2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling quirks, adopting a more refined and handsome appearance reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. This new design approach was a welcome change, as it avoided the oversized headlights and grille of its predecessor, instead opting for a more balanced and appealing look. Inside, the Versa's cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, thanks to the shared V platform, offering ample interior space for a subcompact sedan. The cabin was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream accents, and unique seat designs that added a touch of flair. The Versa was available in three trims: S, SV, and SR, with the SV trim offering a good balance of features and price. However, the cabin did have some cost-cutting measures, such as harsh plastics and manual seat adjustments, which were noticeable but not deal-breakers.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic "three-box design" that had been a staple since its 2014 facelift. This design gave the 300 a timeless and recognizable profile, appealing to those who appreciated a traditional look without the influence of retrofuturism. The 300's grille and headlights had evolved over the years, with the 2021 model featuring bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims offered adaptive HID lamps. The wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base trim to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S, enhancing its bold and no-nonsense appearance. Inside, the Chrysler 300 boasted interior quality that rivaled more expensive cars, with Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats available on higher trims, providing a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation's output. This engine drove the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with the manual available only on the base S trim. The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power effectively, offering decent acceleration and a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. The Versa's steering was responsive, and while the body leaned at higher speeds, it settled quickly into turns. Fuel economy was respectable, with the CVT achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a more powerful performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, making it the only V8 in its class. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive as an option on certain trims. The 300 provided a quiet and comfortable ride, with the V8 offering a fun driving experience, especially when launching the rear wheels.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less accommodating for adults on longer journeys. The front seats, on the other hand, provided ample legroom, even for taller drivers, making it a suitable choice for personal commuting.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in providing generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury competitors. The 300 offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it feel spacious and comfortable. Its trunk volume of 16.3 cubic feet was also impressive, accommodating several large suitcases with ease.

The 2020 Nissan Versa came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant as standard features. The SV trim added the NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an upgraded instrument panel featuring a digital screen for various functions. This setup provided a seamless integration of technology, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface and functionality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system offered easy navigation through prominent knobs and steering wheel controls. The Popular Equipment Group package added premium audio, GPS navigation, and other desirable features, further enhancing the 300's tech offerings.

The 2020 Nissan Versa included a range of standard driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. These features were part of a broader trend of making advanced safety technologies accessible across all trims. The Versa also had a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert system.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small overlap tests and for headlights, respectively. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash test rating. The 300 offered a range of safety features, including active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, and optional advanced safety packages on higher trims.