2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the brand's commitment to elegance and athleticism. Its design was a blend of dynamic motion and refined elegance, with a fast roofline and a distinctive kick-up at the window base, giving it a sporty and compact appearance. The signature spindle grille and narrow headlights added to its assertive look, while the flawless paint, chrome, and panel gaps were typical of Lexus's high standards. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with its bold and modern exterior. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the otherwise contemporary design.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its aging platform, maintained a modern and menacing exterior. The design updates from 2015 carried over, giving it a more contemporary look compared to its Challenger counterpart. Inside, the Charger's cabin felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of a small truck. However, it compensated for its lack of modernity with user-friendly features. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants, each with distinct features and power levels.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, boasted a 311 hp V6. The IS offered a top speed of 143 mph, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 hp. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the R/T Scat Pack had a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat variants boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, with the Redeye and Jailbreak models pushing up to 807 hp. The Hellcat's 0-60 mph time was an impressive 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph. The Charger offered an eight-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with AWD available for V6 models.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on driver-centered design, with adjustable seating and supportive seats, especially in the F Sport trim. The IS featured NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, ample storage options, and a second row comfortable for two passengers. Trunk space was 10.8 cubic feet, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare tire.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered plenty of legroom but limited headroom, especially in the rear. Storage space was less accommodating, with smaller center console bins and door trays. The Charger provided 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, though accessing it required maneuvering due to the small trunk lid and high rear bumper. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered sports-car performance with practicality.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus' connected services. It included a three-year trial for Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription for Service Connect. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch version. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons for easy navigation.

The 2021 Lexus IS came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, though it hadn't been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, highlighting its age in terms of safety technology.