2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

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 the lack of major changes since its 2014 facelift, the 300's appearance remained appealing, offering a sense of pride when pulling up to any venue. The vehicle'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 boasted adaptive HID lamps. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, depending on the trim and package.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla aimed to shed its reputation for blandness with a more extroverted exterior design. The Corolla featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it didn't quite match the boldness of competitors like the Hyundai Elantra. Different trims offered unique styling elements, such as the aggressive front fascia on SE and XSE models, and the sporty touches of the Apex Edition. Despite its efforts, the Corolla's design was not as cohesive as some rivals, but it did manage to stand out more than previous iterations.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed demons, but its performance was respectable. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, while the 300S offered 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. For those seeking more power, the 300S also had 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, with all-wheel drive as an option, except on the 300S.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine choices. The L, LE, and XLE trims featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE trims, along with their Apex Editions, had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 hp and 151 lb-ft. The Apex Edition included a sport exhaust system and a manual transmission option, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Apex Edition's suspension modifications improved handling but compromised ride comfort. All Corollas were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive expected in future models.

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. Its 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume placed it in the midsize class, providing ample room for passengers. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating several large suitcases.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, while lacking specific measurements, felt reasonably spacious. The low beltline improved visibility, but the steep windshield and deep dashboard hindered forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, though taller drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space was less than some competitors, but the 60/40 split-folding rear seat added versatility. Interior storage was limited, with a thin center console and small phone tray.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and steering wheel controls. The Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, navigation, and a sunroof, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base model, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. A JBL audio system was available on select trims. The interface was user-friendly, but graphics appeared dated, and wireless connectivity was absent. The Corolla lacked innovative tech features found in some rivals.

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

The 2022 Toyota Corolla excelled in safety, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available but not standard on all trims.