2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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 standard halogen projector headlights and optional high-intensity discharge lights. However, the design had remained largely unchanged for a decade, making it difficult for casual observers to determine the model's age.

Inside, the Charger had seen updates over the years, but it still lacked in comfort and convenience features. The fit and finish had improved, yet the gauge cluster and climate controls revealed the car's age. The interior was characterized by hard plastic and rubberized surfaces, with cloth seats standard on most trims and Nappa leather available on higher trims. While the Charger offered heated and ventilated seats in some models, the overall interior quality did not match the higher price tags of some variants, which could exceed $70,000.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although boasting all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor. The new GTI was longer and lower, with a stable silhouette and a short wheelbase that promised nimble handling. The front end featured a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake and a signature red accent line, with optional LED light bars adding drama. Aerodynamic improvements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling.

The GTI's interior was driver-centric, with a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. The rear seats offered ample legroom, making the GTI a practical choice for families. The cargo space measured 19.9 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though it fell short of some competitors like the Hyundai Veloster N.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different preferences. The SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, providing a 1,000-pound towing capacity. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

The SRT Hellcat variant came with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat Redeye featured a high-output version of the same engine, delivering an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Redeye managed to offer a manageable driving experience, whether on the track or in everyday traffic. However, its fuel efficiency was the lowest among the Charger models, with an EPA-estimated 12 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The engine, an updated version of the EA888, featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management. The GTI's torque peak at 1,750 rpm made it a joy to drive on curving roads. The power was sent to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) with paddle shifters.

The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly improving with the automatic transmission. The Mk8 GTI benefited from a retuned suspension, with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed for customization, and the electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential worked with the electronic stability control to reduce understeer. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced speed and power with practicality. The spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations made it a viable family car. The instrument cluster varied by model, with different speedometer versions based on the car's top speed. The steering wheel was functional, with easy-to-reach buttons and paddle shifters on all but the base model. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, which was average compared to other large cars.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its performance and practicality, offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. The rear seats provided ample legroom, making the GTI suitable for families. The cargo space, while practical, was less than some competitors.

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 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge displays and ambient lighting profiles. The driver information display spanned 10.25 inches and was standard on all trims. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation on the SE and Autobahn trims. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard, with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system on higher trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, including remote access, emergency assistance, WiFi capability, map updates, natural language controls, and online radio.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received mostly "Good" ratings and "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 Volkswagen Golf GTI came with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like Travel Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with the Autobahn trim offering Park Assist for automatic parking. The 2022 GTI had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.