2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Audi A4

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation since 2011, continued to captivate buyers with its diverse range of variants, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite the numerous models, the Charger maintained a consistent exterior design, giving it a recognizable yet somewhat dated appearance. The widebody format, available on select models, added an athletic flair, especially with the new-for-2021 functional performance hood. The Charger offered a variety of tire, wheel, brake, and exterior color options, enhancing its customizable appeal. However, the interior, while improved over the years, still lacked the premium feel expected in higher-priced models, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces. Cloth seats were standard, with Nappa leather available only on the highest trims, and the technology, though updated, still showed signs of the car's age.

In contrast, the 2022 Audi A4 presented a more refined and conservative aesthetic. The test car, a Prestige 45 TFSI model, featured Tango Red paint, the Black Optic Plus package, and 19-inch wheels, creating a visually striking appearance. Inside, the A4's black interior was complemented by aluminum trim, gloss black décor, and metallic accents, avoiding a cave-like feel. The high-quality materials, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient lighting added to the premium experience. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed like an afterthought rather than an integrated design element. Overall, the A4's interior exuded a sense of modernity and sophistication, contrasting sharply with the Charger's more utilitarian approach.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat variant came with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, offering 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, featured a high-output version of the same engine, producing an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Redeye managed to deliver a manageable driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 12 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for SRT models, enhancing its appeal to performance enthusiasts.

The 2022 Audi A4, while not as powerful as the Charger, provided a balanced and refined driving experience. The base 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This powertrain achieved an EPA rating of 29 mpg combined and accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, tested for this review, offered 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a lowered sport suspension. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and had an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. The A4's driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual, allowed for a customizable driving experience. The A4's handling was impressive, with outstanding tire grip and effective braking, even in challenging conditions. The steering, while not exceptional, was adequate, and the overall driving experience was joyful and refined.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality, making it a viable family car. The spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations were highlights, though the technology and instrument cluster showed signs of aging. The steering wheel was functional, with easy-to-reach buttons, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, which was about average for its class.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, posed some challenges for entry and exit, with small door openings and a snug cabin. However, once inside, the A4 offered exceptional comfort in the front seats, with soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion. The three-zone automatic climate control system was easy to use, and the overall layout was intuitive. The back seat, while supportive and heated, was less spacious, making it suitable for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the center console bin housing the wireless charging pad and Audi Phone Box signal booster. The 13 cubic-foot trunk was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets, providing ample space for luggage.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including push-button start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, keyless entry, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Available upgrades included a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, HD Radio, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect infotainment system detracted from the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI), with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported common smartphone functions and provided acoustic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car also had navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a Home button for easy navigation and effective voice recognition technology. The climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, and the lack of physical controls was not an issue due to the user-friendly interface.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the structurally similar 2020 model received mostly "Good" ratings, with "Poor" marks for headlights. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Charger a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlights were available on some models.

The 2022 Audi A4, particularly the top-of-the-line Prestige model, came with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella. These included front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a safe exit warning system, a surround-view camera system, and Park Assist. The A4 also featured Matrix-design LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The driver assistance tech was effective and non-intrusive, though the adaptive cruise control had a delayed reaction in some situations. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.