If you want a well-muscled sports car, the Ford Mustang is usually one of the first cars that come to mind. However, in the list of the most iconic American muscle cars, there are a few powerful and popular rivals. One of the Mustang’s biggest (figuratively and literally) competitors is the Challenger. If you’re trying to decide between a 2022 Ford Mustang and a 2022 Dodge Challenger, read on for four reasons why the Mustang comes out on top.

The 2022 Ford Mustang is cheaper than the 2022 Dodge Challenger

If you’re shopping with a healthy budget, price may not be at the top of your priorities. But, if you’re torn between one sports car or the other, a few thousand dollars could make all the difference. The affordable 2022 Ford Mustang starts at $27,205 for the base model, while the 2022 Dodge Challenger starts at $30,825.

The Mustang is one of the best sports cars under $30,000. This may be why the Mustang outsold the Challenger and is considered one of the best-selling muscle cars. 

At their higher trim levels, the Mustang is still more affordable. A fully loaded 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 comes in at around $72,900, while a fully loaded 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock will cost between $84,000-$86,000 for a top-of-the-line performance car.

The Ford Mustang handles better than the Dodge Challenger

As one of the best sports cars out there, the 2022 Ford Mustang has incredible handling capabilities. According to U.S. News, “the Mustang manages the best mix of handling and ride quality, the balance of which changes with different trims and options packages.”

The heavier Challenger may ride smoothly, but it has a harder time cornering than the Mustang. The base 2022 Mustang is slightly more powerful than the base 2022 Challenger, and the top-of-the-line Mustang Shelby GT500 boasts 760 horsepower compared to the Challenger Hellcat’s 717 horsepower.

The 2022 Mustang is more fuel-efficient than the 2022 Challenger

Who isn’t talking about gas and gas prices right now? Unless you’re lucky enough to have a whole stable of cars, you’re likely going to be looking at fuel economy ratings for your next sports car. Both of these muscle cars are relatively efficient for their size and power, but the 2022 Mustang takes this competition. 

The most fuel-efficient model of the 2022 Ford Mustang lineup runs on a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is good for up to 32 mpg on the highway. Even the most fuel-sipping 2022 Dodge Challenger will only give you 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg.

The 2022 Ford Mustang is safer than the 2022 Dodge Challenger

U.S. News points out that both the Mustang and Challenger can be equipped with a whole host of modern safety and driver-assistance features, but they’re not equal when it comes to safety. 

The 2022 Ford Mustang scored best in its crash tests, with a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Dodge Challenger had poorer ratings in rollover resistance and frontal crash safety.

By ratings alone, the Mustang is the safest muscle car. However, real life may speak for itself here—the Mustang isn’t exactly known for being accident-free.

With all this in mind: choose the Mustang over the Challenger

The 2022 Ford Mustang is more affordable, more fuel-efficient, better to drive, and can keep you safer in an accident. The 2022 Dodge Challenger does offer some cool features and an iconic design. However, the Mustang is the better choice overall.

A potential additional reason to choose the Mustang: Dodge is giving the Challenger the ax after 2023. There’s a chance that the company won’t want to invest that much effort into the last few models. The Ford Mustang, meanwhile, is here for the long haul.