2020 model.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Every manufacturer uses a combination of materials that range from cheap to high quality, but some designs such as the Durango's are better executed than others.

Designers prioritized ergonomics, material quality, and overall comfort, but other rivals offer more second- and third-row passenger space. A set of gauges featuring red and white on a black background faces the driver.

The steering wheel features a thick, leather-wrapped rim and handsome metal-look trim. Paddle shifters are mounted behind the wheel and operated with a satisfying click.

It manages to fit 30 carry-on suitcases inside the Durango's cabin with all of its seats folded flat, but It only fits four behind the third row with all seats in place.

That's two more than the Acadia managed in both measurements. The 2021 Ford Explorer manages only 25 overall (the same as the Mazda CX-9), but it offered space for six of our cases behind the third row, making it best for hauling people and cargo at the same time.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Durango has one of the best infotainment systems on the market perched atop its sculpted dashboard. Base SXT and mid-range GT models come with an 8.4-inch display while a 10.1-inch screen is optional on the GT and standard on the Citadel and R/T.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with both screens. A rear-seat entertainment system, also optional, adds dual screens and provides HDMI and RCA ports to connect even more devices.

It notes good audio quality for Bluetooth phone calls, and one caller even commented that she could hear the V-8 engine's sonorous rumble.