2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

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, while improved over the years, still lacked the premium feel expected at higher price points, with a mix of hard plastics and basic technology features.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a modern and sleek exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The Sentra's interior was a highlight, offering a simple yet functional layout with an upscale touch, thanks to its central touchscreen and well-designed controls. Available in vibrant colours, the Sentra's design language was a significant upgrade from its predecessors. The model offered three trims, each adding more features and technology, culminating in the SR trim with sporty enhancements and special edition packages like the Midnight Edition.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base models, SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing up to 300 horsepower, while the R/T variant boasted a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 hp. The Scat Pack models upped the ante with a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 delivering 485 hp. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, housed a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, churning out an impressive 797 hp. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to offer a controlled driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient. The Charger provided a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, while not a performance powerhouse, offered a consistent driving experience with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower. Available with a six-speed manual or a CVT, the Sentra catered to different driving preferences. The CVT provided smooth power delivery, and the Sentra's steering and cornering were commendable for a non-performance-focused car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making the Sentra a reliable choice for daily commuting and occasional road trips.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a spacious four-door sedan, balanced performance with practicality. It offered a roomy back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat to expand the trunk space. The interior, though dated in technology, provided easy-to-read displays and a functional steering wheel with accessible controls. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though they could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra excelled in interior space, offering 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. The Sentra's trunk, while not flush, was easily accessible via remote opening. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with convenient storage solutions like in-door trays and cupholders. The Sentra's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, making it a strong contender in the compact sedan segment.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to an 8.4-inch screen and premium audio systems. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a user-friendly infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to an 8-inch screen on higher trims. While the system lacked wireless connectivity options, it provided easy navigation with hard buttons and dials. The Sentra's technology package was straightforward and effective, though it could benefit from updated graphics and wireless features.

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 2022 Nissan Sentra boasted a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, earning a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. The Sentra's adaptive cruise control, while effective, could be abrupt in braking, but its overall safety performance was commendable.