2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its design was characterized by thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The TLX was notably wider than its competitors, such as the BMW 3 Series, and featured a longer body with a low-slung hood. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX offered a snug yet impressively detailed cabin, with high-quality materials and a Scandinavian-inspired design in upper trims. The Type S models featured faux-suede inserts and red stitching, adding a touch of daring style.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger maintained a more modern and menacing design, despite its platform dating back to 2005. The exterior updates from 2015 gave it a contemporary look, while the interior, though functional, appeared dated compared to newer models. The Charger offered a range of trims, each with distinct features, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants with supercharged V8 engines. The cabin, while not cutting-edge, was user-friendly, with chunky buttons and dials. The Charger’s design focused on performance, with features like sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes in higher trims, making it a versatile option for those seeking both power and practicality.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, with a focus on track performance. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided consistent grip and balanced handling. While the regular TLX offered a comfortable ride, the Type S added a sporty edge without sacrificing comfort. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with city and highway ratings of 12.3 and 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack 392 featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Hellcat and Redeye variants boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivering 717 and 797 horsepower, respectively, with the Jailbreak pushing it to 807 horsepower. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's Widebody setup improved handling and traction, making it a formidable performance machine. The Charger excelled in acceleration, with the Hellcat reaching 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, and offered customizable drive modes for varied driving experiences.

Inside, the 2022 Acura TLX felt compact despite its large exterior. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats provided comfort with adjustable features. The infotainment system used a unique touchpad interface, requiring some acclimation, and the trunk space was modest at 382 litres. The TLX's design prioritized driving dynamics, with a low driving position and well-marked controls.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, though a large sedan, felt intimate due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. Storage space was less accommodating compared to modern sedans, with a smaller centre console bin and trays. The Charger offered 467 litres of trunk space, though accessing it required maneuvering due to the high rear bumper. Despite these limitations, the Charger provided sports-car performance with practicality, making it a versatile choice.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. A head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim, while features like heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera were offered on higher trims. The ELS Studio premium audio system was available on select trims, providing excellent sound quality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features under AcuraWatch.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons and a similar layout. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was user-friendly, blending conventional controls with modern features.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard safety equipment like knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

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.