2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Acura TLX

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 design choice set it apart from its Challenger coupe counterpart, which leaned more into retro muscle-car aesthetics. Inside, the Charger's cabin felt somewhat dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of a small truck. However, this design offered ease of use, compensating for its lack of modernity. The Charger came 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 power and features.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, stood out with its sporty and eye-catching design, inspired by a concept vehicle that introduced a new design language to the brand. The TLX's long, low, and lean profile gave it a rear-wheel-drive look, though it was built on a front-wheel-drive platform. This dramatic styling, while visually appealing, compromised rear-seat headroom and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but its control layout required some relearning, potentially causing distractions. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, was the most expensive version, offering a blend of performance and luxury.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The GT trim saw a slight increase to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. 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 a Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's performance was particularly impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h.

The 2023 Acura TLX, on the other hand, offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in most versions, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive in Canada. The TLX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The Type S also included performance enhancements such as adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts. The TLX Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. While the TLX Type S offered a thrilling driving experience, its brake-by-wire system occasionally caused a disconnect between driver inputs and braking response.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, sometimes felt smaller due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's storage options were less accommodating compared to newer models, with a smaller centre console bin and limited door storage. The trunk offered 467 litres of space, but its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger's combination of sports-car performance and four-door practicality made it versatile.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The front seats were 16-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, providing excellent comfort. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 382 litres of cargo, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model. Despite its stylish design, the TLX's interior space was compromised by its dramatic exterior styling.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons and easier navigation. 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 straightforward user experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad and buttons on the centre console. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the display screen proved distracting, and the system occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered limited standard safety features, with only a backup camera and rear parking sensors included. 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 2023 Acura TLX came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.