2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, a status it had maintained since the mid-1990s. Despite minimal changes for the 2022 model year, the Camry Hybrid surprised with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end featured a sneering face and muscular features, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Camry Hybrid boasted a wild dashboard with a sweeping curve, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a spacious second row, ensuring comfort for all passengers. Toyota's high level of fit and finish was evident throughout, with quality materials and precise construction.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, offered a more modern and menacing exterior design, especially since its 2015 facelift. However, the interior felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of older models. Despite this, the Charger provided ease of use with its straightforward layout. The various trims, from the base SXT to the high-performance Hellcat, offered a range of features, including power-adjustable seats, premium audio systems, and advanced infotainment options. The Charger’s interior, while not cutting-edge, was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for efficiency rather than speed, with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors producing a combined 208 horsepower. It excelled in fuel economy, achieving ratings of 4.9 L/100 km in the city and 4.8 on the highway for the LE model. The hybrid system, paired with an electronically controlled CVT, provided a smooth driving experience, although the EV mode was challenging to maintain. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, aided by a low centre of gravity due to the battery placement, making it feel agile compared to taller vehicles.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, was all about power. The base SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat variants took performance to another level, with the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 delivering up to 807 horsepower in the Jailbreak model. The Charger’s performance was exhilarating, with the Hellcat achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The Widebody setup enhanced handling, making the Charger a formidable performance machine.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a comfortable and versatile interior, with a reasonable driving position and ample headroom. The front seats provided various storage options, while the second row was spacious and easy to access. The Camry Hybrid's trunk space remained at 428 litres, thanks to the low-mounted battery pack, and the foldable rear seats allowed for additional cargo capacity. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with the hybrid battery covered for 10 years or 240,000 kilometres.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large sedan status, felt intimate due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. While legroom was ample, headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's trunk offered 467 litres of space, but its design made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger’s combination of sports-car performance and practicality made it a versatile choice for those seeking both speed and utility.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model, featuring nine speakers and sophisticated audio processing. All models came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with touchscreen sizes varying by trim. The Camry Hybrid also offered a smart key system, push-button start, and a range of optional features like a head-up display and bird’s-eye view camera, enhancing its luxury and tech appeal.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The standard 7-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to an 8.4-inch version, offering larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated, providing a balance between modern features and traditional controls.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also included 10 airbags and a blind-spot monitor on all but the base model. The Camry Hybrid received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.

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, 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.