2022 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord was a staple in the midsize sedan market, competing fiercely with rivals like the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Hyundai Sonata. For 2021, Honda refreshed the Accord's design, giving it a wider, more sculpted grille that enhanced its sophisticated appearance. The Accord's LED headlights and smaller fog light openings contributed to its cohesive look. The interior was praised for its high-quality materials, even in lower trims, and offered features like a power moonroof and leather-trimmed seats in higher trims. The Accord's cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, making it a comfortable choice for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger maintained its aggressive and modern design, a carryover from its 2015 facelift. While the exterior was menacing, the interior felt dated compared to newer models. The Charger's cabin had a small-truck feel with thick bezels and chunky controls, but it was user-friendly. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants with supercharged V8 engines. Despite its age, the Charger remained a popular choice for those seeking a blend of muscle-car performance and practicality.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options: a 192-horsepower 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-litre turbo-four. The smaller engine was paired with a CVT, while the larger one came with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Accord was front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel drive option. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 to 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, depending on the trim. The 2.0-litre engine was less efficient but provided a more engaging driving experience. The Accord's braking system was upgraded for smoother performance, and paddle shifters were available on Sport and Touring trims.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 292 to 300 horsepower, depending on the trim. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Hellcat and Redeye variants took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, producing 717 to 807 horsepower. The Charger was rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's acceleration was impressive, reaching 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, and the Widebody setup improved handling and traction.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for practicality and comfort, with seating for five and ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The interior featured dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a spacious trunk with 473 litres of cargo space. The cabin layout was intuitive, with easy access to controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. While small-item storage was limited, the Accord's overall design was functional and stylish.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large size, felt more intimate due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Legroom was generous, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger's trunk offered 467 litres of space, but its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger provided sports-car performance with the practicality of a sedan, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts.

The 2021 Honda Accord came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a premium audio system. The Touring trims included navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, offering a comprehensive tech package for buyers.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, with an 8.4-inch version available on higher trims. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface and included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's infotainment system was effective and easy to use, providing essential connectivity features.

The 2021 Honda Accord was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, brake assist, a rearview camera, and the Honda Sensing suite with lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA but scored lower in IIHS crash tests, highlighting its need for safety improvements.