2022 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Dodge Charger
2022 Dodge Charger
$32,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Dodge Charger
$32,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$23,995

MSRP

$32,500

Average price

$23,881

Average price

$38,483

Listings

90

Listings

136
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Incredible acceleration
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Surprising cornering ability (Widebody)
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Aging interior
  • Low-quality backup camera

2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

In 2011, when a Volkswagen Passat was launched customized for the North American market, VW thought the sedan was the key to domination. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default mid-size sedan choice for most buyers at that time, after all, particularly in the U.S. where mid-size cars were much more strongly preferred. A lot has changed since then: SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. Both the Passat and the Arteon are nearing the end of their lives here in Canada as they’ll be discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously available Comfortline trim level is gone, leaving just the Highline and Execline models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard. Our test car was a U.S.-spec SE model, the closest Canadian equivalent of which would be the Highline, though some equipment varies.

2022 Dodge Charger Reviews Summary

A living fossil is an animal that exists today that resembles a long-extinct species. There are a number of sharks and mollusks that fit this description. And the same could be said for the 2022 Dodge Charger. It has muscular proportions, a similar layout, and an identical name to long-dead forebears, but it carries on in its own way—despite the veracity of any shared DNA.

Given how much the auto industry is changing, the Charger is an unlikely car for this decade—or even this century. But perhaps not. As much as the industry is rapidly evolving, buyer behaviour might not be so quick to change. For every electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast, there are those who truly wish to stick to their guns when it comes to traditional gas vehicles. And certainly many lament the dwindling light of the big, thirsty muscle car.

Whether it be nostalgia or a more timeless form of automotive enthusiasm, the Dodge Charger clearly hit a nerve with many over the past two decades. Whether you prefer electric cars, hybrids, 4x4s, or even mass transit, it’s hard to argue the fact that the automotive world is just a better place with cars like the Dodge Charger in it.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Engine

3.6L 292 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

292 hp @ 6350 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

30
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Dodge Charger
2022 Dodge Charger
$32,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Dodge Charger
$32,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$23,995
$32,500
Average price
$23,881
$38,483
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Incredible acceleration
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Surprising cornering ability (Widebody)
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Aging interior
  • Low-quality backup camera
Summary

In 2011, when a Volkswagen Passat was launched customized for the North American market, VW thought the sedan was the key to domination. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default mid-size sedan choice for most buyers at that time, after all, particularly in the U.S. where mid-size cars were much more strongly preferred. A lot has changed since then: SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. Both the Passat and the Arteon are nearing the end of their lives here in Canada as they’ll be discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously available Comfortline trim level is gone, leaving just the Highline and Execline models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard. Our test car was a U.S.-spec SE model, the closest Canadian equivalent of which would be the Highline, though some equipment varies.

A living fossil is an animal that exists today that resembles a long-extinct species. There are a number of sharks and mollusks that fit this description. And the same could be said for the 2022 Dodge Charger. It has muscular proportions, a similar layout, and an identical name to long-dead forebears, but it carries on in its own way—despite the veracity of any shared DNA.

Given how much the auto industry is changing, the Charger is an unlikely car for this decade—or even this century. But perhaps not. As much as the industry is rapidly evolving, buyer behaviour might not be so quick to change. For every electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast, there are those who truly wish to stick to their guns when it comes to traditional gas vehicles. And certainly many lament the dwindling light of the big, thirsty muscle car.

Whether it be nostalgia or a more timeless form of automotive enthusiasm, the Dodge Charger clearly hit a nerve with many over the past two decades. Whether you prefer electric cars, hybrids, 4x4s, or even mass transit, it’s hard to argue the fact that the automotive world is just a better place with cars like the Dodge Charger in it.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 174 hp I4
3.6L 292 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
292 hp @ 6350 rpm
MPG City
24
19
MPG Highway
36
30
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