2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Nissan Versa

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its roots tracing back to a platform from 2005, presented a modern and menacing exterior design that was heavily facelifted in 2015. This design choice set it apart from its Challenger coupe sibling, 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.

The 2023 Nissan Versa borrowed design elements from its larger siblings, the Sentra and Altima, giving it a more upscale appearance. Its sleek profile and wide stance made it look more like a traditional sedan than an economy car. The Versa received styling updates for 2023, including a new front end and wheel design, enhancing its modern look. Inside, the Versa's creative interior design featured large air vents and a dashboard that wrapped around the central touchscreen, providing character despite the economy car materials. The SR trim added sporty touches like red stitching, while the SV and SR offered additional convenience features, making the Versa feel less like a budget model.

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 base SXT trim. The GT trim increased output to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. The Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 produced 717 hp and 650 lb-ft, with the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushing power to 797 hp and 807 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with an 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 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Versa featured a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a performance car, the Versa's handling was satisfactory, with notable grip and nimbleness. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the cabin was quieter than expected for an entry-level model. The Versa felt more substantial than typical subcompact cars, offering a refined driving experience.

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 small 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 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a four-door sedan, offered 416 litres of trunk space in the base S trim and 425 litres in SV and SR trims, surpassing the Kia Rio sedan. The SV and SR trims included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Front-seat occupants enjoyed more headroom and legroom than the Kia, though rear-seat space was slightly less. The front row felt spacious, with good visibility aided by a low dashboard. Storage was limited, with a small centre console bin, but the optional wireless charging pad was conveniently placed.

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

The 2023 Nissan Versa's base S trim included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, three USB ports, and keyless entry. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on the SV and SR trims, which also added a 7-inch driver-information display and a wireless charging pad. The SR trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. Despite the tech features, the Versa's touchscreens were small, and the graphics appeared outdated. The digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication, and a charging indicator light was a practical addition.

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 2023 Nissan Versa excelled in standard driver-assist tech, with automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and high beam assist on the base S trim. The SV added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Versa received high ratings in older IIHS tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.