2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a respectable number of buyers each year. The challenge for Lexus was to appeal to a younger demographic without alienating its loyal, older customer base. This balancing act resulted in a design that was both safe and a bit unconventional. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its prominent spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled but asymmetrical dashboard, with the F Sport model boasting bold two-tone leather seating. However, some elements, like the analog chronometer, seemed to date the interior.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, had been running on essentially the same platform since 2005, shared with the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300. Despite its age, Dodge managed to keep the Charger relevant with significant updates in 2011 and 2015. The 2015 facelift gave the Charger a modern and menacing look, contrasting with the retro styling of its Challenger counterpart. While the exterior received updates, the interior lagged behind, appearing dated compared to modern standards. The cabin featured thick bezels and chunky controls, offering ease of use but lacking the sleekness of newer designs. The Charger came in various trims, from the base SXT to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models, each offering a unique blend of power and features.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. It was rated at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, achieving 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, with the V6 and hybrid variants offering better performance and fuel economy.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines. The SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, with the AWD versions slightly more powerful at 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, produced 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the Redeye and Jailbreak models pushed power to 797 hp and 807 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat variants offered blistering acceleration, with the Widebody setup enhancing handling and grip.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a practical and aesthetically pleasing sedan experience. It provided 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with the hybrid model maintaining the same capacity. The rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, allowing for additional cargo space. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, with large bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console. The dashboard layout, while not the most visually appealing, was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered a different experience. The high center console and performance bucket seats created an intimate front-seat environment, with ample legroom but limited headroom in both rows. The rear seats were particularly tight on headroom, making entry and exit challenging. The Charger provided 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items difficult. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it a versatile option.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES used a touchpad interface, which was an improvement over previous systems but still challenging on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, along with a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote features.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was optional on the base SXT and standard on other trims. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology offered a blend of modern features and conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags were also standard.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in terms of safety features. Standard equipment included only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The lack of standard advanced safety features highlighted the Charger's dated design.