2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. This engine produced 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, channelled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 500 F Sport Performance was a blend of emotional thrill and daily driving comfort, offering a satisfying experience for driving enthusiasts. Despite its premium price, it delivered a balance of performance and luxury, with subtle exterior styling changes and a high-quality interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, offered a more modern and menacing design since its 2015 facelift. While the exterior was updated, the interior felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls. The Charger was available in various trims, from the V6-powered SXT to the supercharged V8 Hellcat variants. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine, offering a thrilling driving experience with its supercharged engine and wide tires for better power delivery and cornering precision.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. The IS 500 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, providing a thrilling driving experience with its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 300 horsepower in the SXT AWD and GT trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivered 717 horsepower, while the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed power to 797 and 807 horsepower, respectively. The Hellcat could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. The Widebody setup improved handling and power delivery, making the Charger a formidable performance sedan.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a comfortable interior with effective climate control and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent support and a driver-focused position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, but storage space was limited due to the touchpad controller. The trunk offered just 305 litres of space, making it less practical for larger items. However, the control layout was intuitive, with clear markings and a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large sedan status, felt intimate due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. Storage space was less accommodating, with smaller centre console bins and trays. The Charger offered 467 litres of trunk space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading larger items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger provided sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, enhancing its versatility.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system, solving previous ergonomic issues. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The dynamic voice command system was impressive, accurately handling queries and commands.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running 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 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 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The IS earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star frontal-impact rating.

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 rating from the NHTSA.