2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, evolved from its sub-compact origins in 1982 to a compact four-door sedan by 2000. It showcased an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. The Sentra offered six vibrant paint colours, with SR trims featuring two-tone options. Its design included a bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches, enhancing its agile appearance. Inside, the Sentra boasted a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastics, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The second row was spacious, though best for two passengers, and the trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, impressed with its modern and menacing design. Despite its dated cabin, it offered ease of use with thick bezels and chunky controls. The Charger came in various trims, from the V6-powered SXT to the high-performance Hellcat variants. The Hellcat Widebody, introduced in 2020, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine. It featured a supercharged V8 engine, SRT-tuned suspension, and Brembo brakes, delivering a thrilling driving experience. The Charger balanced sports-car performance with practicality, offering a spacious interior and usable trunk.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, and manual transmission options in Canada. Weighing between 1,349 to 1,411 kilograms, the Sentra delivered adequate performance for city driving. Fuel consumption was efficient, with figures of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for S and SV models. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners, making it enjoyable to drive despite its modest power.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines. The SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-litre V6, producing up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat variants, with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, delivered up to 807 horsepower in the Jailbreak model. All engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard. The Hellcat's acceleration was remarkable, reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and the Widebody setup improved handling and traction.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with a traditional gear selector, open cupholders, and ample storage. It featured USB ports and a 12-volt outlet, though connections were exposed. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long drives, with heated seats standard. The SR Premium grade offered power-adjustable seats and a moonroof, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt intimate due to its high centre console and performance seats. It offered generous legroom but limited headroom, especially in the rear. The trunk provided 467 litres of space, though access was challenging. The Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, making it versatile for everyday use.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra included a basic audio system with four speakers, upgraded to six in higher trims. The SR Premium offered a Bose system with eight speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the S and an 8-inch in SV and SR. Navigation was not available, but smartphone integration compensated for this.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, with an 8.4-inch version available. The system was user-friendly, with large icons for easy navigation. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology blended well with traditional controls, offering a balanced user experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with comprehensive safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It offered driver assistance features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star NHTSA rating but scored marginally in IIHS tests.