2023 Toyota Prius 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 last heavily facelifted in 2015. This design choice set it apart from its muscle-car-styled counterpart, the Dodge Challenger. 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 Toyota Prius underwent a complete makeover, finally embracing a sleek and futuristic design that appealed to a broader audience. The new Prius was longer, lower, and wider, with wheels pushed to the corners for improved handling. Inside, the Prius offered a solid and well-finished cabin, with a pair of screens for the driver and a dashboard-mounted infotainment system. While the interior prioritized function over form, it remained a comfortable space for occupants. The Prius's redesign aimed to balance efficiency with an appealing aesthetic, responding to the growing competition from electric and hybrid vehicles.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 292 horsepower in the base SXT and 300 horsepower in the GT trim. 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, producing 717 horsepower, with the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushing output to 797 and 807 horsepower, 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 Widebody setup enhanced handling and traction, making it a formidable performance machine.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivering 196 total horsepower in all-wheel drive models. This was a significant improvement over the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius's fuel economy was impressive, with ratings of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 4.7 on the highway. The new Prius felt more athletic and responsive, with improved acceleration and handling. While not a sporty car, it provided a comfortable and engaging driving experience, with minimal road and wind noise.

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. 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 offered sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it versatile.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its larger exterior, had a slightly smaller interior than its predecessor. Headroom was reduced due to the sloping roofline, but legroom increased, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Limited trim featured a fixed glass roof, enhancing the cabin's openness. Cargo space was 575 litres, with some underfloor storage. The cabin included thoughtful touches like multiple cupholders, a wireless charging pocket, and USB-C ports. However, rear visibility was somewhat compromised by the loss of the split rear window.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens supported 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 Toyota Prius offered an 8-inch touchscreen on XLE models, with a 12.3-inch screen standard on the Limited trim. The larger screen was responsive and intuitive, though the navigation system required a subscription. All models had a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, which was somewhat cluttered. The Limited trim included wireless charging, an 8-speaker JBL audio system, and a digital rearview mirror. Subscription-based connectivity bundles offered additional features like remote access and cloud navigation.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. 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 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-departure alerts. The Proactive Driving Assist feature impressed with its minimal intrusion. The Prius also included stability control, traction control, and eight airbags. The Limited trim offered hands-free automatic parking. The IIHS rated the Prius as a Top Safety Pick+, though the NHTSA had not yet issued a rating.