2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its design featured an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front end was bold, with a grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with high-quality materials like metal, leather, and open-pore wood, creating a cohesive and visually engaging interior. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, enhancing the premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, had a more modern and menacing exterior design since its 2015 facelift. While the exterior updates were significant, the interior felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of older designs. Despite this, the Charger offered ease of use and practicality. The various trims, from the SXT to the Jailbreak, provided a range of performance options, with the Hellcat Widebody variant delivering a well-rounded performance machine. The Charger combined muscle-car performance with the practicality of a full-size sedan.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, providing excellent handling and stability. The TLX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for enhanced ride quality. The TLX's nimble handling and solid feel made it a joy to drive on various road surfaces.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 300 horsepower in the SXT AWD and GT trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Hellcat variants, including the Redeye and Jailbreak, delivered supercar-level power with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, producing up to 807 horsepower. The Charger offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's Widebody setup improved handling and allowed for thrilling acceleration, with a top speed of 315 km/h.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined centre console, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The interior offered comfortable sport bucket seats with power adjustability and available Ultrasuede or perforated leather. The rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The TLX provided 382 litres of trunk space, with a wide opening for easy loading.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large size, felt intimate due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger provided 467 litres of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. The Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, offering a usable trunk and four doors.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for optimal performance. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available on the Platinum Elite grade.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons for easier use. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered limited standard safety features, with only a backup camera and rear parking sensors included. Optional features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger received a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.