2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Dodge Charger had been running on the same platform since 2005, which originated from an older Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Despite its age, Dodge managed to keep the Charger impressive with significant updates in 2011 and a heavy facelift in 2015. The 2015 design, which carried over to the 2022 model, was modern and menacing, contrasting with the throwback muscle-car styling of its Challenger counterpart. However, the interior, which had not seen major updates since 2015, looked dated by modern standards, with thick bezels and chunky buttons giving it a small-truck feel. Despite this, the cabin was user-friendly and easy to navigate.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, six years after the eighth-generation model debuted, had styling that was either finally accepted or overshadowed by the new Reservoir Blue paint and Nightshade Edition’s matte-bronze 19-inch wheels. The Nightshade Edition, available only with SE trim, featured black-trimmed headlights and taillights, a TRD mesh grille, black side mirror caps, a black rear spoiler, and black badges. The interior, however, had not seen significant updates and was criticized for its cheap-looking plastic and tinny-sounding doors. Despite these drawbacks, the Camry Hybrid was priced competitively, starting at just over $29,000, with the test car costing $32,983 with optional features.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in base form, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in AWD trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Scat Pack came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak models boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, with the Hellcat producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft, the Redeye 797 hp and 707 lb-ft, and the Jailbreak 807 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat variants offered incredible acceleration, with the Hellcat and Redeye reaching 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. The Widebody setup improved handling and traction, making the Charger a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing a combined 208 horsepower. The hybrid system simulated a CVT to send power to the front wheels, with six programmed ratios to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid offered Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport driving modes, with Auto Glide Control in Eco mode to save gas. However, the test car averaged only 33.4 mpg, far below the EPA rating of 46 mpg. Despite this, the hybrid system provided quick acceleration from a stop, and the regenerative braking system offered better-than-expected brake pedal feel. The Hybrid SE Nightshade had sport suspension tuning, delivering predictable handling and good grip, though the stability control was sensitive in S-curves.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, did not always feel large due to its high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered plenty of legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger’s storage space was less accommodating than newer models, with a smaller center console bin and trays around the shifter. The trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger’s sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk made it versatile.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid was crafted with durable materials and had a straightforward control layout. Most versions featured dual-zone automatic climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. The test car had eight-way power-adjustable front seats for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger, with comfortable seating for longer drives. The Camry’s low ground clearance was mitigated by height-adjustable front seats. The rear seats were less roomy than competitors like the Honda Accord, and the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Camry offered good storage space, though most areas were unlined, causing items to rattle. The trunk space was 15.1 cubic feet, smaller than the Accord, but could accommodate full-size suitcases on their sides.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The system featured a dock area with large icons for major functions. An 8.4-inch version was optional on the base SXT and standard on higher trims, offering larger icons and the same user-friendly layout. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger’s blend of technology and conventional controls was effective.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both with smartphone connectivity, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 9-inch system included a connected navigation system and a 9-speaker JBL premium sound system. Both systems were Amazon Alexa compatible and included SiriusXM satellite radio and several connected service plans with trial subscriptions. The test car had the 7-inch touchscreen, which was basic but functional, with physical knobs and buttons for easy control. Additional tech included an available 7-inch driver information center and a 10-inch head-up display, though the test car lacked these features.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in terms of safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors as standard. The backup camera displayed a grainy image on the Uconnect screen. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid came standard with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and Intersection Support. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, TSS 2.5 lacked refinement, with adaptive cruise control braking too dramatically and lane-keeping systems struggling with lane changes. The Camry received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated IIHS side-impact crash test.