2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Dodge Charger had a long history, running on a platform dating back to 2005, shared with the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300. Despite its age, Dodge managed to keep the Charger fresh with significant updates in 2011 and a major facelift in 2015. The 2015 design, which carried over to the 2022 model, was modern and menacing, contrasting with the retro muscle-car styling of the Challenger. However, the interior of the Charger felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky buttons, reminiscent of a small truck. Despite this, the cabin was user-friendly and straightforward.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, evolved significantly since its 1993 debut. By the sixth generation, it featured a sharp, sporty look with Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a sloped "floating" roofline. The Altima's interior was comfortable and well-laid-out, with high-quality materials giving it a premium feel, especially in higher trims. The Midnight Edition package added a sporty edge with gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, enhancing the Altima's already appealing design.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the SXT and GT models. The V6 in the SXT AWD and GT trims was slightly more powerful, delivering 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim featured 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 SRT Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak models took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, producing 717 hp, 797 hp, and 807 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat variants, especially the Widebody, offered incredible acceleration and handling, making them true performance machines.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter unit producing 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was only available on the SR trim with FWD. Both engines were mated to Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The VC-Turbo engine, with its variable compression ratio, offered a balance of performance and efficiency. However, the base engine's performance was underwhelming, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. Despite this, the Altima provided a smooth and composed ride, thanks to its excellent suspension and Active Ride Control.

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 seats. The Charger had 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger’s sports-car performance combined with four doors and a usable trunk made it versatile.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four (five for short distances), with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions were average among midsize sedans, with a 15.4 cubic feet trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid, requiring careful packing.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. Higher trims came with an 8.4-inch screen, offering larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger’s technology was well-integrated and easy to use.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's base S trim had a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch touchscreen with basic connectivity features. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The advanced drive-assist display and available ProPilot Assist system added convenience and safety. Active noise cancellation and an Around View Monitor were also available, enhancing the Altima's tech offerings.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2022 Nissan Altima excelled in safety, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims added Safety Shield 360, including rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.