2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Nissan Maxima had a design that closely mirrored other models in Nissan’s lineup, featuring the signature V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. Its floating-roof design, accented by a heavy beltline, led to the rear where quad-tip exhaust finishers rested. The Maxima SR models also sported a rear spoiler, adding a touch of sportiness. The Maxima was the pioneer of this design era for Nissan sedans, influencing the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima Platinum, as tested, rode on 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Goodyear all-season tires, while the interior boasted premium materials, especially in the Platinum Reserve Package, which included semi-aniline leather and Satin Bronze finishers.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic “three-box design” that had been a staple since its 2014 facelift. This design gave it a timeless, no-nonsense appearance. The 2021 model featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, and adaptive HID lamps on higher trims. The grille varied between black and chrome, depending on the trim. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. Inside, the 300 offered a luxurious experience with Nappa leather upholstery on higher trims and heated front seats standard on the top two trims.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more of a comfortable cruiser, especially in its Sport drive mode. It featured active noise cancellation in SL and higher trims, and active noise enhancement in the SR grade. The Maxima was front-wheel drive with an 18-gallon fuel tank, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Despite lacking all-wheel drive and hybrid options, it managed to feel planted in most driving situations.

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 300 Touring L, and 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 with 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The 300 provided a traditional luxury driving experience, especially in the AWD Touring L trim, while the V8 in the 300S offered a fun, albeit less powerful, experience compared to its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. The thick center console was the only limitation to the feeling of spaciousness in the cabin. The front seats were comfortable for long road trips, though the Maxima lagged behind competitors like the Kia Cadenza and Hyundai Sonata in legroom. The Maxima had 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space and 98.5 cubic feet of passenger space, less than its rivals. Despite this, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing, though it might not be ideal for those frequently transporting large items.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 provided generous front and rear legroom, with 41.8 inches in the front and 40.1 inches in the back. It offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, beating competitors like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk had 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for about four large suitcases. The 300’s interior space and trunk volume made it a strong contender in its class, offering a comfortable and spacious experience for passengers.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. While functional, these features were not the most modern. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with NissanConnect Services available on the top Platinum grade. The Maxima also offered a Bose Premium Audio system, Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, and keyless entry. USB-A and USB-C ports were available in the front and rear, making charging on the go easy.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. This system was intuitive and offered excellent functionality, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. 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. This package, though expensive, added a wealth of desirable equipment.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were standard on all trims except the base model. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, receiving top ratings in front crash prevention.

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 rating from NHTSA, with a five-star rating for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. The 300 offered active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available on higher trims and packages, making them less accessible compared to competitors.