2020 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, evolved into its own model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and functional air intake. The WRX STI version added even more aerodynamic components, making it the most aggressively-styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the non-STI version maintained a somewhat understated look, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered a bit plain for a new car in 2021.

Trim levels for the WRX included Base, Premium, and Limited. The Base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and a larger 7-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and STI Limited trims, came with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-and-suede upholstery, and advanced safety features.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design" from its 2014 facelift, giving it a timeless and straightforward profile. The 300's design was reminiscent of an earlier era, without the retrofuturist influence seen in cars like the Audi TT or Volkswagen Beetle. The 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. Higher trims like the Touring L and 300S offered adaptive HID lamps and various grille finishes.

Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base 300 Touring trim to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The interior quality of the Chrysler 300 was impressive, with cloth upholstery on the base trim and Nappa leather on higher trims. The 300S featured perforated inserts and accent stitching. Heated front seats were standard on the top trims, with heated rear seats available as well.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring Subaru’s SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The manual transmission offered a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT had a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio. The WRX's power delivery was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.

The WRX STI took performance up a notch with a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. It featured Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension, enhancing its cornering abilities. However, the stiff suspension resulted in a rough ride, especially on imperfect roads. Despite the noise and stiffness, WRX enthusiasts appreciated its corner-carving capabilities.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims. The 300S trim had a slightly more powerful V6 with 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The 300S also offered an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. 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 the V6 models.

The Chrysler 300 provided a comfortable and quiet ride, especially in the higher trims. The V8 engine in the 300S offered a fun driving experience, though it wasn't as powerful as the higher-displacement engines in its Dodge Charger sibling. The 300's driving experience was more traditional luxury, with a focus on comfort and capability rather than performance.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windshield. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The WRX provided plenty of first-row seating space, with adequate rear-seat space for adults on shorter trips. However, its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though similar to other performance cars.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches of rear legroom. It offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing competitors like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The 300's trunk volume was also impressive, with 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to accommodate four large suitcases.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. The system was intuitive and offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, surround sound, a trunk-mounted subwoofer, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the 300's tech offerings.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but scored "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. It received a four-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA, with a five-star rating for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. The 300 offered advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control, but these were only available on higher trims and packages.