2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger continued to captivate buyers with its enduring design, which had remained largely unchanged since its major update in 2014. This model was available in a variety of trims, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye, which showcased the brand's commitment to muscle car enthusiasts. Despite the subtle differences between the models, the Charger maintained its signature look, appealing to those who appreciated its "brotherhood of muscle" ethos. The widebody format, available on select models, added an athletic flair, while the array of wheel, brake, and colour options allowed for some personalization. However, the interior, though improved over the years, still lacked the comfort and convenience features expected in higher-priced models, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, while still based on the same platform since 2005, offered a more modern and menacing design that had been refreshed in 2015. The interior, though dated, was user-friendly, with thick bezels and chunky controls that provided ease of use. The 2022 model came in various trims, including the SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack 392, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak, each offering a unique blend of performance and features. The Hellcat Widebody variant, in particular, stood out for its well-rounded performance capabilities. Despite its aging platform, the 2022 Charger managed to deliver a compelling mix of power and practicality, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both performance and everyday usability.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine in the SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. This engine was the most fuel-efficient option, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye's supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 delivered an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque, though it was the least fuel-efficient. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models.

The 2022 Dodge Charger continued to impress with its performance offerings. The SXT and GT models retained the 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in base form, with the AWD versions delivering 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, offering 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack 392 came with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 delivered 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed the power to 797 hp and 807 hp, respectively. The Hellcat Widebody's 11-inch-wide Pirelli P-Zero tires and wider track enhanced its cornering capabilities, making it a well-rounded performance machine. The SRT Performance Pages menu allowed for customization of drive modes, providing a thrilling yet composed driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger functioned well as a family car, offering a spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations. The technology in the driver's view was dated but easy to read, with the instrument cluster varying by model. The steering wheel provided easy access to in-car functions, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, which was about average compared to other large cars.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large size, offered an intimate experience from the driver's seat due to the high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided ample legroom, though headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger offered 467 litres of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the combination of sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk made the Charger a versatile choice.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with standard features like push-button start, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Optional features included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly, though some functions were buried in menus, and the latest version was not yet available on the Charger.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The optional 8.4-inch version offered larger icons and was standard on higher trims. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology blended well with conventional controls, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the similar 2020 model received mostly "Good" ratings, with "Poor" marks for headlights. The NHTSA gave the 2021 model a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system, with additional features available in packages.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in terms of safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors as standard. 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 safety rating from the NHTSA.