2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Dodge Charger

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 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 was available in several 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 Subaru WRX moved away from its Impreza roots, adopting a distinct design that included wide-body styling and functional hood scoops. The WRX's exterior was unmistakably performance-oriented, with a tuner aesthetic that aligned with Subaru's current design language. Inside, the WRX maintained Subaru's reputation for durability, though it lacked the Recaro seats available in other markets. The top Sport-Tech trim featured Ultrasuede upholstery and adjustable seating, while lower trims offered cloth with red stitching. The WRX's interior was practical, but it had some ergonomic flaws, such as limited space for modern smartphones.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in the SXT and GT models. 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 another level with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Redeye and Jailbreak models pushed the envelope further, with the Redeye offering 797 hp and the Jailbreak reaching 807 hp. 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 breathtaking, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, produced 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This placed it between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of power, and it offered more horsepower than the Honda Civic Si but less than the Civic Type R. The WRX featured all-wheel drive and came with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) CVT. The CVT provided quick throttle responses, though it lacked the tactile feedback of a traditional gearbox. The WRX was well-mannered, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with confidence-inspiring handling, but its driving experience was somewhat muted compared to its competitors.

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 driving experience. The Charger's trunk provided 467 litres of space, but its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger combined sports-car performance with four-door practicality, making it versatile for everyday use.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, offered practicality with slightly more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si. However, the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's trunk held 354 litres, less than the Civic Si but more than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, though Subaru did not provide cargo-space figures with the seat folded. The WRX maintained good outward visibility, thanks to low window-sill lines and thin roof pillars. However, it lacked adequate storage for modern smartphones, with limited space under the touchscreen and in the cupholders.

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 base SXT and standard on higher trims. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated with conventional controls, offering a straightforward user experience.

The 2023 Subaru WRX came with the Subaru Starlink infotainment system, featuring standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base models had dual 7-inch touchscreens, while Sport and Sport-Tech trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen was appreciated for its readability, though physical buttons and knobs were missed. The interface was generally intuitive, but SiriusXM satellite radio required multiple steps to operate, and loading times were slow. The top Sport-Tech trim included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

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 Subaru WRX offered Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology with the CVT, adding adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, and more. Other available features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.