2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Nissan Altima presented a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, which varied between chrome and dark chrome depending on the trim level. Its overall shape was sleek and aerodynamic, thanks to a sloping roofline that gave it a "coupe-like" appearance. The body featured more folds than curves, contributing to a taut and trim essence. Despite a somewhat old-fashioned look due to its stance, modern features like LED lighting and a range of wheel options kept it contemporary. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, with an 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for optimal safety and convenience. As one moved up the trim levels, the interior materials improved, offering a more luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years. Its exterior design, updated in 2015, was modern and menacing, while the cabin, though dated, offered ease of use with its thick bezels and chunky controls. The Charger came in various trims, each offering different performance levels, from the V6-powered SXT and GT to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models. The interior, while not the most cutting-edge, was functional, with a focus on performance-oriented features. The Charger provided a more intimate experience from the front seats, with performance bucket seats and a high center console, while offering ample legroom in both rows.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a choice between two powertrains. Most configurations featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The fuel economy was impressive, with ratings of 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for FWD models. The standout option was the VC-Turbo engine, exclusive to the Altima SR VC-Turbo trim. This turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivered 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, offering a more engaging driving experience. Despite its power, it maintained respectable fuel efficiency, rated at 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in the base SXT trim. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, delivering 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, with the Redeye and Jailbreak models pushing power even further to 797 hp and 807 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat variants offered exhilarating acceleration, with the Widebody setup enhancing handling and performance.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. The front cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, center console bin, and door pockets. The second row was spacious enough for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for added versatility. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, making it practical for everyday use.

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, though headroom was limited, especially in the rear. Storage space was less accommodating compared to modern sedans, with smaller bins and trays. The trunk offered 16.5 cubic feet of space, though its design made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger’s combination of sports-car performance and practicality made it a versatile choice.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came equipped with a range of standard tech features, including Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, and Bluetooth connectivity. Most models featured an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a Bose audio system and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. The VC-Turbo model included Active Noise Cancellation for a quieter cabin experience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen as standard, with an 8.4-inch version available on higher trims. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with large icons for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup. While not the most advanced in terms of technology, the Charger’s blend of conventional controls and infotainment features provided a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assist features standard on SV trims and above. This included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist was available for enhanced highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged behind in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors as standard. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The lack of standard advanced safety features highlighted the Charger's aging platform.