2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2020 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Toyota Prius retained its iconic jellybean-like shape, a design optimized for aerodynamics. Over the years, Toyota made subtle changes to the styling cues within this shape, aiming to give it a more sedan-like appearance while maintaining its hatchback functionality. The Prius's futuristic style remained contemporary, with a cabin defined by its central instrumentation and gauges, a hallmark since its introduction over two decades ago. The trim levels ranged from the entry-level L Eco to the top-tier Limited, each adding more features and luxury as you moved up the ladder.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic "three-box design" since its major facelift in 2014. This design gave it a timeless, no-nonsense appearance that appealed to those who appreciated a traditional luxury sedan. The grille and headlights evolved over the years, with the 2021 model featuring bi-xenon halogen projector lamps 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. Inside, the 300 boasted high-quality materials, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on higher trims and heated seats available.

The 2020 Toyota Prius featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It came with front-wheel drive as standard, with an all-wheel-drive variant available. The Prius offered smooth acceleration, especially at lower speeds, with a seamless transition between electric and conventional power. It had three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving needs. The unique shifter design and Engine Braking mode added to its distinctive driving experience. The Prius handled well for a hybrid, with a low center of gravity contributing to its sharp handling and smooth ride.

The 2021 Chrysler 300, on the other hand, offered more robust engine options. The base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 300S trim upped the ante to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The 300S also offered a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet 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. The 300 provided a traditional luxury driving experience, with the V8 offering a fun, powerful ride.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made excellent use of its compact platform, offering spacious and comfortable front seats with good headroom and legroom. The rear seats were also roomy, though taller passengers might need to watch their heads. The Prius excelled in cargo space, with 50.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded and up to 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, depending on the trim. The hatchback design made loading and unloading easy, adding to its versatility.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 provided generous legroom, with 41.8 inches in the front and 40.1 inches in the rear, rivaling luxury sedans like the Lexus ES350 and Toyota Avalon. 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, enough to accommodate four large suitcases. This made the 300 a strong contender for those seeking a roomy, comfortable sedan.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and three USB ports. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable, tablet-like layout. This larger screen included Apple CarPlay but lacked Android Auto. The Prius also offered satellite radio, HD Radio, a head-up display (HUD), and a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system. The top-center instrument panel, a defining feature of the Prius, provided critical readouts and hybrid drivetrain status.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. This system was praised for its intuitive interface, functionality, and steering wheel-mounted controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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, enhancing the 300's tech offerings.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and active park assist. The Prius earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to "average" scores in some tests.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but scored "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, 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, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available through packages, but only on higher trims, making them less accessible compared to competitors.