2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Honda Accord

The 2022 Dodge Charger had been running on the same platform since 2005, shared with the Dodge Challenger coupe and Chrysler 300 sedan, 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 more modern and menacing compared to its muscle-car-styled counterpart, the Challenger. However, the interior, which had not seen a major update since 2015, felt dated with thick bezels and chunky buttons, reminiscent of a small truck. Despite this, the cabin was user-friendly and easy to navigate.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord received a redesign that gave it a more technical and conservative appearance, moving away from the shiny chrome and exuberant character of its predecessor. The EX trim, which we tested, featured a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered several compliments and pewter-finished wheels that struck a balance between the LX model’s sparkly silver wheels and the black wheels popular among other trims. Inside, the Accord EX boasted durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim that integrated the air conditioning vents seamlessly. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected Honda’s attention to detail and refinement, making the Accord EX a nicely outfitted option for its price and class.

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 in base form, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the SXT AWD and GT trims. 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 came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 making 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak models boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, with the Hellcat producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft, the Redeye 797 hp and 707 lb-ft, and the Jailbreak 807 hp. 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, especially the Widebody, delivered incredible acceleration and handling, with the Hellcat and Redeye sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX were equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. This engine, carried over from the previous generation, featured refinements and was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) powering the front wheels. The Accord’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension managed its 59:41 front-to-rear weight distribution well, and the dual-pinion, variable-ratio steering system offered good response and road feel. The Accord EX returned 28.7 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA’s combined rating of 32 mpg, likely due to the triple-digit heat and continuous air conditioning use during testing. The Accord’s ride quality was communicative yet quiet, and it handled well on winding roads, though the CVT’s Sport mode was less satisfying, and the Michelin Energy tires felt squishy during aggressive driving.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, felt intimate due to its tall transmission tunnel and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger’s storage space was less accommodating compared to newer models, with a smaller center console bin and trays around the shifter. The trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger’s sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk made it versatile.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX added several features over the base LX trim, including heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. However, it lacked a height-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The driver’s seat needed more seat-track travel for taller individuals, and the hard plastic lining the center console sides was uncomfortable. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed excellent leg support and legroom, though they missed air conditioning vents and charging ports. The Accord’s 16.7 cubic-foot trunk was easy to load, with a handle to swing the lid shut, preventing dirty fingertips.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use and simple layout. An 8.4-inch version was optional on the base SXT and standard on higher trims, offering larger icons and the same user-friendly interface. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger’s technology blended well with conventional controls, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, text-messaging support, and HondaLink connected services with Wi-Fi access and an SOS emergency call button. The EX trim came with an eight-speaker audio system but lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. Physical controls for the stereo and main functions were a delight, though the function control knob was confusing. Overall, the Accord EX’s tech was basic yet functional.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in 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 Honda Accord came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Accord also featured a reversing camera with three views, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system. The EX trim offered an affordable safety package adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2023.