2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its wide array of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a distinctive presence with its widebody options and bold styling cues like the functional performance hood. The exterior offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to paint colors with evocative names. Inside, the Charger showed its age with dated technology and materials, though improvements in fit and finish were evident. The interior was utilitarian, with standard cloth seats and optional Nappa leather on higher trims, but lacked the premium feel expected at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, a long-standing bestseller for the brand, received a subtle refresh that included minor exterior tweaks and a new engine. The Jetta's design changes were understated, with chrome accents and new wheel designs adding a touch of flair. Inside, the Jetta offered a more modern and driver-centric cabin with ergonomic controls and ample storage space. The interior updates included a new rhombus pattern on cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium look. The Jetta's technology suite was enhanced with a standard Digital Cockpit and improved infotainment options, providing a more connected driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base models featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower, while the R/T variant boasted a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp. The Scat Pack models upped the ante with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 delivering 485 hp. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, packed a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8, producing a staggering 797 hp. Despite its power, the Charger managed to offer a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models. However, the high-performance variants were less fuel-efficient, with the SRT Hellcat Redeye achieving an EPA-estimated 12 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered a modest 158 horsepower. While not as powerful as the Charger, the Jetta impressed with its fuel efficiency, achieving up to 43 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. The Jetta's powertrain, however, was not without its flaws, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag affecting its dynamics. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the overall driving experience was less engaging compared to the Charger. Despite these shortcomings, the Jetta provided a comfortable ride for long journeys, with supportive seats and adequate noise insulation.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door sedan, balanced performance with practicality, offering a spacious back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The interior, though dated, featured a functional steering wheel with easy-to-reach controls. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though their placement could lead to accidental shifts during spirited driving. The Charger's trunk space was average for its class, providing adequate storage for everyday needs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The cabin was driver-centric, with intuitive controls for climate and audio settings. Storage solutions included door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder, though the center storage bin lacked a latch. The Jetta's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ergonomic seating and a focus on usability.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the outdated Uconnect system detracted from the overall tech experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received significant technology upgrades, with a standard Digital Cockpit and improved infotainment systems. The Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation and wireless connectivity options. While the voice activation system had its quirks, the touchscreen interface was responsive and user-friendly, enhancing the Jetta's tech appeal.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including brake assist and electronic stability control. Optional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, though availability varied by model.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning, with additional options like adaptive cruise control available through the Driver Assistance package. While the 2022 Jetta had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, the 2021 model received high marks for safety, with some areas for improvement in headlight performance.