2022 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Apex Edition further amplified these peculiar design aspects. For those seeking a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to better fuel efficiency, sharing its powertrain with the Toyota Prius. The Corolla SE and XSE, priced between $22,590 and $28,950, were the sportier versions, featuring a more powerful engine and different transmissions. The XSE's interior was a significant improvement over previous models, with high-quality materials and a minimalist design, although practical storage was somewhat lacking.

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 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. Despite its age, the Charger's cabin provided a comfortable experience, with performance bucket seats and ample legroom. However, headroom was limited, and storage space was not as generous as in newer models. The Charger offered 467 litres of trunk space, but its high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger provided sports-car performance with the practicality of a sedan.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. The XSE's CVT was one of the best examples of its kind, using a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The XSE demonstrated predictable handling characteristics, making it a competent compact car. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 7.6 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque in the SXT AWD and GT trims. 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 and Redeye models took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, producing 717 hp and 797 hp, respectively. The Jailbreak model pushed the power to 807 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat's acceleration was remarkable, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h. The Widebody setup improved handling, allowing the Charger to take corners with precision.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous upgrades over the SE, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the rear seats provided good support. However, headroom and legroom were tight, and the climate control lacked rear vents. The Corolla sedan's trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, with no handle on the inside of the trunk lid.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, felt intimate due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. Storage space was not as generous as in newer models, with a smaller centre console bin and trays. The Charger provided 467 litres of trunk space, but the high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered sports-car performance with the practicality of a sedan.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. The SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE added Service Connect and Safety Connect. Remote Connect was free for a year, offering features like remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The base SXT and higher trims offered an 8.4-inch version with larger icons. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated with conventional controls, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla impressed with its standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The addition of rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert enhanced its safety credentials.

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 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.