2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its wide array of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a distinctive presence with its widebody options and aggressive stance. The exterior offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to paint colours with evocative names like Hellraisin and Frostbite. However, the interior, while improved over the years, still lacked the premium feel expected in higher-priced models, with a prevalence of hard plastics and basic technology features.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the dwindling hatchback market with its redesigned model, produced in North America. The Civic hatchback shared its front-end design with the sedan but offered a unique rear profile. Inside, the Sport Touring trim boasted modern digital instrumentation and high-quality materials, though some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger. The Civic's interior was praised for its comfort and practicality, with a spacious trunk and thoughtful design elements like a two-piece cargo shade.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engines. The base models featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 300 horsepower, while the R/T variant boasted a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 producing 370 hp. The Scat Pack models upped the ante with a 6.4-litre V8 delivering 485 hp. At the top of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye's supercharged 6.2-litre V8 churned out an impressive 797 hp. Despite its power, the Charger managed to provide a connected driving experience, though its fuel efficiency varied significantly across models.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a more modest performance, with the Sport and Sport Touring trims featuring a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The Civic's power delivery was smooth, and the CVT worked well with the turbo engine, though driving enthusiasts might prefer the six-speed manual transmission. The Civic's suspension provided a comfortable ride, but its all-season tires and brakes were not suited for aggressive driving. Overall, the Civic hatchback delivered a balanced performance, prioritizing fuel efficiency and everyday usability.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door sedan, offered a spacious interior with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat to expand cargo space. While the technology was somewhat dated, the Charger provided a functional layout with easy-to-use controls. The steering wheel featured convenient buttons, and paddle shifters were available on most models, though they could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 693-litre trunk and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The interior offered comfortable seating, though some passengers noted the lack of a seat-height adjuster and rear air conditioning vents. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and the Sport Touring trim included heated front and rear seats. The Civic's interior materials varied by trim, with the Sport Touring featuring leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Higher trims offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the outdated Uconnect system detracted from the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with the Sport Touring trim offering a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound controls improved usability, and the voice recognition system performed well. The Civic's digital instrumentation varied by trim, with the Sport Touring featuring a comprehensive 10.2-inch display.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist and electronic stability control. Optional safety packages included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Civic also featured new airbags and advanced engineering for improved crash protection, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS. However, some driver aids were not entirely seamless in operation.