2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a decade into its seventh generation, continued to captivate buyers with its array of variants, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite the subtle differences between models, Dodge's "brotherhood of muscle" ethos was evident, with options like widebody styling and distinctive Hellcat badging. The 2021 model offered a range of tire, wheel, brake, and exterior color options, with halogen projector headlights standard and HID projector lights optional. The interior, though updated over the years, still lacked some modern comfort and convenience features, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, showcased a more modern and menacing design since its 2015 facelift. While the exterior updates were notable, the cabin felt dated with thick bezels and chunky buttons. The 2022 model offered trims like SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak, each with varying levels of performance and features. The Hellcat Widebody, introduced in 2020, became a standout for its well-rounded performance. Despite its dated cabin, the Charger remained user-friendly, with a focus on ease of use over cutting-edge technology.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different needs. The SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, making them the most fuel-efficient options. The R/T trim boasted a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models had a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 produced 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, and the SRT Hellcat Redeye topped the lineup with 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on select trims.

The 2022 Dodge Charger continued to impress with its performance lineup. The SXT and GT models used a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in base form, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque in AWD trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, while the R/T Scat Pack had a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 delivered 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, with the Redeye and Jailbreak models pushing the limits to 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque, and 807 hp, respectively. The Hellcat and Redeye could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph. The Widebody setup, with 11-inch-wide Pirelli P-Zero tires, enhanced handling and cornering capabilities.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. It offered a spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations, though the technology felt dated. The instrument cluster varied by model, with speedometers ranging from 140 mph to 220 mph. The steering wheel provided easy access to in-car functions, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, which was average compared to other large cars.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, felt more intimate due to its high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger provided 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system, and smartphone integration. Optional features included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from its overall tech appeal.

The 2022 Dodge Charger improved on its predecessor with a standard 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 higher trims. Both screens featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced car on the road, the Charger’s blend of technology and conventional controls provided a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlights.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The backup camera displayed a grainy image, highlighting the car’s aging technology.