If you were to ask anyone what the two big dogs are in the performance car scene, you'll hear about the Mustang and Challenger the most. Both Ford and Dodge are still butting heads with their flagship cars and there will always be the debate over which one is better. For 2022, your friends at Essential Ford of Stuart are here to put things into perspective with all of the details.

2022 Ford Mustang vs 2022 Dodge Challenger

Ford and Dodge each have their dedicated fan base and the number of options available is designed to cater to every type of car buff. However, Ford is less confusing and more transparent about their engine types, so you know exactly what you're getting, and the interior experience in the Mustang is a bit more exciting.

Performance

When it comes to the popular GT model, the new Ford Mustang hits it off with the GT Fastback which comes equipped with an incredible 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine. For those who are unfamiliar, Ti-VCT means "twin independent variable cam timing" which is designed to improve the Mustang's fuel economy while still giving you a boost of power. This engine supports 450 horsepower and direct fuel injection for noticeable strength. Included launch control practically guarantees quicker startups and the MagneRide damping system provides you with a smooth and balanced drive. One of our favorite things about the GT is the 10-speed automatic transmission which allows more versatility.

Dodge loves to boast a whopping 807 horsepower engine for their new Challenger, but some vital information is lost in the pages among pages of spec details since the popular car comes in 11 total trim varieties. The engine that supports 807 horsepower is only available for the SRT Super Stock trim which starts at $87,530 which is well above the average budget. Taking a step back and looking at the standard 3.6L V6 engine for the SXT and GT trims, you'll notice a much lower 303 horsepower. If you were to look at the most affordable EcoBoost trim for the Ford Mustang, even that beats the standard Challenger with 310 horsepower. On top of it all, the Challenger's automatic transmission is only an 8-speed compared to the Mustang's 10-speed.

Safety Features

While it can be nauseating to pick apart the different trim variations of the Challenger just to find out that the value is extremely poor in comparison to the Mustang, the safety feature situation between the two is much more clear-cut and simpler. They each come with their respective brand’s collection of essential safety features with little to no difference between the two. Both of them even have anti-theft capability to deter those looking for a supposedly easy grab.

Interior

An exhilarating ride involves more than sheer power. The interior design and comfort make up half of the experience, and in that case, the new Mustang has more to offer. An available 12-inch digital cluster puts you in full control of your ride with tons of configurable options. Voice-activated navigation makes you feel even more empowered by letting you control your infotainment screen without needing to let go of the wheel. Alexa support also adds to the voice-controlled aspect. Lastly, satisfying ambient lighting ties the whole environment together.

The new Challenger comes with a significantly smaller 7-inch digital cluster display. And while the Mustang has an available B&O sound system with quality speakers, the Challenger has available choices between the less popular Alpine and Harman Kardon brands.

Bottom Line

After paying close attention to the pricing and other details between the new Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, the 2022 Mustang is clearly the better value while providing you with an optimal sports car experience. The Challenger may be a popular name, but you could very well be paying extra for just the name itself.