2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid siblings, save for the “Hybrid” badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This subtle approach was a smart move by Honda, avoiding the odd design cues that often deter buyers from hybrid models. The Accord Hybrid maintained the sleek, modern look of the standard Accord, appealing to those who appreciated the design without needing flashy, oversized wheels.

Available in four trims—Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring—the Accord Hybrid started at $25,620. The Hybrid EX, priced at $29,520, was recommended for its comprehensive driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, along with comfort features like a 12-way power driver’s seat and heated front seats. The interior, especially with leather and simulated matte-finish wood trim, offered an upscale feel, though the floor mats were notably difficult to clean of pet hair.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic “three-box design” since its 2014 facelift, presenting a timeless, straightforward profile. This design choice evoked a sense of nostalgia without the retrofuturist influences seen in other models. From the base 300 trim to the high-end 300S, the 300’s appearance was consistently impressive, suitable for any upscale setting.

The 2021 model featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, and adaptive HID lamps on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The interior quality was notable, with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims, including heated front seats on the top trims. The 300S also offered perforated inserts and accent stitching, enhancing its luxurious feel.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 42.6 mpg in real-world driving and 44.1 mpg in city and suburban conditions. Its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, combined with a two-motor hybrid powertrain, delivered 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line, especially in Sport mode, though the eCVT drone during hard acceleration was a minor drawback.

The Accord Hybrid’s handling was generally predictable and composed, though it showed some instability on undulating roads. Nevertheless, it offered a blend of ride comfort, handling, and road communication that made it enjoyable to drive, barring the occasional eCVT noise during aggressive acceleration.

The 2021 Chrysler 300, with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, provided 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also offered a 5.7-liter V8 option with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the 300S. RWD was standard, with AWD available for an additional $2,750, though not on the 300S.

The base 300 Touring, even with minimal options, was quiet and comfortable, offering a traditional luxury experience. The V8 in the 300S provided a thrilling launch, though it didn’t match the higher-displacement powertrains of its Dodge Charger sibling. The AWD Touring L trim offered a more refined luxury driving experience, making it a solid choice for those seeking comfort and capability.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid offered a spacious interior and trunk, matching the standard Accord’s family-friendly design. The backseat provided excellent thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. However, taller drivers might find the front-seat track travel insufficient, and the lack of height adjustment for the front passenger seat could be a drawback for some.

The seat cushions were comfortable, with front heating and ventilation and rear heating available in the Touring trim. The 16.7-cubic-foot trunk was larger than most competitors, capable of holding four full-size suitcases with room to spare. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility, though a hatchback design would have been even more practical.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous legroom, with 41.8 inches in the front and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury sedans. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, it felt spacious compared to competitors like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for four large suitcases, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, in EX trim or higher, featured a robust Display Audio infotainment system with a user-friendly interface, clear graphics, and essential controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and quick-charge USB ports. Higher trims added a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services.

HondaLink offered useful features like in-car delivery of Amazon packages, Find My Car, stolen-vehicle locator, and remote locking, unlocking, and engine starting. Safety features included automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The Touring trim also included a head-up display, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Chrysler 300’s Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen was praised for its intuitive interface and functionality. Standard across the lineup, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The $3,495 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 car’s tech offerings.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign recognition, and road-departure mitigation. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. The Accord received top ratings from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top scores in most IIHS crash tests but scored “Marginal” in small overlap tests and “Poor” for headlights. It earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a five-star rating for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, brake assist, rain brake support, ready alert braking, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available in higher trims and packages, adding forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more.