Dodge Charger vs Ford Mustang: The Ultimate Muscle Car Comparison

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Dodge Charger vs Ford Mustang: The Ultimate Muscle Car Comparison

Posted on June 13, 2025

Looking to turn heads at this year's Ponoka Stampede? What better ride to do so in than a brand new muscle car? When you're looking at a stylish ride to rule the roads in, the two options that jump out for many of our customers are the Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang. In this guide, we'll pit the two against each other to compare their power, performance, safety, and features to decide once and for all who reigns supreme.

Key Takeaways

• The 2025 Dodge Charger offers a wider range of powertrain options, including gas and electric, with up to 797 HP, surpassing the Ford Mustang's maximum horsepower of around 480-500 HP.
• The Dodge Charger provides more interior space and practical features, making it a better fit for families compared to the Mustang's sportier, more compact design.
• Both vehicles come with advanced safety features, but the Charger includes exclusive technologies like a curb-side camera and a comprehensive suite of assistive systems, giving it an edge in safety.
• The Charger boasts a more advanced and customizable digital driver display and infotainment system, enhancing the driving experience and connectivity over the Mustang.
• Reliability ratings favor the Dodge Charger, with a strong track record and warranty support, while the Mustang shows potential for future improvements in reliability.

Muscle Car Evolution: 2025 Dodge Charger vs Ford Mustang

The muscle car scene never stays stagnant, and 2025 is no exception. Car makers have really stepped up their game, bringing fresh updates to these powerful rides to meet what drivers want today. Take the new Dodge Charger—it’s loaded with the latest high-performance engines and cutting-edge tech that muscle car fans have been asking for. Meanwhile, the Ford Mustang still packs a punch but hasn’t made as many big leaps forward compared to the Charger.

This year marks the final model run for the Dodge Charger, closing the chapter on a true muscle car legend. The Mustang keeps its classic vibe and steady improvements, but it’s clear Dodge has put in extra effort to keep the Charger ahead of the pack.

When you size up these two, it’s easy to see how the Charger’s grand finale stacks up against the Mustang’s timeless appeal. From power and performance to safety and comfort, every detail counts for Ponoka drivers looking to make the right muscle car choice.

Power and Performance

The new Dodge Charger brings a versatile lineup of powertrains, including two gas engines and two electric options, designed to suit a variety of driving styles. With a top horsepower of an impressive 797 HP—especially in the Daytona model, which also boasts a reinforced chassis for added strength—the Charger delivers both raw muscle and refined performance.

Thanks to its multi-link rear suspension, the Charger handles with confidence and stability, whether you're cruising Ponoka’s highways or navigating tight corners. This setup, combined with other performance upgrades, makes driving the Charger a real pleasure.

On the flip side, the Ford Mustang continues to impress with:

• Its popular Coyote V-8 engine, known for solid performance and reliability
• Transmission choices between a 10-speed automatic and a manual, giving drivers flexibility
• A maximum horsepower of around 480 HP, which is strong but doesn’t quite match the Charger’s peak power

When you put them side by side, the Dodge Charger stands out with its wider range of powertrain options and higher horsepower. While the Mustang still packs a punch, it doesn’t offer quite the same level of innovation. For Ponoka drivers looking for top-tier performance and versatility, the Charger is the clear favorite.

Safety and Assistive Technologies

Both the Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang have undergone rigorous safety testing, meeting high safety standards and achieving a commendable safety rating. However, previous model years of the Ford Mustang have faced several recalls, raising potential reliability concerns.

Both the Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang come packed with advanced safety features to keep Ponoka drivers confident on the road. You’ll find standard systems like collision avoidance, lane guidance, and blind spot monitoring in both models, helping you navigate with ease.

What sets the Dodge Charger apart is its added curb-side camera, making parking and tight maneuvers around Ponoka’s streets much simpler. This, along with its suite of assistive technologies, highlights Dodge’s focus on driver safety—even though the official safety ratings are still on their way, for those seeking a muscle car that can double as a family vehicle, the Dodge Charger is the superior choice.

The Ford Mustang doesn’t fall short either, offering a Pre-Collision Assist system with automatic emergency braking that helps maintain safe distances in traffic. Higher trims pack even more safety tech, making it a solid pick for safety-minded drivers. Still, with its extra features and emphasis on safety, the Charger edges ahead in this category.

Interior Features and Comfort

Step inside the new Dodge Charger, and you’ll find a range of modern features designed to boost comfort and convenience for Ponoka drivers. The customizable 16-inch driver display puts all the essential info right in front of you, while the Uconnect® 8.4-inch touchscreen keeps you connected on the go.

Compared to the Mustang, the Charger offers a lot more interior space, making it a great fit for families around Ponoka. It’s roomy, safe, and comfortable, perfect for everything from daily drives to weekend getaways. Highlights include:

• An extra four inches of rear legroom compared to previous models, giving passengers more space to stretch out
• A whopping 133% increase in power-liftback cargo space, so you can carry all your gear with ease
• A quiet cabin that makes long drives more relaxing, helping you arrive refreshed and ready to enjoy your day

While the Mustang boasts a sleek interior, it doesn’t quite match the Charger’s blend of space and practicality. For Ponoka drivers who value comfort and interior features, the Charger clearly takes the lead.

Technology and Connectivity

The Dodge Charger shines in technology and connectivity with, UConnect 5 infotainment system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, enhanced connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 16-inch digital driver display that enhances the tech-savvy feel of the vehicle.

The Ford Mustang, with its 12.4-inch driver display, doesn’t match the Charger’s technological prowess. However, it offers the convenience of FordPass® Connect, allowing owners to remotely start their vehicle and access other remote features, including a button labeled for easy accessibility options, measuring 12.4 ft.

Driving Experience and Handling

Driving the new Dodge Charger around Ponoka is a real thrill, thanks to smart features like the multi-link rear suspension that boosts performance. This setup delivers excellent grip and handling, making every trip smooth and enjoyable.

While the Ford Mustang is still fun to drive, it doesn’t quite match the advanced handling features of the Charger. For Ponoka drivers who want top-notch driving dynamics, the Charger’s upgrades really stand out.

Reliability and Quality Ratings

Reliability matters a lot when picking a muscle car, especially for drivers here in Ponoka. The Dodge Charger scores an impressive 89 out of 100 for reliability in its 2022 model, showing it’s a solid choice you can count on. The Ford Mustang’s recent ratings have been more in the fair to average range, but good news is on the horizon — the latest iteration of the Mustang is expected to improve its reliability based on past trends.

Both Dodge and Ford back their rides with a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty, giving you some peace of mind on the road. All in all, the Dodge Charger’s strong reliability record gives it a bit of an edge for Ponoka drivers, though the Mustang is definitely working to catch up.

Ownership and Maintenance Costs

Owning a muscle car means thinking about the long-term expenses. For Ponoka drivers considering the Ford Mustang, it's important to consider factors such as average cost per mile, maintenance costs over 10 years, depreciation, and insurance costs.

Knowing these costs upfront helps you make a smart decision when choosing your muscle car. For those leaning toward the Dodge Charger, it’s a good idea to factor in similar expenses. Plus, when it comes to keeping your ride in top shape, Summit RAM’s expert service department right here in Ponoka is ready to help with all your maintenance needs, making ownership easier and hassle-free.

Available Now at Summit RAM

At the end of the day, both the Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang offer unique strengths that cater to different types of buyers. So how do you choose? The Charger’s final model year brings significant enhancements, making it a standout choice for those seeking performance, safety, and comfort. On the other hand, the Mustang remains a reliable and stylish option with a strong legacy.

Ultimately, the choice between these two muscle cars depends on your priorities. Whether you value cutting-edge technology, family usability, or raw power, there’s a muscle car waiting for you here in Ponoka.