2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic design, reminiscent of an era gone by, with its three-box silhouette that was both simple and iconic. Despite minor updates over the years, the car's appearance remained largely unchanged since its 2014 facelift, offering a timeless appeal that was both familiar and dignified. The grille and headlights had evolved, with the 2021 model featuring bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims boasted adaptive HID lamps. The wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, adding a touch of sophistication to its robust exterior. Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a luxurious experience with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims, ensuring comfort and style.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata showcased a more modern and distinctive design, having evolved significantly from its earlier iterations that closely resembled the Honda Accord. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a bold and unique look. The interior was spacious and functional, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The Sonata N Line added sporty elements like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhausts, transforming its appearance from mild to wild. The cabin of the N Line featured dark chrome trim and red stitching, enhancing its sporty vibe, while the standard models provided a comfortable and serene environment for passengers.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed enthusiasts, but it offered respectable 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. The 300S trim provided a slight boost with 300 hp and 264 lb-ft, and an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was an option for an additional cost, except on the 300S. The driving experience was comfortable and quiet, with the V8 offering a more exhilarating ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a dual personality in terms of performance. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and unassuming drive. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available on the SEL Plus and Limited trims, delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, offering a bit more zest. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters standard on the turbocharged variant. The Sonata N Line, however, was the performance star with a 290-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, delivering a thrilling driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the ride was smooth and quiet, making it a pleasant choice for daily commutes.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury competitors. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, it was classified as a midsize car by the EPA but felt spacious compared to rivals like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating several large suitcases with ease.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, earning it a "Large Car" classification by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in its class, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, slightly less than the Honda Accord but still ample for luggage. The Sonata also featured Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the car to park itself with the push of a button, adding a touch of convenience and novelty.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface and functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and more for an additional cost.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's technology offerings varied by trim level. The base SE came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the SEL Plus and Limited upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The SEL trim included features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. The Bose audio system was particularly impressive, offering excellent sound quality and value.

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

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and surround-view monitor. The NHTSA awarded the Sonata five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave the 2021 model top "Good" ratings in all crash tests.