2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its robust lineup of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a distinctive presence with its widebody options and aggressive styling cues like the functional performance hood and Hellcat badging. The exterior offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel sizes to vibrant paint colours, ensuring each Charger could be tailored to the owner's taste. However, the interior, while improved over the years, still lagged in terms of luxury and modern conveniences, with a noticeable amount of hard plastics and basic technology features.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX presented a more refined and contemporary aesthetic, with a wide and long stance that exuded luxury. Its design was marked by sleek headlights, a distinctive grille, and a sporty rear end, complemented by exclusive paint options like Tiger Eye Pearl. The TLX's interior, though compact, boasted impressive detailing and high-quality materials, offering a comfortable and stylish environment. The infotainment system, while innovative with its true touchpad interface, required some acclimation. Despite its size, the TLX's trunk space was limited, but the overall impression was one of a well-crafted luxury sedan.

The 2021 Dodge Charger was renowned for its performance prowess, offering a range of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the R/T model offered a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, featured a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, churning out an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Charger maintained a connected driving experience, though its fuel efficiency varied significantly across models.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, offered a more balanced performance with its 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced stability and handling precision, particularly in the Type S variant, which featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The TLX excelled on the track, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers, providing a balanced and predictable driving experience. However, the exhaust note was subdued, and the summer tires emitted extra noise on the highway. Fuel efficiency was moderate, with the Type S consuming 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.8 on the highway.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, offered a spacious interior that catered to families, with a roomy back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The instrument cluster, though dated, was functional, and the steering wheel provided easy access to in-car functions. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though they could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving. The Charger's trunk space was average compared to other large cars, but it remained a practical choice for those seeking a blend of performance and utility.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, was snug inside, particularly in the rear seats, which offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats, however, were comfortable and supportive, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX's true touchpad interface for the infotainment system required some getting used to, but the climate control was straightforward. Trunk space was limited at 382 litres, less than a Honda Civic, but the TLX's interior was well-appointed, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with a basic set of standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from its technological appeal.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a more advanced technology suite, with a head-up display available on the Platinum Elite trim, and a 360-degree camera system and heated steering wheel on the Type S. The ELS Studio premium audio system with 17 speakers provided excellent sound quality, and the TLX featured standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a full suite of driver assistance features. The true touchpad interface required some adjustment, but the overall technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional safety packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors, making the TLX a well-equipped choice for safety-conscious buyers.