2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Lexus IS

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 subtle differences between models, the Charger maintained a consistent design, appealing to the "brotherhood of muscle" with its widebody options and distinctive Hellcat badging. The car's exterior featured a variety of tire, wheel, brake, and color options, with halogen projector headlights and optional high-intensity discharge lights. However, the decade-old design made it challenging to distinguish newer models from older ones.

Inside, the Charger had seen updates over the years, but it still lacked in comfort and convenience features. The fit and finish improved, yet the gauge cluster and climate controls revealed the car's age. Hard plastic and rubberized surfaces were prevalent, and while cloth seats were standard, higher trims offered Nappa leather. The availability of heated and ventilated seats varied by trim, and the overall interior quality was more utilitarian than luxurious, especially for models priced over $70,000.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, reminiscent of the original 2008 IS F, featured a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered a thrilling driving experience. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and stability at high speeds. Despite its added weight, the car's performance remained impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.

The IS 500's interior was snug yet comfortable, with bolstered front seats and adequate rear seating for average-height adults. The climate control system effectively maintained a cool cabin in hot conditions, and the seat ventilation system was efficient. However, the car's storage space was limited, with a small 10.8 cubic foot trunk and a touchpad controller occupying valuable center console space. The control layout was excellent, with clear buttons and knobs, making the infotainment system easy to use.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different preferences. The base models, SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T model upgraded to a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, delivering 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, producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

The SRT Hellcat models took performance to the next level with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The standard Hellcat engine generated 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the Hellcat Redeye's high-output version produced an astounding 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its immense power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to be both manageable and responsive, though it was the least fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 12 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. All Charger models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option available.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivered 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The car's eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and limited-slip differential ensured smooth power delivery. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a balanced ride, while upgraded brakes and improved cooling handled high-performance driving. The car's driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowed for customizable performance settings.

Despite its added weight, the IS 500 maintained a 56:44 weight distribution, slightly altering its handling compared to the IS 350. The car's acceleration was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. However, the IS 500's fuel efficiency was lacking, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing, below the EPA's combined rating of 20 mpg.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. Its spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations made it a viable family car. The instrument cluster varied by model, with speedometers ranging from 140 mph to 220 mph. The steering wheel featured 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 average for its class.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug and supportive, while the rear seats accommodated average-height adults. Rear air conditioning vents were included, but there was no smartphone charging for rear passengers. Storage space was limited, with a small 10.8 cubic foot trunk and a touchpad controller occupying the center console. The control layout was user-friendly, with clear buttons and knobs, and the touchscreen infotainment system was easy to use.

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. Optional features included a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, upgraded audio systems, HD Radio, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly but had some buried functions, and the latest version was not yet available on the Charger.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a touchscreen infotainment display, solving previous ergonomic issues. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries accurately. The car also included connected services related to safety and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 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. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlights.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS 500 received the highest overall rating of "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the car's low-speed automatic braking technology could be aggravating in heavy city traffic.