2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained much of its classic design, reminiscent of its major facelift in 2014. Its "three-box design" gave it a straightforward, timeless profile that could easily be sketched by a child. The car's appearance was a nod to a bygone era, free from the retrofuturist influences seen in models like the Audi TT or Volkswagen Beetle. From the base 300 trim to the high-end 300S, the Chrysler 300 exuded a sense of pride and elegance, making it a head-turner at any valet stand.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, showcased a more modern and sporty design evolution since its introduction in 1993. The sixth-generation model featured Nissan's signature V-Motion grille, a low and wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package added a touch of sophistication with gloss black accents and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. While the Altima's exterior styling was commendable, some elements like the floating roofline felt unnecessary. Overall, the Altima's design aimed to blend sportiness with practicality.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a choice between a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi. The V6 engine delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L trims, while the 300S trim boosted these figures to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. The V8 Hemi, available only in the 300S, provided a robust 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 a $2,750 option (not available on the 300S). The 300 offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with the V8 providing a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with two four-cylinder engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with front-wheel drive. All Altimas featured Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The VC-Turbo engine, capable of adjusting its compression ratio for performance or efficiency, offered a unique driving experience. However, the base engine's performance was underwhelming, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. Despite this, the Altima's suspension provided a smooth and composed ride, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in interior space, offering 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, it outclassed competitors like the Lexus ES350 and Genesis G70. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating four large suitcases. The 300's interior quality rivaled more expensive luxury sedans, with options for Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, designed as a practical midsize sedan, offered comfortable seating for four adults and a decent-sized trunk with 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, neither excelling nor falling short in any specific area. The Altima's rear visibility was compromised by a high rear shelf and sloping roofline, making it challenging to see out the back. Additionally, the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not carefully packed. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima provided a competent and comfortable interior.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. The system was praised for its intuitive interface, prominent knobs, and steering wheel-mounted controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The $3,495 Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, surround sound, a trunk-mounted subwoofer, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the 300's tech offerings.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim came with a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SL trim and above included a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, navigation, and remote engine start with intelligent climate control. The Altima also offered advanced noise cancellation and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings. It earned top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but received a "Marginal" score in small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash test rating, with five stars for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. The 300 offered a range of safety features, but advanced safety equipment was only available on higher trims and packages.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims added Nissan's Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received five-star overall crash protection ratings from the NHTSA and earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" designation, with high ratings in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.