2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its wide array 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 signature Hellcat badging. The exterior offered a range of customization options, from wheel sizes to paint colours with evocative names like Hellraisin and Frostbite. However, the interior, while improved over the years, still lacked the premium feel expected in higher-priced models, with a prevalence of hard plastics and basic technology features.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX presented a more subtle exterior design, with a wider stance and signature hood scoop. The new model featured aerodynamic enhancements like textured cladding and air outlets, nodding to its rally heritage. The rear design was more streamlined, with distinctive taillights and quad tailpipes. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with sport seats and modern touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel and carbon-fibre-pattern trim. The interior upgrades made the WRX feel more contemporary, aligning it with Subaru's newer models.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque in the SXT and GT models. The R/T variant featured 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. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, housed a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, generating an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye was the least fuel-efficient, with a combined consumption of 15.6 L/100 km. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models, though its automatic transmission was noted for clunky downshifts.

The 2022 Subaru WRX introduced a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a slight increase over the previous model. While the power improvement was minimal, the WRX's all-wheel-drive system and choice of a six-speed manual or CVT transmission provided versatility. The manual transmission was praised for its precision and ease of use, while the CVT offered faster shift points. The WRX's suspension, enhanced by the Subaru Global Platform, delivered a forgiving ride quality, even on rough roads. However, the WRX's performance felt slightly underwhelming compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door sedan, balanced performance with practicality, offering a spacious back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The interior, though dated, featured a functional steering wheel with easy-to-reach controls. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though their placement could lead to accidental gear changes. The Charger's cargo space was average for its class, making it a viable option for families seeking a powerful yet practical vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru WRX excelled in practicality, with a cargo capacity increase to 354 litres and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The sport seats provided comfort and support, with various upholstery options across trims. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and comfortable interior made it a suitable choice for daily commuting, offering a balance of performance and practicality in the $30,000 to $40,000 range.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and dual-zone 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 the overall tech experience, with some functions buried in menus.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, particularly in Sport trims and above, featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen, offering a modern and visually impressive interface. Physical controls for essential functions complemented the touchscreen, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration had limitations. The base trim's dual 7-inch displays provided a less elegant solution. An optional 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system was available, enhancing the audio 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. However, the lack of IIHS crash test results for the 2021 model left some safety aspects unverified.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual models lacked EyeSight due to potential stalling issues. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash energy absorption, and seven airbags were standard.