2022 Dodge Charger

When it comes to handling and driving, the V6 models feel more contemporary, but still cumbersome compared to its front-wheel-drive competitors from Japan. It serves a purpose, but that's about it. The V8 models are way more fun, even when driven slowly. In fact, the Charger is surprisingly fun at slow speeds. It emits a low grumble, letting other drivers in the area know that there's something dangerous in the neighborhood. Step on it, and it will growl like an old-school muscle car. Noise plays a significant role in the Charger's overall character, and the V8s provide a soundtrack that grabs your soul by the neck and throws it around like a limp doll - but in a good way.

The Dodge Charger sedan has traditionally been slated for not handling properly, opting for a comfy ride instead of a pleasurable driving experience. Yet Dodge claims the Scat Pack can pull .98g on a skidpad. For those who don't speak car nerd, it basically means there's enough grip to corner with confidence, and then some. The steering is indeed vague, but you can add some weight on models where you can select driving modes.

In Track Mode, the traction control will let you have some wayward fun before it intervenes. Even in this supposedly stiff setup, the Charger provides a compliant ride, with only larger bumps finding their way into the cabin. And the cabin is well-insulated, but the V8 soundtrack reigns supreme. Those who don't like an ever-present growl may find it annoying.

Looking at rivals for the Dodge Charger in the same price bracket, you'll note that it's a sea of drab and dreary. Perhaps the sedan is responsible for its own demise, with crossovers at least offering something interesting to look at and a lifestyle to go with it. Dodge's main aim for the Charger was obviously performance and driver enjoyment. It's a laugh-out-loud kinda car, and we respect that.

To keep it cheap, sacrifices had to be made. Every model in the line-up has a somewhat shoddy interior, and the standard features list is not exactly comprehensive. All of the good stuff is stuck behind a paywall, and you have to add extra if you want any kind of luxury tech or driver assistance systems. The infotainment system deserves to be praised, however.

What the Dodge lacks in features, it makes up for in character. By saving a penny here, and a few bucks there, Dodge provides real muscle cars at an affordable price. You get a comfortable interior with the basics, rear-wheel drive, and a massive engine up front. The Charger is unashamedly honest about what it is, and we appreciate that.

有各种各样的轿车在这个价格range, but only the Chrysler 300 offers the same blend of V8 power and American pride in comparison to the new Dodge Charger. Sold by the same mother ship, Stellantis made sure they don't tread on each other's turf too much. The Chrysler is more of a luxury offering, while the Charger is built for performance. This much is apparent by just looking at them. The Dodge Charger is a car with an aggressive stance, while the 300 is more elegant. The Charger can also be had with a 475-hp V8, while the most powerful engine available in the 300 is the same 5.7-liter V8 used in the mid-spec Charger, but putting out slightly less power at 363 hp. It depends entirely on how much luxury or fun you want to have when deciding on a winner in this competition. The Chrysler offers leather seats with heating and cooling functions and even climate-controlled cupholders. The Dodge comes with line lock and can smoke a set of rear tires within one glorious afternoon. Choose your weapon.

Due to the lack of V8-powered sedans, there is only one other rival that provides a combination of reasonable space and old-school muscle, and that's the Dodge Challenger. It uses the same platform and engines as the Charger, and its interior is more spacious than its natural rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. Everything said in this review is true of the Challenger as well. The main difference is a lack of rear doors and an obvious dip in rear headroom and legroom. Still, it's perfectly fine for two adults over short distances. The 16.2 cube trunk is also nearly as big.

Choosing between these two boils down to choosing style over practicality. The Challenger's retro design is appealing, and there's just a $2,000 difference in cost between the Dodge Charger and Challenger. If practicality isn't a priority, it might be worth looking at the Challenger as a more interesting, yet equally enjoyable, alternative; if you need the rear-seat space, the Dodge Charger is best.