Compare the2022 Dodge ChallengerVS 2021 Lexus LC Series

The Challenger has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The LC Series doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Challenger offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The LC Series doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the Challenger and the LC Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

There are almost 10 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Challenger’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Lexus vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is ranked third.

The Challenger has more powerful engines than the LC Series:

As tested in Motor Trend the Dodge Challenger is faster than the LC 500 5.0 DOHC V8 (automatics tested):

As tested in Motor Trend the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 6.4 V8 is faster than the LC 500h 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid (automatics tested):

As tested in Motor Trend the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 6.4 V8 is faster than the LC 500h 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the Challenger gets better mileage than the LC Series Coupe:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Challenger 5.7/6.4 V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The LC Series doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Challenger offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The LC Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

All wheel drive, available in the Challenger, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Lexus LC Series is not available with all wheel drive.

The Challenger R/T Scat Pack/Hellcat/Super Stock’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The LC Series doesn’t offer launch control.

The Challenger stops much shorter than the LC Series:

For better traction, the Challenger SRT Super Stock’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the LC Series (315/40R18 vs. 245/45R20).

The Challenger Widebody’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LC Series’ optional 40 series front tires.

The Challenger has a standard space-saver spare (not available on R/T Scat Pack/Hellcat/Super Stock) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the LC Series; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Challenger’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the LC Series (116 inches vs. 113 inches).

The SRT Hellcat Redeye handles at .96 G’s, while the LC 500h pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The SRT Widebody Hellcat Redeye executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the LC 500h (24.3 seconds @ .82 average G’s vs. 26.1 seconds @ .69 average G’s).

The Dodge Challenger may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 50 to 500 pounds less than the Lexus LC Series.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Challenger has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The LC Series uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Challenger a Compact car, while the LC Series Coupe is rated a Subcompact.

The Challenger has standard seating for 5 passengers; the LC Series can only carry 4.

The Challenger has 7.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the LC Series (93.7 vs. 85.9).

The Challenger has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front hip room, 2 inches more front shoulder room, 4.9 inches more rear headroom, .6 inches more rear legroom, 4.1 inches more rear hip room and 5 inches more rear shoulder room than the LC Series.

The Challenger has a much larger trunk than the LC Series (16.2 vs. 5.4 cubic feet).

The Challenger’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LC Series doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The Challenger has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The LC Series has no towing capacity.

The Challenger’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The LC Series does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Challenger has standard extendable sun visors. The LC Series doesn’t offer extendable visors.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the Challenger has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The LC Series doesn’t offer rear vents.

The Challenger will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Challenger will retain 48.56% to 60.44% of its original price after five years, while the LC Series only retains 44.07% to 45.69%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Dodge Challenger will be $12435 to $60173 less than for the Lexus LC Series.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Dodge Challenger, based on reliability, safety and performance.