2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Dodge Charger had a long history, running on a platform dating back to 2005. Despite its age, Dodge managed to keep the Charger fresh with significant updates in 2011 and a major facelift in 2015. The exterior design was modern and menacing, contrasting with the more retro-styled Challenger. However, the interior felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky buttons reminiscent of older designs. Despite this, the cabin was user-friendly and practical.

The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants with supercharged V8 engines. Each trim added unique features, such as sport-tuned suspensions, premium audio systems, and advanced infotainment options. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, stood out for its performance enhancements, making it a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra, on the other hand, catered to a wide range of buyers with its various trims and options. The base SE model was budget-friendly, while the SEL and Limited trims offered more upscale features. The Elantra Hybrid variants boasted impressive fuel efficiency, achieving between 50 and 54 mpg. For driving enthusiasts, the turbocharged Elantra N Line and the high-performance Elantra N provided thrilling experiences.

The Elantra's exterior design was somewhat polarizing, but its interior was a hit. The Limited model featured a stylish cabin with light gray leather seats and upscale fabric trim. The high-tech displays and ambient lighting added a touch of sophistication, although the hard plastic on the upper door panels was a minor letdown. Overall, the Elantra's interior was a pleasant surprise, offering more than expected for its price.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the 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 was slightly more potent, delivering 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. 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 featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

The Charger SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat Redeye and Jailbreak models pushed the limits further, with the Redeye delivering 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque, and the Jailbreak reaching 807 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on V6 models.

The Hellcat variants offered incredible acceleration, with the Hellcat and Redeye sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The Hellcat Widebody's 11-inch-wide Pirelli P-Zero tires improved traction and handling, making it a well-rounded performance machine. The SRT Performance Pages menu allowed drivers to customize settings for traction control, throttle response, steering feel, and suspension.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Elantra was not fast but offered peppy performance and impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 33 mpg during testing. The Elantra N Line and Elantra N provided more spirited driving experiences, with the latter boasting 276 horsepower.

The Elantra Limited's driving dynamics were surprisingly good, offering a compliant ride, well-calibrated brakes, and suitable steering effort. The car remained composed on twisty roads, with minimal body roll and stable handling. The 17-inch wheels and 225/45 tires contributed to its confident performance, although the steering lacked sharpness and the brakes showed some signs of heat-induced shuddering.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large size, felt intimate due to the high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger lacked modern storage solutions, with smaller center console bins and trays compared to newer sedans. 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 combination of sports-car performance and four-door practicality made it versatile.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality and utility, offering a roomy interior suitable for a family of four. The Limited model featured a comfortable leather-wrapped, six-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. The rear seats, however, had a slouched seating position and lacked air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of space, with a hands-free release feature and 60/40-split folding back seats for added utility.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. Higher trims featured an 8.4-inch version with larger icons and additional features. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's blend of technology and conventional controls provided a straightforward user experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, now available in the SEL Convenience package and standard on the N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, connected services, dynamic voice recognition, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported wireless connections, requiring a USB port for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system had some issues, and the Bose premium audio system did not meet expectations.

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, 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 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, with a comprehensive package of standard features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a safe exit warning system. The Limited model added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2022.