2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Subaru WRX presented a more refined and streamlined appearance compared to its predecessor. While it maintained the signature hood scoop, the front end was subtle, featuring a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. The side profile was less cluttered, with black plastic cladding that improved aerodynamics and paid homage to the car's rally heritage. The rear showcased dramatic fender flares and a large plastic bumper, with taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. Despite the smoother look, the cladding could be distracting, especially on bright colours like Solar Orange. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with sporty elements like a flat-bottom steering wheel and carbon-fibre-pattern trim, making it feel more modern.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger retained much of its design from 2015, with a sleek nose and sharp LED taillights. Despite its age, the Charger stood out with its bold and vibrant exterior colours, making it look modern compared to other sedans like the Accord and Camry. The Swinger variant featured a widebody kit with flared fenders, large hood scoop, and bronze wheels, giving it a muscular stance. The interior, however, felt dated, with a small touchscreen and plasticky controls reminiscent of an earlier era. While the Nappa leather and Alcantara seats added some luxury, the overall feel was basic, with green stitching and retro decals adding a touch of nostalgia.

The 2022 Subaru WRX was equipped with a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the power increase was minimal compared to the previous model, the WRX's all-wheel-drive system and six-speed manual transmission provided a satisfying driving experience. The manual transmission was precise, with a satisfying clutch pedal, making it a popular choice among buyers. The WRX's suspension, built on the Subaru Global Platform, offered improved ride quality and reduced body roll, making it agile on challenging roads. However, the CVT option, with its faster shift points, was not available for testing due to supply issues.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 300 horsepower. However, the real excitement lay in the V8 models. The Charger R/T featured a 5.7-litre V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat models took performance to another level, with the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 delivering up to 807 hp in the Redeye Jailbreak variant. The Charger's handling was impressive for its size, with good grip and precise steering, although it required careful control in corners. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth and efficient, contributing to the Charger's overall performance appeal.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with its 354-litre cargo capacity, enhanced by a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in various materials depending on the trim. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive made it a compelling choice for those seeking a performance-focused sedan in the $30,000 to $40,000 range.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt cramped inside. The front offered adequate headroom, but the rear was tight, with limited legroom and headroom. The trunk, however, was spacious at 470 litres. The Charger's controls were straightforward, with large buttons and switches for climate and audio, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in Sport trims and above, offering a visually impressive interface. While physical controls for essential functions were present, the system's integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was less seamless. The base trim had a unique dual-screen setup, and an optional Harman Kardon stereo was available for audiophiles.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system and advanced driver-assistance features. Its 8.4-inch touchscreen was small but functional, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed for extensive customization of performance settings, making it a tech-savvy choice for enthusiasts.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Manual models lacked EyeSight but included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform enhanced crash safety, with seven airbags as standard.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. However, it lacked standard advanced safety features, with options like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on select models, and the backup camera was standard but of low quality.