2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Toyota Camry

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 on the road, characterized by its widebody styling and aggressive stance. The model offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to paint colours, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles. However, the interior, while improved over the years, still lacked the premium feel expected in higher-priced models, with a mix of hard plastics and utilitarian features reminiscent of other Stellantis products.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD variant, broke away from its traditionally conservative image with a bold design and eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint. The Camry TRD featured an aerodynamic body kit and sporty accents, making it stand out among its peers. Inside, the Camry offered a unique dashboard layout and driver-focused centre console, though some elements, like the red gauge illumination, were less appealing. Despite its sporty aspirations, the Camry TRD's interior space was somewhat limited, with a fixed rear seatback and a smaller trunk compared to competitors. However, it compensated with ample in-cabin storage and comfortable seating.

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, were equipped with 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 Charger R/T 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 Charger offered a connected driving experience, with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The TRD variant promised track-tuned dynamics, featuring enhanced torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension components, and larger brakes. While the Camry TRD excelled in performance for its price, it lacked the option for all-wheel drive, making it prone to front-wheel slip. Nevertheless, the Camry TRD provided a solid and planted feel, with a communicative suspension and excellent brake modulation, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger 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 in technology, 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 during spirited driving. The Charger's trunk space was average for its class, but the overall interior space made it a viable option for families.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, while not the roomiest midsize sedan, accommodated two adults comfortably in the back seat. However, the TRD's fixed rear seatback limited cargo flexibility, offering a 428-litre trunk, smaller than some competitors. Despite this, the Camry provided generous in-cabin storage, with a large centre armrest bin and ample stash space throughout the vehicle. The front seats, though lacking additional bolstering, offered power height adjustment and a sporty driving position, contributing to overall comfort.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with a basic set of standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Buyers could upgrade to an 8.4-inch touchscreen and premium audio systems, though the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from the overall tech experience. The system was user-friendly but had some functions buried in menus, and the latest version of Uconnect was not yet available on the Charger.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth and satellite radio. Higher trims, like the TRD, received a 9-inch display with additional subscription services and a JBL premium audio system. While the Camry lacked dynamic connected navigation, it offered voice assistant integration through smartphone connectivity. Other Camry models had options for a head-up display and surround-view monitoring, but these were not available on the TRD.

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 packages added advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the Charger had "Poor" ratings for headlights from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Camry excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Every Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and more. The Camry TRD included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. While some lane-keeping features could be overly insistent, the Camry's safety technology provided comprehensive protection.