2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of being a segment-defining vehicle, with its history of dramatic redesigns every decade. The 10th-generation Civic, introduced in 2016, was no exception, offering a bold design that polarized opinions. Despite its age, the Civic remained a popular choice, available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats. The 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and the temporary hiatus of the sporty Civic Si. The Civic sedan, available in various trims, offered a spacious interior akin to a midsize car from a decade ago, with a starting price of $21,250. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, provided a stylish yet sometimes divisive appearance. Inside, the Civic's cabin featured quality materials and thoughtful design, though the infotainment system's 7-inch screen showed its age.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, impressed with its ability to evolve over the years. The Charger underwent significant updates in 2011 and 2015, resulting in a modern and menacing design. While the exterior received attention, the interior lagged behind, with a cabin that felt dated compared to modern standards. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the V6-powered SXT and GT to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants. The Hellcat Widebody, with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivered exhilarating performance and a well-rounded driving experience. Despite its age, the Charger remained a versatile option, combining sports-car performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 174 horsepower. The latter, available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, provided a spirited driving experience with 162 lb-ft of torque. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and precise steering made it enjoyable to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from the experience, with its droning nature and ineffective paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a test loop.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 300 horsepower in the GT trim. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 horsepower. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8, delivered an astonishing 717 horsepower, while the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed the limits further with 797 and 807 horsepower, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Hellcat's Widebody setup enhanced handling and traction. The Charger excelled in acceleration, with the Hellcat reaching 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan featured a low seating position, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the Civic offered a comfortable cabin with quality materials. The driver's seat provided eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, though lacking rear air conditioning vents. The Civic's center console offered ample storage space, and the trunk provided 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered a more intimate experience due to its high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided ample legroom, though headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's storage options were less accommodating compared to modern sedans, with a smaller center console bin and trays. The trunk offered 16.5 cubic feet of space, though its design made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, making it a versatile choice.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology showed its age, with the base LX trim offering a 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim included navigation and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Civic's voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was a nice addition, though the eight-speaker setup sufficed for most needs.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The 8.4-inch version, standard on most trims, offered larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology struck a balance between modern features and conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also featured LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

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, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. While the Charger's safety offerings were limited compared to modern standards, these optional features provided some level of modern safety technology.