Few cars can match the 2021 Dodge Charger’s cool factor. It has an intimidating muscle car design, an available 797-hp supercharged V8 engine, and is exceptionally roomy. It’s for these reasons why so Charger owners are loyal to their cars. However, the 2020 Chevy Impala might be a better choice for those who aren’t Dodge loyalists.

Just how does Chevrolet’s recently discontinued large sedan beat out an industry icon? Let’s take a more in-depth look at the differences between the Impala and Charger.

The 2020 Chevy Impala is a well-rounded machine

It’s tough to go wrong when purchasing a large sedan. The few models that remain in this once-popular segment are all satisfactory vehicles. However, most of these cars fit a particular niche.

For example, the 2021 Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima focus on sporty performance, while the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon have upscale cabins. Meanwhile, the 2021 Chevy Impala is a jack of all trades.

No, Chevrolet’s large sedan won’t win a race or win a beauty contest. However, you won’t have any gripes when you’re behind the wheel.

Chevrolet only offers the 2020 Impala in two trim levels, but there are plenty of packages to customize your experience. 

The base LT trim features a starting MSRP of $31,620, and it’s exceptionally well-equipped. However, this model, like the base Charger, lacks standard driver-assist technologies. It only comes with a rearview camera, but you can add the Driver Confidence package ($495). It includes blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane change alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Dodge Charger has a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Unfortunately, its cheapest safety package costs $1,295.

There’s not much to the 2021 Dodge Charger aside from muscle

Dodge wows shoppers with an array of appearance packages and monstrous available engines. However, a significant subsect of buyers will likely only be able to afford a plain base trim. 

With a starting MSRP of $29,995, the 2021 Dodge Charger doesn’t seem to deliver on its hefty price. The 2020 Chevy Impala’s standard 3.6-liter V6 is actually more potent than that of the Charger SXT. It kicks out 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque, while the Charger’s 3.6-liter V6 manages just 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Of course, all of the 2021 Charger’s V8 options will leave the Impala in the dust. However, you’ll have to pay at least $36,995 for the R/T trim to get one.

Meanwhile, Chevrolet equipped the Impala with more impressive standard equipment than you’ll find in the Charger. You’ll get an eight-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Comparatively, the Charger only has a seven-inch touchscreen, and you’ll have to pay extra for a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Chevrolet’s large sedan took critics by surprise

Consumer Reports ranked the 2020 Chevy Impala the second-best model in its class, with an overall vehicle score of 85/100. Comparatively, the publication gave the fourth-ranked 2021 Dodge Charger a 79/100 rating.

Surprisingly, the Impala aced Consumer Reports’ road test, besting the Charger by six points (91 to 85.) The publication praised the Impala’s ride quality, stating that it rides as well as a luxury sedan. 

Additionally, it found the car’s cabin to be exceptionally roomy. Notably, the 2020 Chevy Impala and 2021 Dodge Charger have some of the largest trunks among all sedans.

Consumer Reports’ only significant criticism of the Impala was its rear visibility. Meanwhile, the publication had the same concern with the Charger.

Sometimes newest isn’t best 

It’s easy to get distracted by the enticement of the newest model on the block. However, don’t let the shine of the 2021 Dodge Charger blind you to the hidden gem that is the 2020 Chevy Impala. 

There’s not much time left to buy a new Impala. However, a few models might still be left on dealership lots. 

Thankfully, a fresh crop of certified pre-owned 2020 Impalas should be available soon. Best of all, you’ll be able to save some money by getting a discounted Chevy Impala instead of a new 2021 Dodge Charger.