Comparing two cars like the Dodge Charger and the Toyota Avalon might be as silly as comparing apples and oranges. The Toyota Avalon is an affordable luxury sedan, while the Dodge Charger is steeped in muscle car legacy. Given a choice between the 2022 Dodge Charger and the 2022 Toyota Avalon, which sedan should you choose? 

The 2022 Toyota Avalon offers more fuel-efficient powertrain options

While the new Avalon is available with gas-powered engines, environmentally conscious consumers will likely prioritize the sedan’s hybrid options. The Toyota luxury sedan offers three hybrid levels, starting with the XLE Hybrid. Like the many other Toyota models, consumers can get the Avalon Hybrid as a Nightshade, which incorporates aggressive blacked-out styling. Finally, at the top of the hybrid offerings, the Hybrid Limited starts at $45,175. 

The hybrid powertrains are exceptionally efficient considering the weight and size of the Avalon. According to TrueCar, the Toyota model with a hybrid powertrain will achieve 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg at highway speeds. 

Toyota’s flagship luxury sedan features a comfortable and refined interior that the Charger couldn’t hope to challenge 

The base model XLE offers amenities like heated front seats and Toyota’s dependable safety technology suite. However, stepping up to higher trims like the Touring or Limited outfits the big sedan with premium brand-challenging luxury. The Limited gets handsome upgrades like quilted leather and wood trim. In addition to high-quality materials and premium finish, the Avalon’s interior offers excellent sound insulation. 

2022 Toyota Avalon is also safer than the 2022 Dodge Charger 

The Avalon is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick. Toyota’s big sedan also received good ratings in front, side, rear, and roof crush testing. Furthermore, the Avalon earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Conversely, the Dodge Charger has not earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. Additionally, the Charger earned a lower score in IIHS frontal crash testing and NHTSA side crash testing. 

The Dodge Charger’s best bet is to flex its V8 muscle

If you’re looking for class-leading fuel economy, the Dodge Charger is not for you. It is, however, a beloved holdout in the war on horsepower. Although the 301 hp V6-powered Avalon has more power than the Dodge Charger SXT, that’s where the competition ends. The first V8-powered Charger in the lineup sports a 5.7L Hemi and 370 horsepower. Next, Dodge has the Scat Pack models, all with 6.4L naturally aspirated V8 engines making a riotous 485 horsepower. Finally, the Charger gets a library of supercharged Hellcat engines, with horsepower figures up to 797 horsepower. 

Although the Dodge Charger’s interior isn’t as refined as the Toyota, it is still a comfortable ride

Consumer Reports describes the Dodge Charger’s ride as comfortable, and eager to mitigate road imperfections for the occupants. While it is not as luxury-oriented as the Avalon, the Charger’s interior is comfortable, with big seats, available leather with accent stitching, and a spacious back seat. Additionally, the Charger has Stellantis’ intuitive Uconnect infotainment system. 

If you’re in the market for anything other than performance, choose the Toyota Avalon 

Consumer Reports awarded the 2022 Toyota Avalon an overall score of 90 points and the top spot on its list of new sedans. In comparison, the Charger scored an 80. Although both cars come with a Consumer Reports recommendation, the Avalon seems to win in every category except performance. If you want a car to burn rubber with smiling back seat buddies, there’s no competition for the Charger. However, if you want a luxury sedan that puts higher-priced premium cars in their places, the Avalon is the car for you.