2022 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its appealing design, which included sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, enhancing its visual appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the L, LE, and XLE, as well as a hybrid version, providing options for those seeking fuel efficiency. The interior of the XSE trim was praised for its quality materials and minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger maintained a more modern and menacing exterior design, despite its platform dating back to 2005. The interior, however, felt dated with its thick bezels and chunky controls, lacking the sleekness of newer models. The Charger offered a variety of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants with supercharged V8 engines. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, was celebrated for its performance capabilities, combining power with improved handling. Despite its age, the Charger provided a user-friendly cabin experience, though it fell short in terms of modern interior design.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, offering a Sport driving mode and paddle shifters. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. While not a sport sedan, the Corolla XSE provided a competent and engaging driving experience, with predictable handling and decent fuel economy, averaging 31.1 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

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 horsepower. The R/T trim featured 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 Charger SRT Hellcat and Redeye variants took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, delivering 717 to 807 horsepower. The Hellcat Widebody, with its 11-inch-wide Pirelli tires, provided exceptional grip and handling, making it a well-rounded performance machine. The Charger offered various drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE featured SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat adjustment. While the front seats provided comfort and good sightlines, the rear seats were tight on headroom and legroom, lacking air conditioning vents. The Corolla sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which was average for its class.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, felt intimate due to its high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, though its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, offering a usable trunk and four doors.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with an impressive infotainment package, including an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The XSE trim added features like Service Connect and Remote Connect, along with a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen as standard, with an optional 8.4-inch version on higher trims. The Uconnect system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, with large icons for major functions. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's infotainment system offered a balanced blend of technology and conventional controls.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though new ratings were pending due to additional airbags.

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. The Charger's safety offerings were limited compared to more modern vehicles.