2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its claim of having all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor unless you were a dedicated fan. The new GTI was longer and lower, maintaining a 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving its nimble handling. The styling followed the classic GTI form, with a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic improvements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with 18-inch alloys on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from staple shades like silver, black, and white to more vibrant choices like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic.

Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats as standard on the S and SE trims, with Vienna leather available on the SE and standard on the Autobahn. The classic golf-ball shifter knob was retained for manual transmission models, and all trims included stainless steel pedals. The interior was designed with a driver-centric approach, featuring a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique “light and sight” panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, running on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years, with major facelifts in 2011 and 2015. The 2015 design, which carried over to the 2022 model, offered a modern and menacing look. However, the cabin felt dated compared to modern standards, with thick bezels and chunky buttons. Despite this, the layout was user-friendly. The Charger came in various trims, starting with the SXT, which included a V6 engine, power-adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors, cloth upholstery, a six-speaker stereo, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the GT added a rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, and performance tires, while the R/T introduced a V8 engine. The R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak trims offered progressively more powerful V8 engines, with the Jailbreak pushing an astonishing 807 hp.

The Hellcat Widebody variant, introduced in 2020, featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, an SRT-tuned Bilstein suspension, and upgraded Brembo brakes. It provided incredible acceleration, with the Hellcat and Redeye models sprinting from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The Widebody setup allowed for better power distribution and cornering precision, making it a well-rounded performance machine. The Charger’s drive modes, accessible via the SRT Performance Pages menu, included Auto, Sport, Track, and Custom settings, allowing for a tailored driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, introduced in 1983 as a hotted-up VW Rabbit, had evolved significantly over the years. The 2022 model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, reached peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and delivered torque at a low 1,750 rpm, making it a joy to drive on curving mountain roads. Power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) with paddle shifters. The GTI’s fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly improving with the automatic.

The GTI’s handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed for Eco, Comfort, or Sport settings, and a standard electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential worked with the electronic stability control to reduce understeer. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, providing an even more refined driving experience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the base SXT trim. The SXT AWD and GT trims had a slightly more powerful V6, 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 producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, delivered 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Redeye and Jailbreak models pushed the power further, with the Redeye producing 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque, and the Jailbreak reaching 807 hp.

All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard across the board. The V6-powered SXT and GT trims were also available with all-wheel drive. The Hellcat and Redeye models could sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph. The Hellcat Widebody variant featured 11-inch-wide Pirelli P-Zero tires, allowing for better power distribution and cornering precision. The Charger’s drive modes, accessible via the SRT Performance Pages menu, included Auto, Sport, Track, and Custom settings, allowing for a tailored driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known as the original hot hatch, balanced performance and practicality. It offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI’s interior was driver-centric, with a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique “light and sight” panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly spacious, making it comfortable for a family of four.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered plenty of legroom in both rows, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The tall transmission tunnel and performance bucket seats created an intimate experience in the front seats. The Charger provided 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger’s sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk made it versatile.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge displays and 30 ambient lighting profiles. The driver information display spanned 10.25 inches and was standard on all trims. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation in the SE and Autobahn trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SE and Autobahn trims also featured a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen’s Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, such as Remote Access, Safe and Secure, Hotspot, Plus Nav, Plus Speech, and Plus Online Radio.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly layout. Higher trims featured an 8.4-inch version of the Uconnect screen, with larger icons for easier use. 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 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Travel Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. All trims featured Park Distance Control, with the Autobahn trim adding Park Assist technology for automatic parking.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in terms of safety features. Standard equipment included a backup camera and rear parking sensors. 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.