2021 Dodge Challenger vs 2022 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2021 Dodge Challenger, even in its base SXT trim with plain 18-inch alloys, exuded a cool, retro vibe. Its large, squared-off fenders, round headlights, and twin hood scoops gave it a stocky and thick appearance, making it stand out among modern two-door coupes. The interior, unchanged since the 2015 refresh, was decent but not particularly impressive, with analog gauges and a standard central display that provided a nostalgic touch.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette aimed for a more exotic look, with styling cues reminiscent of a Ferrari. Its mid-engine layout, side air intakes, and tapered body gave it a sleek and exciting appearance. The Corvette's interior was unique, featuring a square steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a dashboard layout that separated the driver and passenger with a spine-like structure. The convertible version added a retractable hardtop, enhancing its appeal for open-air driving.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger offered a wide range of engine options, from a mediocre V6 in the SXT and GT trims to the monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Hellcat models. The Hellcat Redeye Widebody, with 797 horsepower, could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 203 mph. The Challenger's performance features included line lock, launch control, and adaptive dampers, making it a versatile and powerful sports car. However, the V6 models lacked excitement and were more suited for highway cruising.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, with its mid-engine layout, offered a 6.2-liter V8 producing up to 495 horsepower with the optional performance exhaust system. The Corvette's 0 to 60 mph time was an impressive 2.9 seconds, and it handled remarkably well, with precise steering and a playful chassis. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension made it a comfortable daily driver. The Corvette's performance was not just about speed; it was also about delivering a fun and approachable driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger boasted a spacious trunk with 16 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing many sedans and its competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. While technically a five-seater, the back seat was best deleted for more cargo space. The interior offered comfortable seats with various material options and a user-friendly UConnect infotainment system. However, the side mirrors were small, requiring careful lane changes and parking.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, despite being a two-seater, provided 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space across its front and rear trunks. The rear trunk could hold a set of golf clubs, while the front trunk accommodated an airline carry-on bag. The Corvette's driver-centric cockpit featured a square steering wheel, an easy-to-reach touchscreen, and an arched center console for convenient control access. Rear visibility was limited, but large mirrors and optional camera systems helped mitigate this issue. The optional GT2 bucket seats offered a balance of bolstering and comfort, making long drives enjoyable.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the 8.4-inch screen was a better choice. The Performance Pages app provided real-time performance data, and the UConnect system allowed for custom driving modes. Optional features included an Alpine audio system, power steering column, and various driver assists like adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and analog controls for climate and audio. The Performance Data Recorder captured dashcam video and track data, while the front-end lift system prevented bodywork scraping. The Corvette's technology package was comprehensive and well-integrated.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but struggled with the IIHS's tougher standards. It received "good" ratings in only two of six tests and had a "poor" rating for body structure in a frontal crash. Available safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, but these features were not available on the base 1LT trim. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review, as sports cars like the Corvette are not a priority for these organizations.