The 2022 Dodge Charger has ample engine power, passenger space, and cargo room, but its cabin quality is just so-so.
Is the Dodge Charger a Good Car?
Yes, the Dodge Charger is a good car. Its powerful engine offerings make it unlike anything else in the sparsely populated large car class . Ride and handling are decent as well. This sedan has roomy and comfortable seating, a spacious trunk, and user-friendly infotainment features.
The Charger’s most notable downsides include a somewhat blasé cabin, unimpressive fuel economy, and a history of subpar safety scores.
Should I Buy the Dodge Charger?
If you’re looking for the most horsepower you can pack into a four-door sedan, then the Charger is the car for you. With a wide range of prices and powertrains, it’s easy to find a combination that suits your budget and performance appetite.
2021 vs. 2022 Dodge Charger: What’s the Difference?
There are no major differences between the 2022 and 2021 Dodge Charger .
Here are the key changes for the Dodge Charger over the last few years:
2022: no notable changes
2021: SRT Hellcat Redeye trim introduced; SRT Hellcat horsepower increased to 717 from 707
2020: widebody SRT Hellcat and Scat Pack models introduced
2019: slimmed-down trim lineup
2018: SE trim discontinued and GT trim debuted; a touch-screen infotainment system, smartphone integration, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors became standard
Dodge Charger Versus the Competition
Dodge Charger vs. Dodge Challenger
There are numerous similarities between the Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger , which competes in the sports car class . These Dodges have nearly all of the same engine options and snappy technology, a large trunk, and an OK interior. The biggest difference is that the Charger is a sedan while the Challenger is a two-door coupe. Despite its body style, the Challenger still has a very roomy second row; it just requires a little bit of acrobatics to access it.
Dodge Charger vs. Chrysler 300
With a ritzy interior and plush ride, the Chrysler 300 is a well-rounded large car that makes a compelling alternative to the performance-first attitude of the Charger. These cars are products of the same parent company, so they also have a lot in common. That list includes the same standard V6 and optional 5.7-liter V8 engines, the intuitive UConnect infotainment system, and similarly large rear seats and trunk. The 300 lacks the very muscular optional powertrains of the Charger, though.
Charger Performance: More Muscle than the Gym
Charger Engine
The 2022 Charger has a wealth of powerful engine choices. The standard V6 outfit delivers strong and capable acceleration, aided by the smooth shifts from an eight-speed automatic transmission. The midrange R/T and Scat Pack models feature naturally aspirated Hemi V8 engines, which are the best blend of satisfying performance and everyday livability. Versions of the supercharged V8 found in the Charger Hellcat models make this car blisteringly fast.
Charger Engine Options
Base engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque (SXT)
Available engines:
3.6-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque (SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD)
5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque (R/T)
6.4-liter V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque (Scat Pack)
supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 717 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque (SRT Hellcat)
supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque (SRT Hellcat Redeye and SRT Jailbreak)
Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Charger Performance Packages and Options:
Dynamics package (available in Scat Pack): six-piston Brembo front brakes, 20-inch wheels, and a flat-bottom steering wheel
Performance Handling group (available in GT and R/T): four-piston Brembo brakes, 20-inch black wheels, a stiffer sport-tuned suspension, and a flat-bottom steering wheel
Widebody package (available in Scat Pack): widebody fender flares, a competition adaptive damping suspension, six-piston Brembo brakes, a performance shift indicator, performance tires, and 20-inch black wheels
Charger Appearance Packages:
Blacktop package (available in SXT, GT, and R/T): black exterior badges, a black spoiler, and 20-inch black wheels
Carbon & Suede package (available in Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat): carbon-fiber instrument panel and console accents, and a suede headliner
Daytona Edition group (available in R/T and Scat Pack): premium floor mats, carbonite interior accents, a black spoiler, and Daytona logo seats, grille, and decals
Mopar Interior Appearance group (available in SXT, GT, R/T, and Scat Pack): Mopar logo floor and trunk mats, door sills, and pedals
Charger Gas Mileage
With its standard V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, the 2022 Charger gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. V6 all-wheel-drive models get 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Fuel economy with the 5.7-liter V8 is estimated at 16/25 mpg city/highway, while estimates for the 6.4-liter V8 Charger come in at 15/24 mpg. The supercharged Charger SRT Hellcat and SRT Jailbreak get just 12/21 mpg city/highway.
Charger Ride and Handling
The Charger’s driving dynamics depend on the specific model, with lower-end trims having a softer suspension and comfortable ride. However, while these models have somewhat poised handling, they don’t feel particularly athletic. More powerful versions of the car have a stiffer suspension setup, and while that enhances responsiveness, it also makes the ride a little rougher.
Charger Interior: Utility Over Quality
Charger Interior Quality
The Dodge Charger’s cabin has some unimpressive materials, and with more than a decade since a full redesign, the overall look is a little stale. You can spruce things up with amenities like plush Nappa leather or suede accents, but on the whole, this car’s interior is mediocre.
Charger Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
The Charger comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, and an 8.4-inch touch screen is optional. Both setups run the Uconnect software, which has sleek graphics, an intuitive menu structure, and snappy responses.
Dig into the system, and you’ll find performance pages that are tailored to the specific trim, with the SRT versions offering the most details. These menus display technical and mechanical data, as well as allow you to record lap or launch times.
Simple physical controls populate the rest of the center stack, and everything is within easy reach.
Standard infotainment features: a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, four USB ports, voice recognition, and Bluetooth
Available infotainment features: an 8.4-inch touch screen, satellite radio, navigation, a six- or nine-speaker Alpine premium stereo, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo
Other available features: dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, and a sunroof
For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?
Charger Cargo Space
The Charger’s trunk measures 16.5 cubic feet, which is similar to most other large cars . You’ll be able to carry numerous suitcases or shopping bags, but a high trunk lip can make loading in heavy items tricky.
How Many People Does the Charger Seat?
This big Dodge sedan seats five people. The front seats are comfortable enough for long-haul driving, and they also provide support when cornering. There’s ample head- and legroom in the second row, even for taller people. Furthermore, the rear bench is wide enough to accommodate three passengers in reasonable comfort.