2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

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 among the models, Dodge's "brotherhood of muscle" ethos was evident, with options like widebody styling and distinctive Hellcat badging. The Charger’s design, largely unchanged over the past decade, maintained its muscular stance, especially with the new-for-2021 SRT Hellcat Redeye’s performance hood. However, the interior, though updated, still lacked in comfort and convenience features, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces, making it feel more utilitarian than luxurious.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition marked the end of an era with its upscale yet spacious interior. The Limited Edition, with its exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges, stood out, especially in the unique Racing Green paint. Inside, the Passat featured Mauro Brown leather upholstery and thoughtful details like special seat tags and rubber cupholder inserts. Despite its decade-old design, the Passat’s interior remained elegant, though it was marred by outdated technologies like the small 6.3-inch touchscreen and analog gauges. The cabin, however, exuded traditional European sobriety with its integrated dashboard air vents and metallic detailing.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different needs. The base models, SXT and GT, featured 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 variant boasted a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models upped the ante with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat variants, including the Hellcat Redeye, featured a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, with the Redeye pushing an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to be both track-ready and suitable for everyday driving, though it was the least fuel-efficient with an EPA-estimated 12 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, offered a more subdued driving experience with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Passat prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving an observed 30.7 mpg in combined driving. While the Passat’s engine provided adequate power for commuting and highway cruising, it lacked the immediate power needed for quick passing maneuvers. The Passat’s ride quality was generally smooth, though it could feel jittery on city streets and conveyed impacts through its older vehicle architecture. Despite these drawbacks, the Passat exhibited traditional German handling traits on twisty roads, offering a flat cornering attitude and accurate steering.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. Its spacious back seat and 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, making it a viable family car. The instrument cluster varied by model, reflecting the car’s top speed, while the steering wheel provided easy access to in-car functions. However, the interior featured a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces, and the paddle shifters could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat excelled in interior space, offering a huge cabin with ample room for five adults. The Limited Edition’s front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, though the inability to separately adjust the bottom cushion angle affected comfort. The back seat, however, was exceptionally comfortable with generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The Passat’s 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space was competitive, though it lacked underfloor trays or side bins for additional storage.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation, though the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat’s infotainment system, though not as advanced as other VW models, included standard App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The R-Line and Limited Edition trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system, which provided excellent sound quality. However, the voice recognition system was less effective for complex commands, and the small 6.3-inch screen felt outdated.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, though lacking the latest IQ Drive technology, offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited Edition added adaptive headlights and a park-assist system. The Passat received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS for crashworthiness and headlights.