Nissan Maxima vs Dodge Charger

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a design precedent for other Nissan models with its distinctive "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. These styling cues were later adopted by smaller models like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima stood out with its bold design, featuring a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim on the SR grade.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, shared its underpinnings with the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300. Despite its age, the Charger impressed with a major update in 2011 and a significant facelift in 2015, resulting in a modern and menacing design. While the exterior received updates, the interior felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls. However, the Charger compensated for this with ease of use. The 2022 lineup included trims like SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack 392, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak, each offering varying levels of performance and features.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima delivered a satisfying driving experience with its quick acceleration and impressive V6 engine sound. The CVT was responsive, enhancing the driving experience. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima offered a sporty design and a comfortable ride, especially during highway cruising.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 to 300 horsepower. 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. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive was standard. The Hellcat variants offered exhilarating acceleration, with the Widebody setup enhancing cornering precision.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima provided ample space for the driver and front passenger, but rear-seat passengers experienced limited headroom and legroom. The seats were positioned inboard, affecting the sense of spaciousness. Despite this, the Maxima offered excellent visibility and comfortable "Zero Gravity" front seats with power adjustments. However, the Maxima's cargo space was limited to 405 litres, making it less practical compared to hatchback competitors.

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

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system were standard. However, the infotainment system's graphics and icons were dated, and notification sounds were jarring. While analog controls were available, the touchscreen experience was less than ideal.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was optional on the base SXT and standard on other trims. Both screens offered 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 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, including an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A 360-degree camera system was available on higher trims, enhancing safety.

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 five-star overall rating from NHTSA but scored a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test.