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The Toyota Avalon is a big, practical, efficient, and recommended sedan. It has reasonable drivetrain options and impressive fuel economy numbers considering its size. So you should choose it over a big, loud, thirsty Dodge Charger, right? Not necessarily. There is one reason to buy the brute over the sensible Toyota sedan. If your favorite sound is supercharger whine and your blood pumps to the rhythm of a lumpy camshaft, maybe see a doctor, then buy a Dodge Charger. 

The 2022 Dodge Charger R/T packs an old-school character with a 5.7L Hemi V8. 

Is that a Hemi? Yes, yes, it is. The Dodge Charger R/T packs the entry point into V8 powered world of Chargers. A 2022 Dodge Charger R/T will deliver the power of the 5.7L Hemi V8 to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight speeds are helpful, considering that the Charger will glide at highway speeds, albeit not with the best fuel economy. Even the smallest engine in the Charger lineup will outperform the 2022 Toyota Avalon. Specifically, the Dodge Charger SXT with V6 ran to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while the Avalon Hybrid required 8.3 seconds.  

R/T not enough of a reason? Try a Charger Scat Pack with 485 horsepower

If the Dodge Charger R/T just isn’t going to cut it for you, the charming 2022 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is the next step. Don’t let the name fool you; this car means business. The Scat Pack has a 392 cubic inch Apache Hemi V8 which produces a tire-shredding 485 horsepower. Additionally, the Scat Pack represents an interesting performance bargain. A 2018 model with cloth seats could run a shopper around $38,000, a car that makes the same horsepower for $10,000 cheaper. However, if you want a warrantied street rod, you might consider a newer example. 

There's 1 reason to buy a dodge charger over a Toyota Avalon
A red 2022 Toyota Avalon on a coastline | Toyota

Finally, for the big kids out there, the 2022 Dodge Charger is available with a stable of supercharged V8 engines

Enter the Hellcat. The 2022 Dodge Charger Hellcat produces a silly 717 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine. The Hellcat isn’t the tip of the range, though. Shoppers can buy a 2022 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye with an even more ludicrous 797 horsepower. According to Car and Driver, the Redeye manages to create the extra horsepower using a more significant, screw-type supercharger. The monstrous 2.7L supercharger produces nearly three extra lbs of boost compared to the Hellcat.  

So what if it isn’t fuel efficient? 

There's 1 reason to buy a dodge charger over a Toyota Avalon
A blue Dodge Charger Hellcat at an auto show | Raymond Boyd, Getty Images

Consumer Reports recommends the 2022 Dodge Charger as a big comfy sedan with a big fun factor. However, it scored lower than the Avalon in most categories, especially fuel economy. A hybrid 2022 Toyota Avalon will get as much as 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg at highway speeds. Those fuel economy figures are very impressive considering the overall size of the Avalon. 

So, you likely consider the Avalon a better car, right? Not a chance. Mopar fans love horsepower, quarter-mile sprints, and big smoky burnouts. The Dodge Charger is one of the best in that business. So if you want anything other than outright sinister noise and tire-melting power, buy something else. If you want a four-door muscle car, the Charger is the car for you.   

Scroll down to read more about the specifics of the 2021 Dodge Charger. 

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).