2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Lexus IS

Nearly 15 years ago, the original 2008 Lexus IS F debuted with a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 417 horsepower and 371 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance arrived with a similar setup, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivered 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, also channeled through an eight-speed automatic. The base price was $56,500, plus a $1,075 destination charge.

The IS 500 F Sport Performance maintained the legacy of its predecessor, offering a thrilling driving experience on Arizona’s North Seven Springs Road. It combined emotional excitement with daily driving comfort, though it came at a premium price. The test car, equipped with Premium trim and Iridium paint, totaled $62,575. The IS 500’s design was subtly aggressive, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch wheels, while the interior remained similar to the IS 350 F Sport, featuring quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.

The Dodge Charger, running on a platform dating back to 2005, underwent significant updates in 2011 and 2015. The 2015 design, which carried over to the 2022 model, was modern and menacing. However, the cabin felt dated with thick bezels and chunky buttons, contrasting with the minimalist designs of newer cars. Despite this, the Charger’s interior was user-friendly.

The 2022 Charger offered various trims, from the V6-powered SXT and GT to the V8-equipped R/T, R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak. The Hellcat Widebody, introduced in 2020, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine. The Hellcat featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, with the Redeye and Jailbreak variants offering even more power. The Charger’s performance was impressive, with the Hellcat and Redeye achieving 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The car weighed 11 pounds less than the RC F coupe and 143 pounds more than the IS 350 F Sport, with a weight distribution of 56% front and 44% rear. The eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and limited-slip differential were standard, with driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+.

The IS 500’s adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable and stable ride. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The car’s brakes and cooling system were upgraded, ensuring performance in high temperatures. The V8 engine delivered a thrilling driving experience, though it wasn’t particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 17.7 mpg.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in the SXT 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 had a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produced 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, with the Redeye and Jailbreak variants offering 797 hp and 807 hp, respectively.

All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat and Redeye achieved 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph. The Hellcat Widebody’s 11-inch-wide Pirelli P-Zero tires improved traction and cornering. The SRT Performance Pages menu allowed drivers to customize settings for traction control, throttle response, steering feel, and suspension.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, with excellent thigh support and a driver-focused position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, though lacking smartphone charging. Storage was limited, with a small trunk measuring 10.8 cubic feet.

The IS had a well-designed control layout, with buttons, knobs, and clear lettering. The touchscreen infotainment system was user-friendly, though the touchpad controller took up valuable space.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered plenty of legroom in both rows, though headroom was limited. The rear seats were tight on headroom, especially when entering and exiting. Storage space was limited, with a small center console bin and trays around the shifter. The Charger provided 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment display, solving previous ergonomic issues. The system was logical and intuitive, with separate climate and stereo controls. The IS 500 Premium’s dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The system featured a dock area with large icons for major functions. An 8.4-inch version was optional on the SXT and standard on higher trims. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Charger’s technology was user-friendly, though not the most advanced.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star frontal-impact rating for the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.