2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Nissan Altima

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 shared its platform with the Dodge Challenger coupe and Chrysler 300 sedan, originally derived from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. While the exterior updates gave it a contemporary look, the interior felt dated with its thick bezels and chunky controls, reminiscent of a small truck. However, the cabin's ease of use compensated for its lack of modernity. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants, each adding unique features and performance upgrades.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, a staple in the midsize sedan segment since 1993, evolved significantly over the years. By 2022, it featured a sporty design with a low, wide stance and a distinctive V-Motion grille. Available in three trims in Canada—SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum—the Altima offered a sleek appearance, especially with the SR Midnight Edition's blacked-out elements. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, providing a premium feel. However, the quality of materials varied across trims, with higher trims offering more luxurious finishes. The Altima's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish yet practical sedan.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine in the SXT AWD and GT trims delivered slightly more power at 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, generating 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack 392 featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed the limits further, with the Redeye delivering 797 hp and the Jailbreak reaching 807 hp. All engines were paired with a Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the Altima lacked the performance of the Charger's V8 engines, it offered standard all-wheel drive, a rarity in the midsize sedan segment. The Altima's powertrain was complemented by Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided smooth and efficient power delivery. However, acceleration was modest, and the engine noise was noticeable during spirited driving. Despite this, the Altima impressed with its composed ride and quiet cabin, thanks to features like Active Ride Control. The Altima's performance was more about comfort and refinement than outright speed.

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

The 2022 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, provided comfortable seating for four adults, with the option to accommodate five for short distances. The back seat was easily accessible, and the controls were user-friendly. The Altima's trunk offered 437 litres of space, smaller than some competitors but larger than others. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, neither the largest nor the smallest. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima was a competent and practical choice for daily commuting and family use.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims offered an 8.4-inch version of the Uconnect screen, providing larger icons for easier use. While not the most advanced in terms of technology, the Charger's infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, serving as a benchmark for other systems.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims added navigation, remote engine start with intelligent climate control, and a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system. The Altima also offered advanced technologies like traffic sign recognition, an Around View Monitor, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which provided assistance with acceleration, steering, and braking. The Altima's tech features worked seamlessly, enhancing the driving experience.

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

The 2022 Nissan Altima excelled in safety, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. The Altima's crash avoidance and mitigation features were highly rated, making it a safe choice for families.