2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, part of the eighth generation introduced in 2020, maintained its bold and aggressive styling into the 2021 model year. It stood out in the hybrid midsize sedan market, even among competitors like the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. While the Accord Hybrid offered a more upscale feel and better acceleration, the Sonata Hybrid's unique design, including a matte gray paint scheme and aerodynamic features, made it a head-turner. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid's cabin was more conventional, featuring soft-touch surfaces and a modern haptic bezel surrounding the vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making long trips enjoyable for both front and rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, showcased a modern and menacing exterior design that had been updated in 2015. Despite its dated cabin, which featured thick bezels and chunky buttons, the Charger offered ease of use and a small-truck feel. The Charger came in various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models with supercharged V8 engines. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine, offering incredible acceleration and handling. The Charger's interior, while not the most spacious, provided a sporty and intimate experience, with performance bucket seats and a high center console.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim included a solar panel roof, adding about two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid pickup, with quick acceleration and responsive handling. It featured multiple drive modes, including Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the brakes provided solid stopping power with a refined pedal feel.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 horsepower in the base SXT trim and 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 Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Hellcat models featured a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, delivering 717 horsepower, with the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushing power to 797 and 807 horsepower, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's acceleration was breathtaking, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. The Widebody setup improved handling and allowed for more precise cornering.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, comparable to the conventionally-powered Sonata and larger than the Camry Hybrid. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. However, the sloping roofline made rear entry slightly challenging. The front passengers enjoyed cargo pockets and a center console, while the wireless charging pad was conveniently located in the center stack.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, felt more intimate due to its high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered plenty of legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, but 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 everyday use.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The touchscreen layout was intuitive, and the Limited trim included a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, though the HUD's adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 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, offering larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology blended well with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view parking monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

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, and more. However, the backup camera displayed a grainy image, highlighting the Charger's aging technology.