2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Dodge Charger had maintained the essence of a muscle car while incorporating modern design elements. Running on a platform that dates back to 2005, this large sedan had undergone significant facelifts in 2011 and 2015. The Charger’s menacing exterior displayed a modern design, departing from the pure retro style of its sibling, the Dodge Challenger. The cabin of the Charger, however, was showing its age with thicker bezels and chunky buttons, reflecting an almost small-truck-like feel. Despite this dated appearance, the Charger’s interior prioritized user-friendly controls.

In 2023, the Subaru WRX had evolved far beyond its Impreza roots. This compact sedan sported a distinctive wide-body look with aggressive front and rear-end styling. Notable design features included boxy fender flares and unique body cladding, reminiscent of Subaru’s Crosstrek and Outback models. The WRX retained its functional hood scoop as a defining characteristic. Inside, the WRX followed Subaru’s tradition with a simple and durable interior. GT models came with supportive Recaro Performance Design front seats upholstered in Ultrasuede, adorned with red contrast stitching to brighten its otherwise monotone black interior.

In terms of performance, the 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains to suit various driving preferences. The base SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. For those craving more power, the R/T trim housed a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Scat Pack boasted an even larger 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering an impressive 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat variants, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, skyrocketed in power output—717 hp in the base Hellcat, 797 hp in the Redeye, and an astounding 807 hp in the Jailbreak model. Each engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard across trims, except for the AWD option available on the V6 models.

In comparison, the 2023 Subaru WRX performed with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This placed it between competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of output. Unlike its mostly FWD rivals, the WRX offered AWD standard. It was available with a six-speed manual or an optional Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), which was a CVT tuned for quicker throttle responses. The WRX exhibited well-mannered behavior on twisty roads, supported by its AWD system and standard summer tires. However, the driving experience was somewhat muted, lacking the visceral exuberance of some other performance cars.

Inside the 2022 Dodge Charger, occupants experienced a spacious but intimate cabin due to the high center console and bolstered bucket seats that provided secure seating during spirited drives. Both rows offered adequate legroom, though headroom could be tight, especially in the rear seats. Cargo capacity stood at 16.5 cubic feet, which was accommodating but could pose challenges when loading large items due to the small trunk lid and high bumper.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, functioning as a more practical compact sedan, offered slightly more front headroom and legroom compared to the Honda Civic Si, but less rear passenger space. Its trunk could hold 12.5 cubic feet of luggage, falling short of competitors like the Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Despite its smaller trunk, the WRX featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and standard roof-rack mounts for added practicality. A key advantage was the excellent outward visibility afforded by low window-sill lines and thin forward roof pillars.

Technologically, the 2022 Dodge Charger came with a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system. The base model featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims enjoyed an 8.4-inch screen, both equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system’s simple layout and large icons facilitated ease of use, though the Charger did not boast the most advanced tech compared to newer models.

The 2023 Subaru WRX’s Starlink infotainment system varied by trim. Base models offered dual 7-inch touchscreens handling different functions, while upper trims like the Premium benefitted from a single 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. This larger screen integrated climate control and vehicle settings, but the interface was sometimes cumbersome, particularly for tasks like accessing SiriusXM satellite radio. Despite these minor quirks, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Safety was a notable difference between the two vehicles. The 2022 Dodge Charger lacked standard driver-assistance features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety upgrades included forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Conversely, the 2023 Subaru WRX came equipped with Subaru's EyeSight safety system on CVT models. EyeSight encompassed adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, thanks to stereo cameras mounted behind the windshield. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking were available. The WRX achieved high safety ratings, with top marks in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.