2022 Toyota Camry vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Toyota Camry turned heads in a way previous models never did. The striking Cavalry Blue paint exclusive to the performance-tuned TRD model grabbed the attention of even younger onlookers, which was a first for this usually conservative sedan. The paint was one of the few changes for 2022, along with standard heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control for most trims. The TRD variant also featured a unique aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and an aggressive rear spoiler. This bold and sporty design was a departure from the Camry’s historically subdued appearance.

Inside, the Camry opted for an unusual dashboard layout and a driver-oriented center console. The TRD model included some less-than-ideal features like red gauge illumination and tacky red seatbelts. Despite its sporty exterior, the Camry’s attempt at a striking interior was not entirely successful.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger's design remained largely unchanged from its 2015 facelift, retaining its sleek nose and sharp LED taillights. While the base model appeared somewhat plain, the R/T Scatpack with the widebody kit stood out with flared fenders housing 305-mm-wide tires on 20-inch wheels. The overall look, especially in F8 Green paint with bronze wheels, gave the Charger a distinct and aggressive appearance, although some of the retro-themed decals like the "Swinger" badges were seen as hokey.

The Charger's interior felt dated, featuring analog gauges and a small touchscreen that seemed out of place in modern cars. Despite having Nappa leather and Alcantara seats, the quality felt basic, and the interior space was notably cramped for a large sedan.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The TRD model delivered a sporty driving experience with features like paddle shifters and a Sport mode. Torsional rigidity was enhanced with thicker underbody braces, and the suspension was reworked for better performance. Despite its sporty disposition, the TRD managed a respectable fuel economy of 24.8 mpg in combined driving. The V6 engine provided smooth and quick acceleration, making the Camry TRD feel both solid and secure on the road.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered multiple engine options, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 at 292 or 300 horsepower, though this was generally not favored due to its underwhelming performance. The more popular choices were the Hemi V8 engines: a 5.7-liter with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.4-liter V8 in the R/T Scatpack delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger also featured the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat engine, boasting up to 807 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque in the Redeye Jailbreak model. The Charger’s handling was surprisingly poised, with good front-end grip and exceptional braking thanks to Brembo calipers on the higher trims.

The interior of the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured front seats with red accents, stitching, and TRD logos but lacked extra bolstering. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, aided by the car’s sporty driving position and effective body roll management. The rear seats, while not exceptionally roomy, could accommodate two adults comfortably. However, the TRD sacrificed a 60/40-split folding back seat for improved structural rigidity, limiting the trunk to 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space—small for its class. Ample in-cabin storage somewhat alleviated this drawback.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, though a large car, felt surprisingly tight inside. Headroom was adequate unless a sunroof was added, but both front and rear legroom were compromised by the transmission tunnel, and rear headroom was poor. The Charger’s trunk was more generous at 16.5 cubic feet, which was one of its few interior advantages. The car’s controls were straightforward and user-friendly, a refreshing change in a market driven by touchscreens and digital interfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while small, was functional and included physical buttons and knobs. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM were standard, with the option to upgrade to a 9-inch display and a JBL premium audio system. Missing from the TRD were advanced navigation and voice recognition technologies, though connected smartphone features provided a workaround for most users.

In comparison, the 2023 Dodge Charger stuck with an 8.4-inch touchscreen that, despite its modest size, offered a responsive and logical interface. The system included wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. Unique to the Charger were its extensive performance customization options accessible through the touchscreen, allowing drivers to tweak throttle response, steering, and more. These features were particularly useful for high-performance driving but less so for day-to-day usability.

The 2022 Toyota Camry excelled in safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and more. The Camry received top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring robust protection for passengers. The system's lane-keeping assist and departure warnings could be overly cautious, but these features contributed to a comprehensive safety package.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, had fewer standard safety assists, with most advanced features offered as options. The NHTSA awarded the Charger four out of five stars in overall ratings, indicating solid but not top-tier safety performance. The IIHS ratings, based on the similarly constructed Chrysler 300, were generally good, though some aspects did not directly translate to the Charger.