2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its diverse range 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 bold styling cues like the functional performance hood. The exterior offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to paint colours with evocative names. However, the interior lagged behind in terms of modern comfort and convenience features, with a noticeable amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces. While the fit and finish improved over time, the overall cabin experience remained utilitarian, especially in lower trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima embraced a sportier aesthetic with its sixth-generation design, highlighted by the V-Motion grille and a sleek, floating roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, in particular, added a touch of sophistication with its blacked-out elements and sporty enhancements. Inside, the Altima offered a more refined experience with high-quality materials and comfortable Zero Gravity seats. While the base trims were more modest, higher trims provided a premium feel. The Altima's design and interior quality positioned it as a strong contender in the midsize sedan market, appealing to those seeking a balance of style and comfort.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains 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, making them the most fuel-efficient options. The R/T variant stepped up with a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye impressed with a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, generating a staggering 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to offer a connected driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient. The Charger provided a smooth automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive available on select models.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, while not as performance-oriented as the Charger, offered a competent driving experience with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The standard all-wheel drive was a notable feature for a midsize sedan, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Although acceleration was modest, the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and Active Ride Control. The Altima's performance was more about delivering a smooth and composed ride rather than outright speed, making it a suitable choice for daily commuting and family trips.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a spacious four-door sedan, balanced performance with practicality. It offered ample rear-seat space and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat to expand the trunk's capacity. The interior, while functional, showed its age with dated technology and materials. The steering wheel was well-designed, with easy-to-use controls, but the paddle shifters could be cumbersome during spirited driving. Overall, the Charger provided average cargo space compared to other large sedans.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, designed as a midsize sedan, offered comfortable seating for four adults, with a fifth seat suitable for short distances. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 437-litre trunk providing decent storage. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, though rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima's interior was well-suited for family use and daily commuting.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch screen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system limited its tech appeal. The Charger offered a range of available features, but some functions were buried in menus, and the latest Uconnect version was not yet available.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a more comprehensive tech package, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system on higher trims. The advanced drive-assist display provided convenient access to various functions, while available features like ProPilot Assist and the Around View Monitor enhanced safety and convenience. The Altima's tech suite worked seamlessly, offering a modern and user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist and electronic stability control. Optional safety packages included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated the structurally similar 2020 model with mostly "Good" crashworthiness ratings but "Poor" for headlights.

The 2022 Nissan Altima excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Altima's comprehensive safety suite and high ratings made it a standout choice for safety-conscious buyers.