2022 Lexus ES vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a loyal customer base, primarily among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of appealing to younger buyers without alienating its existing clientele, resulting in a design that was both safe and slightly unconventional. The latest generation, launched in 2018, utilized the Global Architecture-K platform, supporting a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. The ES boasted elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the asymmetrical dashboard and bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model added a sporty touch, though some elements, like the analog chronometer, felt dated.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger retained much of its design from 2015, with a sleeker nose and sharper LED taillights. Despite its age, the Charger maintained a distinct and modern appearance compared to competitors like the Accord and Camry. The R/T Scatpack Swinger model featured a widebody kit with flared fenders, 20-inch wheels, and a large hood scoop, exuding a muscular and aggressive stance. The interior, however, felt dated, with a small touchscreen and plasticky knobs reminiscent of an earlier era. While the Nappa leather and Alcantara seats added some luxury, the overall quality was not top-notch. The Swinger model included unique touches like green stitching and a Swinger badge, but the space felt basic and adequate for its purpose.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, achieving 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, achieving 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt slow, with the V6 and hybrid offering more engaging performance and better fuel economy.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, known for its powerful engines, offered a range of V6 and V8 options. The base 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 292 or 300 horsepower, with AWD available but not particularly effective. The R/T models featured a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 hp, while the Scatpack models boasted a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat models, with a supercharged 6.2-liter engine, delivered up to 807 hp in the Redeye Jailbreak variant. The Charger excelled in handling, with good grip and steering precision, though its large size made mid-corner corrections challenging. The braking system, especially on Scat Pack Widebody trims, was exceptional.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a practical and aesthetically pleasing sedan design, with a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space. The hybrid model maintained the same storage capacity, and the second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat for additional cargo space. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES provided ample storage and convenience features, with a well-functioning dashboard layout.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its large size, felt cramped inside. The footwells were tight, and the transmission tunnel reduced rear legroom. The trunk, however, was spacious at 16.5 cubic feet. The Charger's controls were straightforward and easy to use, with large buttons and switches for climate control, lighting, and audio systems. The touchscreen integrated additional features without requiring deep menu navigation, providing a familiar and distraction-free experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, with upper trims offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES featured a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote features, enhancing the vehicle's technological offerings.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system and advanced driver-assistance features. Its 8.4-inch touchscreen, while small, offered fast and logical menu structures, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of various performance settings, including throttle, steering, and transmission. Performance Pages provided real-time data, and Hellcat models featured additional cooling functions for the supercharger.

The 2022 Lexus ES excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Standard features also included blind-spot monitoring, 10 airbags, and three years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. However, it lacked standard safety assists, with features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control optional on certain models. Blind-spot monitoring was also optional on select trims, highlighting a gap in standard safety equipment compared to the Lexus ES.