The battle between Dodge and Ford to have the best muscle car on the market is ongoing, and both brands have been delivering sturdy and powerful vehicles for over 10 years. Their ability to regularly surpass their customers’ expectations is another reason why both brands have such a loyal fanbase that keeps alive the occurring debate over which one produces the best vehicles. As a Dodge dealership, we want to add our two cents to the discussion. In today’s post, we discuss the 2022 Dodge Challenger and the 2022 Ford Mustang.
Overview
The 2022 Dodge Challenger is enormously powerful and has an old-school vibe that takes you back to the 70s with the overall feeling of driving a classic Dodge. The least powerful engine is the 303 hp V-6 in the GT and SXT trims, while the most powerful is the 808 hp 6.2L supercharged V-8 in the SRT Super Stock. Although higher trim levels only come with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout, lower trims are all-wheel drive (AWD), making the 2022 Dodge Challenger the first AWD muscle car.
The 2022 Mustang adapts to any lifestyle and personality, as it comes with a wide range of customizable options and appearance packages. The base model features a four-cylinder engine with an output of 310 hp (332 hp with the High-Performance package), increasing to a 760 hp 5.2L supercharged V-8 with the limited-edition Shelby GT500. Regarding drivetrains setup, all Mustangs are RWD.
New Features
Since Dodge likes to preserve what people love most about the original Challenger lineup, they usually make small changes here and there so that new models can still bring the old-school nostalgia. Because of that, don’t expect major changes to the 2022 Dodge Challenger. In fact, the most significant addition to this year’s model is a deluxe security alarm in the R/T Scat Pack.
The 2022 Mustang, on the other hand, has many surprises, including an all-white special-edition package named the Ice White Edition, an electric version that bears no resemblance to the other models in the lineup, a California special model for all the classic lovers, and a Stealth Edition.
Engine and Performance
The 2022 Dodge Challenger has no fewer than five engine options, including a standard 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine, a 5.7L HEMI V-8 engine, a 392 HEMI V-8 engine, a supercharged 6.2L V-8, and a supercharged 6.2L high-output V-8 engine. Thrill enthusiasts will find the 6.2 V-8 engine more entertaining with its output of 485 hp and 475 pound-feet of torque. Regarding performance, you can expect a muscle car in all its glory: it feels responsive, rough, and aggressive.
The 2022 Mustang also has five engine options: a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder available on the EcoBoost engine, a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder for the High-Performance engine, a 5L V-8 engine on the GT and Match trims, and a 5.2L V-8 engine for the most powerful trim — the Shelby GT500. On top of that, you can opt for performance packages for a more exciting experience. Driving this year’s Mustang feels comfortable, familiar, and smooth.
Fuel Economy
The 2022 RWD, V-6-powered Dodge Challenger is expected to earn 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while for the AWD, it’s 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The 5.7L V-8 version is estimated to earn up to 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while versions with the 6.2L V-8 earn up to an estimated 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The turbocharged four-cylinder Mustang is the most fuel-efficient, and according to EPA ratings, it earns 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the V-8-powered version is estimated to earn up to 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Interior Styling
The 2022 Dodge Challenger has an interior styling that resembles that of the 70’s Challengers, meaning it has a simple, comfortable, and roomy interior where adults can use the back seats. It also boasts broad seats with added bolstering, an extra 7 cubic feet of cargo space, a big center console bin, and a handy spot for your smartphone.
The 2022 Mustang boasts a modern design that’s functional and well thought out. Upper trim levels have premium features, such as heated and cooled front seats, as well as a completely rethought interior. All models come with impressive cargo space (you can fit in 12 carry-on bags), foldable seats, and the biggest center console among muscle cars.
Infotainment
All Dodge Challenger models come with the brand’s infotainment system, Uconnect, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also an impressive audio system under an 18-speaker Harman setup.
Each Mustang comes with Sync 3, the brand’s infotainment system, and while it’s not advanced as others on the market, its simple interface connects you to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and the stereo. Wi-Fi is also available, and you can control and monitor the car through Ford Sync Connect too.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
The 2022 Dodge Challenger comes with plenty of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Note that upper trim levels come with more advanced driver-assistance technology. The good news is standard trims can also have those features if purchased in a safety package.
The 2022 Mustang has more driver-assist features than any other muscle car, including forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
So there you have it. A side-by-side comparison of two of the most popular muscle cars in the market. Please let us know which one you prefer and why.
Here at Jeff Belzer Dodge Ram Lakeville, we’re committed to the Lakeville community, so if you’re ever in need of auto services or if you’d like to experience what driving a Dodge car feels like, we’re here for you and can make it happen. Pay us a visit or contact a member of our team for more information.
Dodge Challenger R/T Classic: Let’s Hope It’s Not The End Of An Era. by zombieite is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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