2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had a significant design overhaul, making it more appealing than its predecessors. The Electric Blue paint on the mid-level SV model, with its 16-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlights, gave it a fresh and modern look. The Sentra's design was inspired by the larger Altima, making it feel more substantial. The car was 2 inches lower and wider than the previous version, with detailed stampings and a V-shaped grille that added to its mature and recognizable appearance. The interior featured a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, white-stitched leatherette dash, and knurled climate knobs, giving it a premium feel. The SV Premium Package offered quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade materials, making the Sentra's interior comparable to entry-level luxury cars.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design" from its 2014 facelift, giving it a timeless and recognizable profile. The car's grille and headlights had evolved, with bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and LED driving lamps on lower trims, and adaptive HID lamps on higher trims. The 300 offered a range of wheel options, from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The interior quality was impressive, with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims. The 300S featured perforated inserts and accent stitching, with heated front seats standard on the top trims. The Chrysler 300's interior space and materials rivaled those of much more expensive luxury sedans.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sentra's acceleration tapered off after 30 mph, partly due to an overly sensitive throttle pedal. The Eco mode helped subdue this behavior, while Sport mode held the revs longer. The CVT mimicked gear changes smoothly and responsively. The Sentra's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, with quick steering and good on-center feel. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, making it an efficient choice for mixed driving.

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 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 came 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 quiet, capable, and comfortable driving experience, with the V8 offering a fun and powerful launch. The higher trims delivered a traditional luxury feel, making the 300 a compelling choice for those seeking performance and comfort.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra's backseat was spacious, accommodating a 5-foot-11 passenger without any discomfort. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, though the rear window's rake limited the rear view. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, with foldable seatbacks for added versatility. The driving position and controls were user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, providing a straightforward and comfortable interior experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury sedans. The 300 offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it spacious for its class. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating four large suitcases. The 300's interior space and comfort made it a strong contender for those seeking a roomy and luxurious sedan.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra lacked some advanced features like ProPilot, navigation, and wireless charging. However, it came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. The SV Premium Package added bright LED headlights, a Bose stereo, sunroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and 360-degree cameras, enhancing the Sentra's tech offerings.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup. 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. The 300's tech package offered a comprehensive and user-friendly experience, making it a strong choice for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top ratings. It included rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor as standard features.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, except for "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with five stars for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. The 300 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, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and rain-sensing wipers.