2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

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 the Charger looking fresh, the interior lagged behind with its dated design, characterized by thick bezels and chunky controls. However, this older style offered a user-friendly experience, compensating for its lack of modern aesthetics. 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 power and features.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a more contemporary and stylish design, though its exterior styling was somewhat polarizing. The interior of the Elantra Luxury model, with its light grey leather and high-tech displays, provided a sophisticated and upscale feel, despite some hard plastic elements. The Elantra offered a range of trims, including the sporty N Line and the performance-oriented Elantra N, catering to a wide audience with prices ranging from $20,449 to $39,299. The Elantra's cabin was well-equipped with modern technology, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance of style and practicality.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with the 3.6-litre V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The pinnacle of performance was the supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 in the Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak models, with outputs ranging from 717 to 807 horsepower. The Charger featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's Widebody setup enhanced handling and traction, making it a formidable performance machine.

In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a powerhouse, the Elantra Luxury offered peppy performance and impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 7.1 L/100 km during testing. For those seeking more excitement, the N Line and Elantra N trims provided sportier driving dynamics with more powerful engines and advanced suspension setups. The Elantra's handling was composed and predictable, offering a comfortable ride for everyday driving.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large sedan status, offered a somewhat intimate driving experience 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 trunk offered 467 litres of space, though its design made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger excelled in providing sports-car performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra, on the other hand, prioritized practicality without sacrificing style. The Elantra's interior was spacious, accommodating a family of four comfortably. The Luxury model featured a leather-wrapped driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat passengers faced a slouched seating position and lacked air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to an 8.4-inch version on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, providing a straightforward and intuitive interface. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated with conventional controls, offering a balanced user experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, available on higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad. However, only Bluetooth supported wireless connectivity, requiring a USB connection for smartphone integration. The Elantra's voice recognition system had mixed results, and the Bose audio system fell short of expectations compared to rivals. The Elantra also featured Digital Key technology, transforming a compatible smartphone into a vehicle key.

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, and adaptive cruise control. 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 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive package of standard features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Luxury added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra's driving aids were smooth and subtle, enhancing driver confidence. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.