2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

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 with its widebody options and aggressive styling cues, such as the functional performance hood available in Satin Black. The model offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to paint colours with evocative names like Hellraisin and Frostbite. However, the interior, while improved over the years, still lagged in terms of luxury and modern conveniences, with a noticeable amount of hard plastics and utilitarian features reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla aimed to shed its reputation for blandness with bold exterior styling, including LED headlights and a wide grille. The Corolla offered different styling elements across its trims, with the SE and XSE models featuring an aggressive front fascia. The Apex Edition, with its sportier appearance, added a body kit and model-specific wheels. Inside, the Corolla's design was simple yet functional, though it suffered from some impractical elements like piano black trim that easily showed dust. The interior space was decent, but the lack of forward visibility and limited cargo space were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines 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. 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 managed to offer a surprisingly manageable driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient option.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, offered two engine choices. The L, LE, and XLE trims were powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, increasing output to 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Apex Edition shared the same engine but included a sport exhaust system for a sportier feel. While the Corolla's performance was modest compared to the Charger, the Apex Edition's suspension enhancements provided improved handling, making it more agile in corners. However, the lack of significant power upgrades limited its performance potential.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality, offering a spacious back seat and a sizeable trunk. The interior, though dated, was functional, with a straightforward instrument cluster and a well-designed steering wheel. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though they could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving. The Charger also featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, enhancing its cargo capacity.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla provided a comfortable cabin with decent headroom and legroom, though the steeply raked windshield affected forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but taller drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's cargo space, at 371 litres, was less than some competitors, though it included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The interior design, while sleek, limited storage for smaller items, with a thin centre console and shallow cupholders.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Optional upgrades included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from its tech appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system available on top trims. While the interface was user-friendly, the graphics were outdated, and the lack of wireless connectivity options was a drawback.

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 Toyota Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with eight airbags and a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims.