2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

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 was user-friendly, compensating 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 enhancements.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over into 2022 with a sleek, modern design reminiscent of a downsized Altima. Its exterior was low-slung and coupe-like, a significant improvement over its predecessors. The Sentra's interior was a highlight, combining form and function with a simple yet upscale layout. The centrepiece was a touchscreen rising from the dash, surrounded by easy-to-use controls. The Sentra offered three trims: S, SV, and SR, each adding features like alloy wheels, premium upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems. Special editions, like the Midnight Edition, added unique styling elements to the SR trim.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the SXT and GT models. The V6 in the SXT AWD and GT trims delivered 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack 392 featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 with 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed power to 797 hp and 807 hp, respectively. 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 Widebody setup improved handling and traction, making it a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive were standard, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available. The CVT managed power well, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making the Sentra suitable for commuting and road trips.

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 driver experience. Storage space was limited, with a smaller centre console bin and trays. The Charger provided 467 litres of trunk 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 four doors and a usable trunk, enhancing its versatility.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. However, the rear bench created a ledge, complicating the loading of larger items. The trunk could be opened remotely via the key fob or a dash button. The Sentra's two rows of seating were spacious, with comfortable front seats offering ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats provided decent legroom and headroom. The Sentra's front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, with plenty of cupholders and trays in the centre console.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The system included large icons for major functions and came standard with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch version was optional on the SXT and standard on higher trims, offering larger icons for easier use. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology blended well with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims featured a larger 8-inch touchscreen. Both screen sizes offered easy menu navigation, with conventional hard buttons and volume/tuning dials. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback, especially as competitors like the Honda Civic offered these features on higher trims.

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, 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 Sentra came with a comprehensive list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and more. Additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control were available. The Sentra earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, along with a "Superior" rating for driver-assistance features, earning it a "Top Safety Pick" award.