2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its long-standing platform dating back to 2005, managed to maintain a modern and menacing exterior design, especially after its significant facelift in 2015. While the exterior updates kept it fresh, the interior lagged behind with a dated look, characterized by thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of a small truck. However, the cabin's straightforward layout ensured ease of use, 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 2023 Chrysler 300, which drew inspiration from the Bentley Arnage upon its 2005 debut, retained its elegant and stately appearance over the years. Despite its age, the 300's styling remained appealing, with blacked-out appearances and large wheels enhancing its presence. The final production year offered trims like the Touring, Touring L, 300S, and the limited 300C, each with varying engine options. While the exterior promised luxury, the interior quality fell short, with carbon-fibre trim and premium leather in the 300C, but otherwise reflecting its age and price.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with slight increases in the AWD versions. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat variants took performance to supercar levels, with the supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 producing 717 hp in the standard Hellcat, 797 hp in the Redeye, and 807 hp in the Jailbreak. 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 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h, aided by the Widebody setup for improved handling.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the performance of the discontinued 300 SRT, featuring a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup enabled a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 257 km/h. The 300C included an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, with driving modes to tailor the experience. While the 300C offered a thrilling drive, it required careful throttle application to maintain grip, especially in Sport or Track mode. The car's Germanic ride and handling, reminiscent of older AMG-tuned Mercedes models, added to its unconventional fun, though at the cost of cabin noise and fuel economy, averaging 13.4 L/100 km.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered ample legroom in both rows, though headroom was limited, particularly in the rear. The high centre console and performance seats created an intimate driver experience. Storage space was less accommodating, with a smaller centre console bin and limited door storage. The trunk provided 467 litres of space, though its small lid and high bumper made loading challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, offering a usable trunk and four doors.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, while technically a full-size car, felt spacious only in the front seats, which featured premium Laguna leather, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats were less comfortable, with tight legroom and a slouched seating position. Storage was limited, lacking modern conveniences like a smartphone slot or wireless charging. The trunk, accessible via remote keyless entry, offered 461 litres of space with enclosed lid hinges to protect belongings. Despite its age, the 300 provided some conveniences like heated and cooled front cupholders, though a heated steering wheel was absent.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was optional on the base trim and standard on others, offering larger icons for easier use. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology balanced modern features with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 used a previous-generation Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Guardian services. Despite dated graphics, the system was easy to navigate, with stereo volume and tuning knobs below the screen and on the steering wheel. The 300C included an SRT Dashboard for performance settings and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While lacking a surround-view camera, the 300 offered front and rear parking sensors and a speed warning feature, though visibility was limited.

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 five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but scored a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered limited standard safety features, with most available through the optional SafetyTec Plus Group. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The lane-keeping assist system was useful, though the adaptive cruise control was less sophisticated. The 300 scored well in NHTSA tests but received a Marginal rating in the IIHS moderate-overlap frontal-impact test, with Poor headlight performance.