2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and tailored appearance compared to its predecessor, drawing design cues from the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was more conservative, appealing to those who found the previous model's styling too bold. The interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a unique metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, contributing to a refined cabin atmosphere. The Civic's exterior and interior updates reflected a shift towards a more grown-up aesthetic, appealing to a broader audience.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger maintained its aggressive and modern design, a carryover from its 2015 facelift. Despite its age, the Charger's platform, originating from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, continued to impress with its menacing presence. The interior, however, felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of older models. While not the most cutting-edge, the Charger's cabin prioritized ease of use over modernity. The performance-oriented trims, such as the Hellcat, added to the Charger's appeal, offering a blend of muscle-car styling and practicality.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The base 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine delivered 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine in the Touring trim was the standout, producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency, with a broad torque range enhancing its responsiveness. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVT), featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was agile and enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning contributing to a quieter and more refined ride.

The 2022 Dodge Charger boasted a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in the base SXT trim. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack 392 offered a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivering 717 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed power even further, with the Redeye producing 797 horsepower and the Jailbreak reaching 807 horsepower. All engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's Widebody setup improved handling and traction, making it a formidable performance machine.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The power driver's seat allowed for optimal positioning, while the rear seats provided ample legroom, though headroom was limited. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging for some, but the back seat's thigh support and reclined backrest angle added to passenger comfort. The interior featured a new centre console with accessible cupholders and a smaller storage bin. Trunk space was generous at 419 litres, though the Touring trim's premium sound system reduced it to 408 litres.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered a spacious interior with performance bucket seats providing an intimate driving experience. Both rows had ample legroom, but headroom was limited, particularly in the rear. The Charger's storage options were less accommodating than modern sedans, with a smaller centre console bin and limited door storage. The trunk offered 467 litres of space, though its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger's combination of sports-car performance and practicality made it a versatile choice.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured advanced digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel for greater customization and driving data. The Vehicle Activity display was a standout feature, providing visual cues for headlight and signal status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system's voice recognition technology and user-friendly interface marked a significant improvement over previous models.

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

The 2022 Honda Civic excelled in safety with the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sensors improved the system's accuracy and refinement. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system, standard in Canada, and added rear cross-traffic alert in the Touring trim. The Civic's stronger vehicle architecture and new airbag designs enhanced collision protection, while a rear-seat reminder system added convenience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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.