Compare the2022 Dodge ChargerVS 2021 Nissan Altima

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The Charger 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 Altima doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Charger and the Altima have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Dodge Charger weighs 478 to 1154 pounds more than the Nissan Altima. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Dodge Charger is safer than the Nissan Altima:

	Charger	Altima
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	96	239
Neck Injury Risk	33%	54%
Neck Stress	155 lbs.	280 lbs.
Neck Compression	42 lbs.	110 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Dodge Charger is safer than the Nissan Altima:

	Charger	Altima
	Front Seat
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	138	187
Chest Movement	1.4 inches	1.4 inches
Hip Force	372 lbs.	511 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	164	185
Spine Acceleration	44 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	243 lbs.	544 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	15 inches	16 inches
Hip Force	692 lbs.	769 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

There are over 2 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Nissan dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Charger’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Charger has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Charger AWD/GT/R/T and 220 Scat Pack). The Altima’s standard 120-amp alternator and largest (VC-T) 150-amp alternator aren’t as powerful.

The battery on the Charger is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Charger’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Altima’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

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 Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 7 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked fifth.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge 17th in reliability. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Dodge 3 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

Engine

The Charger has more powerful engines than the Altima:

	Horsepower	Torque
Charger 3.6 DOHC V6	292 HP	260 lbs.-ft.
Charger GT/SXT AWD 3.6 DOHC V6	300 HP	264 lbs.-ft.
Charger R/T 5.7 V8	370 HP	395 lbs.-ft.
Charger Scat Pack 6.4 V8	485 HP	475 lbs.-ft.
Altima 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	182 HP	178 lbs.-ft.
Altima 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	188 HP	180 lbs.-ft.
Altima SR 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	236 HP	267 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Car and Driver the Charger Scat Pack 6.4 V8 is faster than the Altima SR 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

	Charger	Altima
Zero to 30 MPH	1.6 sec	2.4 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	3.9 sec	5.9 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	6.2 sec	9.5 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	9.1 sec	14.7 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	4.3 sec	6.4 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.2 sec	3.6 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	2.6 sec	4.1 sec
Quarter Mile	12.3 sec	14.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	115 MPH	99 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the Charger Scat Pack 6.4 V8 is faster than the Nissan Altima 2.5:

	Charger	Altima
Zero to 60 MPH	4.2 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter Mile	12.6 sec	15.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	113.8 MPH	90.2 MPH

As tested in Car and Driver the Charger Scat Pack 6.4 V8 is faster than the Nissan Altima 2.5:

	Charger	Altima
Zero to 30 MPH	1.6 sec	2.9 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	3.9 sec	7.4 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	9.1 sec	19.7 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	4.3 sec	8.3 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.2 sec	4.8 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	2.6 sec	5.6 sec
Quarter Mile	12.3 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	115 MPH	91 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Charger R/T’s fuel efficiency. The Altima doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Charger has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Altima AWD’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Charger has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Altima FWD’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 16.2 gallons).

The Charger has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Altima doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

The Charger Scat Pack’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 Altima doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Charger’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Altima:

	Charger SXT	Charger Daytona/Widebody	Altima
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	15.7 inches	11.65 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	13.8 inches	11.02 inches
Opt Rear Rotors			11.5 inches

The Charger GT/R/T/SXT AWD’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Altima are solid, not vented.

The Charger stops much shorter than the Altima:

	Charger	Altima
70 to 0 MPH	150 feet	176 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	106 feet	119 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Charger Scat Pack Widebody’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Altima (305/35R20 vs. 235/40R19).

The Charger Scat Pack 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 Altima SR/Platinum’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Charger SXT has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Altima S. The Charger R/T’s 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the Altima SR/Platinum.

Suspension and Handling

The Charger offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Altima’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Charger’s wheelbase is 9 inches longer than on the Altima (120.2 inches vs. 111.2 inches).

The Charger’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the Altima’s (59% to 41%). This gives the Charger more stable handling and braking.

The Charger Scat Pack handles at .92 G’s, while the Altima SV AWD pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Charger Scat Pack executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.4 seconds quicker than the Altima SV AWD (25.3 seconds @ .8 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

Chassis

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

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Charger a Large car, while the Altima is rated a Mid-size.

The Charger has 3.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Altima (104.7 vs. 100.8).

The Charger has 1.5 inches more front hip room, 1.3 inches more front shoulder room, 4.9 inches more rear legroom, 1.6 inches more rear hip room and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Altima.

Cargo Capacity

The Charger has a much larger trunk than the Altima (16.5 vs. 15.4 cubic feet).

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Charger’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The Altima’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

Towing

The Charger has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The Altima has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Damping on the Charger uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Altima doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The Charger uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Altima uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the Charger is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Altima. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Charger’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 Altima does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Charger and the Altima have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Charger is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Altima prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Charger’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Altima’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. The Altima SL/Platinum’s rear windows don’t close automatically.

The Charger’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Altima’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Charger to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Altima doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

When the Charger with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Altima’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Charger’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Altima offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Charger and the Altima offer available heated front seats. The Charger also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Altima.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Charger keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Altima doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Charger has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Altima SL/Platinum.

Both the Charger and the Altima offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Charger has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Altima doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Economic Advantages

The Charger will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Charger will retain 44.89% to 48.58% of its original price after five years, while the Altima only retains 40.1% to 42.03%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Charger is less expensive to operate than the Altima because it costs $328 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Charger than the Altima, including $100 less for a starter, $136 less for fuel injection, $82 less for front struts, $14 less for a timing belt/chain and $41 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Dodge Charger and the Nissan Altima, based on reliability, safety and performance.