2022 Honda Civic vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, drawing inspiration from the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was available in familiar trims like LX, EX, Sport, and Touring, with prices in Canada starting at an MSRP of $24,465 for the LX and reaching up to $30,265 for the Touring, excluding a $1,700 destination charge. The Civic Touring, tested in the new Morning Mist Blue, featured a minimalistic interior with improved materials and a metal honeycomb mesh across the dashboard, elegantly concealing the air vents. The Civic's interior was designed for simplicity, reflecting a return to the basics with a focus on functionality and a more grown-up aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger retained much of its design from 2015, with a sleek nose and sharp LED taillights. Despite its age, the Charger stood out with its bold and distinct appearance, especially when compared to more frequently redesigned competitors like the Accord, Altima, and Camry. The Charger Scat Pack Swinger, with its widebody kit, featured flared fenders, 20-inch wheels, and a large hood scoop, giving it a muscular stance. The interior, however, remained largely unchanged since 2011, with dated elements like a small touchscreen and plasticky knobs. Despite this, the Charger offered a familiar and straightforward layout, with easy-to-use controls and a spacious trunk.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The base engine, a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder, delivered 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. The more desirable option was the turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, offering a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was agile and enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, making it a fun and predictable compact sedan to drive.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, known for its powerful engine lineup, offered a range of V6 and V8 options. The base 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, producing up to 300 horsepower, was less exciting but provided the only all-wheel-drive option. The Charger R/T featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 horsepower, delivering thrilling acceleration and a muscle car roar. The Charger SRT Hellcat models took performance to the extreme with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, offering up to 807 horsepower in the Redeye Jailbreak variant. Despite its size, the Charger handled well, with precise steering and exceptional braking, making it a formidable performance sedan.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The power driver's seat allowed for optimal positioning, while the rear seats provided ample legroom, though the backrest angle might have felt too reclined for some. The Civic's interior featured a new centre console with accessible cupholders and a smaller trunk in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system components. Despite its low stance, the Civic offered a practical and comfortable interior for a compact car.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its large exterior, felt cramped inside. The front seats provided adequate headroom, but the rear seats suffered from limited legroom and headroom, possibly by design for its role as a police vehicle. The Charger's controls were straightforward and easy to use, with large buttons and switches for essential functions. The trunk was spacious, offering 470 litres of cargo space, making it practical for carrying larger items.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured advanced digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel with customizable options and a Vehicle Activity display to ensure proper headlight usage. The infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a premium Bose audio system. The Civic's technology was user-friendly and represented a significant improvement over previous models.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system and advanced driver-assistance features found in other Stellantis vehicles. However, its 8.4-inch touchscreen offered fast and logical menu navigation, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed for extensive customization of performance settings, including launch control and real-time performance data, making it a tech-savvy choice for enthusiasts.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted an upgraded Honda Sensing suite with features like Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was standard, ensuring occupants' safety and peace of mind.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. However, it lacked standard advanced safety features, with options like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. The Charger offered basic safety equipment, but its age showed in the absence of more modern safety technologies.