2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its roots tracing back to a platform from 2005, presented a modern and menacing exterior design that was last heavily facelifted in 2015. This full-size sedan, sharing its platform with the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300, offered a blend of muscle-car heritage and contemporary styling. Inside, the Charger's cabin felt somewhat dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of a small truck. However, its straightforward layout ensured ease of use, compensating for its lack of cutting-edge design. The Charger was available in various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants, each offering a unique blend of features and power.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, maintained its artistic design, though its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback styling were not universally appealing. The Mazda3 Turbo, in particular, was noted for its stealthy appearance, lacking flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the Mazda3 offered a refined and sophisticated cabin with polished metallic finishes, creating an upscale atmosphere. The driver-centric design included an eight-way power-adjustable seat and heated front seats, with controls that were generally user-friendly. However, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the hatchback's cargo space, while adequate, was limited in shape and size.

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 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a slight increase in the AWD versions. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, delivering 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack 392 took performance up a notch with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat variants, including the Redeye and Jailbreak, featured a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, with outputs ranging from 717 hp to an astonishing 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, reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a more modest performance range, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the GX sedan, producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy over speed. The more popular 2.5-litre non-turbo engine delivered 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with FWD standard and AWD optional. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available with AWD, offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. Despite its lower power compared to the Charger, the Mazda3 Turbo provided a smooth and engaging driving experience, with nimble handling and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, indicating a need for improvement.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered ample legroom in both rows, though headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The high centre console and performance bucket seats created an intimate driving experience. Storage space was less accommodating, with smaller bins and trays compared to modern sedans. The trunk provided 467 litres of space, but its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger's combination of sports-car performance and four-door practicality made it versatile.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, sitting low to the ground, was challenging to enter and exit, with small door openings. Once inside, the front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The driver-centric design included padded armrests and well-placed controls, though the infotainment system was less intuitive. The back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, lacking rear air vents and USB ports. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded, while the sedan's trunk held 374 litres.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a user-friendly 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, with a simple layout that prioritized ease of use. While not the most advanced system, the Charger's blend of technology and conventional controls provided a balanced user experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard, with controls on the centre console. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, focusing on reducing driver distraction. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system detracted from the experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered alternatives, while Mazda Connected Services provided remote access features. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available.

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

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GT trim added adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.