2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the brand's commitment to elegance and athleticism. Its design was a harmonious blend of sleek lines and a dynamic stance, giving the impression of motion even when stationary. The fast roofline and the distinctive kick-up of the window base added a sporty flair, while the signature spindle grille and narrow headlights provided an assertive front-end look. Inside, the IS offered a modern aesthetic with a simple yet bold dashboard design. The interior was characterized by high-quality materials and a retro hi-fi feel, although the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the modernity.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its aging platform, maintained a menacing and modern exterior design. The Charger had undergone significant updates over the years, with the 2015 facelift bringing a more contemporary look. However, the interior lagged behind, with a dated cabin that featured thick bezels and chunky controls. Despite this, the Charger offered ease of use and practicality. The various trims, from the SXT to the Jailbreak, provided a range of performance options, with the Hellcat Widebody standing out as a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan market, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AWD variant had a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350, available in AWD, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS boasted a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat variants, including the Redeye and Jailbreak, were equipped with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivering between 717 and 807 horsepower. The Hellcat's top speed was 315 km/h, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. The Charger featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat Widebody's Pirelli P-Zero tires and wider track enhanced its performance capabilities.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with an adjustable seating position and supportive seats, especially in the F Sport trim. The interior featured NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, offering a leather-like feel without the maintenance. Storage options were ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered generous legroom in both rows, though headroom was restricted. The high centre console and performance bucket seats created an intimate driving experience. Storage space was limited compared to modern sedans, but the Charger provided a substantial 467-litre trunk. Despite the small trunk lid, the Charger balanced sports-car performance with practicality.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus's connected services. The system included a three-year trial of Lexus Enform Safety Connect and an eight-year subscription to Service Connect. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout feature, offering exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured the Uconnect infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8.4-inch version. Both screens supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a straightforward layout and conventional controls.

The 2021 Lexus IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional 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 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.