Honda Accord vs Dodge Charger

The 2023 Dodge Charger boasted a design that had remained fairly consistent since 2015. This was when it had received a sleeker nose and sharper LED taillights. Despite being an older model that initially launched in 2011 and borrowing its structural bones from the 2006 Charger, which itself took cues from the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, its muscular and aggressive styling made it stand out in a sea of midsize sedans like the Accord, Altima, and Camry. The most basic Charger models had a somewhat subdued appearance, often seen in rental fleets, but the V8 models offered striking aesthetics, particularly the R/T Scatpack with the widebody kit. This bundled outrageously flared fenders, larger hood scoops, and eye-catching 20-inch wheels with deep-dish bronze finishes. The interior of the 2023 Charger still reflected 2011, complete with chunky seats, analog gauges, and a small touchscreen. The Nappa leather and Alcantara seats didn't quite elevate the feel to luxury standards, but the green stitching and unique Swinger badging added some flair.

The 2023 Honda Accord, on the other hand, underwent a significant redesign, moving towards a more contemporary yet conservative aesthetic. Honda stepped away from the previously exuberant chrome accents, opting instead for a refined, technical look. The Canyon River Blue paint on the test car turned heads, and the pewter-finished wheels on the EX trim offered a polished compromise between sparkly silver and characterless black. The Accord EX's interior was designed with durability and appeal in mind, featuring cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim that integrated air vents seamlessly. The overall design approach inside was modern and cohesive, with digital instrumentation and an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system that reflected attention to detail.

The standard engine for the 2023 Dodge Charger was a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, generating either 292 or 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, dependent on the trim. This engine, however, lacked excitement and struggled to effectively utilize its all-wheel drive in inclement conditions. The standout performer was the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, known for its smooth and quick shifts, adaptable across all V6 and V8 models. The V8 engines delivered the punch that the Charger was known for. The R/T’s 5.7-liter V8 produced 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, and the Scatpack ramped it up with a 6.4-liter V8 boasting 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. The Hellcat variations were the pinnacle of power with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 offering 717 hp or 807 hp in its Redeye Jailbreak form. Handling, while decent, was secondary to brute strength with top-notch braking systems complementing its dynamic performance.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX models featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. While down on power compared to the Charger, it delivered adequate performance for the vehicle’s 3,280-pound weight. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a smooth drive experience, and the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension managed the car's weight distribution effectively. The Accord’s driving dynamics were more composed and predictable, with commendable brake performance even under stress, and a suspension system that muted road imperfections excellently. Fuel economy for the Accord was a highlight at an EPA-rated 32 mpg combined, though testing showed a slightly lower real-world figure under extreme conditions.

The 2023 Dodge Charger's interior space was surprisingly restrictive for a car of its size. Though headroom was fine, the cramped footwells, limited rear legroom due to the transmission tunnel, and poor rear headroom impaired comfort. The trunk space, however, was generous at 16.5 cubic feet, providing ample room for cargo. The straightforward and accessible controls for climate, lighting, and audio were a welcome feature for ease of use and minimal distraction.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX, meanwhile, offered a functional and spacious interior. With the EX trim providing heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, it aimed for comfort. Unfortunately, it lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports, which were notable omissions. The Accord's back seat was particularly well-designed, providing excellent leg support and ease of entry and exit. Additionally, its cargo capacity slightly surpassed the Charger's, with a large 16.7 cubic-foot trunk that allowed for convenient loading and storage of full-size luggage.

The 2023 Dodge Charger's infotainment system didn't feature the latest advancements seen in other Stellantis vehicles. It had an 8.4-inch touchscreen without over-the-air updates or expansive digital interfaces. However, it provided essentials like wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a robust array of customizable performance settings via the Charger SRT Dashboard. This included launch control, line lock, and extensive real-time telemetry for engine monitoring. These features catered to performance enthusiasts and allowed for detailed vehicle configuration.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord provided a more updated technological suite with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, and HondaLink connected services. Though it lacked satellite radio, the system's functionality with streaming services like Pandora, and comprehensive voice recognition linked to Siri, maintained a user-friendly experience. Physical controls for main functions enhanced usability, though the tuning knob confusion was a minor inconvenience.

Safety was a notable aspect where the 2023 Dodge Charger and Honda Accord differed significantly. The Charger received reasonable ratings from the NHTSA, scoring four out of five stars in overall safety, with varying scores in frontal and side crash tests. But it lagged in standard safety features, with essential aids like forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control only available as options on select trims, not the high-performance Hellcat models.

On the other hand, every 2023 Honda Accord came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, providing a comprehensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The additional option for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on the EX trim was a commendable addition. Furthermore, the Accord achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to passenger safety through design and technology.