2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of segment-defining models that Honda introduced every decade or so. With its 10th-generation design, the Civic sedan offered a mix of love-it-or-hate-it styling that had become familiar on North American roads. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a striking appearance, though opinions varied depending on the angle and lighting. Inside, the Civic's cabin, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing, though the 7-inch infotainment screen seemed small by modern standards.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years. The 2015 facelift gave it a modern and menacing look, while the interior, though dated, offered ease of use with its chunky buttons and dials. The Charger came in various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models with supercharged V8 engines. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine, offering a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engine and wide tires.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower. The latter, standard on the Touring trim, provided a spirited driving experience with its 162 lb-ft of torque available from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering made it a joy to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch alloy wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning nature and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a test loop.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, offered a range of powerful engines. The base SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with up to 300 horsepower, while the R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower. The Scat Pack 392 took performance up a notch with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 producing 485 horsepower. The Hellcat variants, including the Redeye and Jailbreak, boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 with outputs ranging from 717 to 807 horsepower. The Hellcat's acceleration was breathtaking, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h. The Widebody setup, with its 11-inch-wide tires, enhanced the Charger's handling and cornering capabilities, making it a formidable performance sedan.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, offered a spacious interior comparable to a decade-old midsize car. The front seats provided comfort with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, with excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. The centre console offered ample storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, felt more intimate due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. While legroom was ample in both rows, headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's storage options were less accommodating than modern sedans, with a smaller centre console bin and limited door storage. The trunk offered 467 litres of space, though its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger's combination of sports-car performance and practicality made it a versatile choice.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology showed its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with a 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the premium sound system was a nice addition, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and digital assistance.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The 8.4-inch version, standard on higher trims, offered larger icons for easier use. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's blend of technology and conventional controls provided a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, available from the EX trim, had limitations, such as only monitoring the right side and requiring drivers to reference the infotainment screen. Despite these drawbacks, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger received a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test but earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.