2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid presented a refreshed look with subtle updates, including a new all-wheel-drive option for most trims and a slight power increase. Its exterior design was more appealing than previous generations, featuring a sculpted front end with wraparound headlights and a sporty trapezoidal grille. However, the side and rear designs remained conventional. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid offered a minimalistic design with an abundance of hard plastics, which detracted from the overall quality. The XSE trim attempted to elevate the interior with SofTex synthetic leather, but it still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. The Corolla Hybrid prioritized efficiency and cost-effectiveness, which was evident in its design and materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger maintained its bold and distinct appearance, largely unchanged since its 2015 update. The Charger stood out with its vibrant colour options and aggressive styling, especially in the Scat Pack with the widebody kit. This version featured flared fenders, large hood scoops, and deep-dish bronze wheels, giving it a commanding presence. The interior, however, felt dated, with a design reminiscent of 2011. Despite this, the Charger offered a familiar and straightforward layout with easy-to-use controls. The Swinger trim added unique touches like green stitching and badges, but overall, the interior lacked the premium feel found in some competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over its predecessor, with an additional 13 hp and 10 lb-ft. The Corolla Hybrid featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, with an optional 40-hp electric motor providing on-demand all-wheel drive. While the hybrid powertrain offered quick initial acceleration, it took around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h, making it slower than gas-powered sedans. The Corolla Hybrid's handling was adequate, but it wasn't designed for spirited driving. Road noise and engine drone were noticeable, and the ride could be harsh over larger bumps.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 producing up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and was the only option with all-wheel drive. However, the Charger truly shone with its V8 engines. The R/T model 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 a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, producing up to 807 hp in the Redeye Jailbreak version. The Charger excelled in handling, offering good grip and steering precision, although it was best to avoid aggressive cornering due to its size. Braking was exceptional, especially in the Scat Pack Widebody trims.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid provided ample space for front occupants, although taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The cabin felt spacious due to large windows and excellent visibility. The seats, while breathable, could be uncomfortable on long drives due to noticeable springs. Interior storage was adequate, with a small tray, cupholders, and narrow door pockets. Rear seats offered enough space for average adults, but headroom was limited. The trunk had a capacity of 371 litres, which was competitive for its class, although the rear seats didn't fold flat.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt cramped inside. Headroom was sufficient for the author's 5-foot-11 frame, but the footwells were tight, and rear legroom was compromised by the transmission tunnel. The trunk, however, was spacious at 470 litres. The Charger's controls were straightforward and easy to use, with large buttons and switches for climate and audio systems. The touchscreen integrated additional features without requiring deep menu navigation, making the Charger familiar and user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came with an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, upgraded for 2023 with on-screen controls replacing physical buttons. The system was responsive and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice commands could be activated with "Hey Toyota," allowing control over navigation, audio, and climate settings. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current, and it could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. However, the JBL audio system available in the U.S. was not offered in Canada.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system and advanced driver-assistance features. Its 8.4-inch touchscreen was small but offered fast and logical menu navigation. The Charger included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of various performance settings, including throttle, steering, and transmission. The Charger also featured launch control and line lock for drag racing, with real-time performance data accessible through the touchscreen.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS had not published specific results for the Corolla Hybrid, but the standard 2022 Corolla sedan received top scores and was named a Top Safety Pick+. The Corolla Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. It scored four stars in frontal and side barrier tests for the driver and five stars for rear passengers. The IIHS ratings were based on the 2015 Chrysler 300, which shared the same chassis. The Charger lacked standard advanced safety features, with options like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.