2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2022 Dodge Charger had been running on the same platform since 2005, which originated from an older Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Despite its age, Dodge managed to keep the Charger impressive with significant updates in 2011 and a heavy facelift in 2015. The 2015 design, which carried over to the 2022 model, was modern and menacing, contrasting with the throwback muscle-car styling of its Challenger counterpart. However, the interior felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky buttons, giving it a small-truck feel. Despite this, the cabin was user-friendly and straightforward.

The Charger offered various trims, starting with the SXT, which came with a V6 engine, power-adjustable front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The GT trim added a sport-tuned suspension and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The R/T trim introduced a V8 engine, while the R/T Scat Pack featured a larger V8 and high-performance components. The Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak trims boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, with the Hellcat Widebody offering enhanced performance and handling. The Charger was versatile, providing sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk.

The 2023 Acura Integra, with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines, seamlessly fit into Acura's lineup alongside the TLX sedan and RDX and MDX crossovers. Replacing the ILX compact sedan, the Integra featured a five-door liftback design, a callback to the third-generation Integra. The new Integra had a wide track and long wheelbase, giving it a solid, planted look despite its compact proportions.

Acura offered the Integra in three trims: base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Technology. The base model had 17-inch alloy wheels, while the A-Spec trim featured 18-inch Shark Gray wheels. The Integra's rear end was distinctive with a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and large taillights. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity. The dashboard layout was logical, and the HVAC controls had a satisfying feel. The A-Spec with Technology trim included a 9-inch color touchscreen, a thin steering wheel, and excellent exterior visibility, though rearward visibility was limited. The microsuede upholstery in the A-Spec trims provided good support but lacked breathability.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The V6 in the SXT AWD and GT trims delivered 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. The R/T Scat Pack had a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, produced 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat Redeye and SRT Jailbreak models offered even more power, with the Redeye at 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque, and the Jailbreak at 807 hp.

All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard across the board. The V6-powered SXT and GT trims were also available with all-wheel drive. The Hellcat drivetrain provided incredible acceleration, with the Hellcat and Redeye models sprinting from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. The Hellcat Widebody, with its 11-inch-wide Pirelli P-Zero tires, improved handling and cornering precision. The SRT Performance Pages menu allowed drivers to toggle between Auto, Sport, Track, and Custom drive modes, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The A-Spec with Technology trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, while lower trims came with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The manual transmission featured automatic rev-matching technology, making downshifting smooth and easy. The Integra's brakes and suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, with a wide track and long wheelbase enhancing its handling capabilities.

The Integra's variable-ratio electric power-steering system adjusted the steering feel based on wheel position, offering a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra also featured three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—plus an individual mode, with Sport mode stiffening the adaptive dampers and adding weight to the steering feel.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, didn't always feel large 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 provided sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it versatile.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design highlighted its practicality, offering 24.3 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading and unloading heavy or bulky items difficult. The front seats had a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, and a decently sized center console cubby. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the steeply sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were soft, providing comfort for passengers.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The base SXT trim had an optional 8.4-inch version, standard on higher trims. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced car, the Charger's blend of technology and conventional controls provided a user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. The Technology package upgraded the 7-inch color touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, added a head-up display, and enabled wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The A-Spec with Technology trim also included a wireless charging pad, additional USB ports, and the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in terms of safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors as standard. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, offering automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, a rear-seat reminder, hill-start assist, and automatic brake hold as standard. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Integra five out of five stars overall in its crash tests.