2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat presented a familiar exterior design, reminiscent of its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. It borrowed styling cues from the Jetta and applied them to the older Passat model, resulting in a car that was easy on the eyes. Inside, the Passat maintained a straightforward dashboard design, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it lacked the latest VW technology, it offered a user-friendly experience with easy-to-clean materials and a focus on simplicity. The Passat was available in four trims, with the SE trim offering a good balance of value and features.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design" that had been a staple since its 2014 facelift. This design gave the 300 a timeless and recognizable profile. The car's exterior featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims offered adaptive HID lamps. The 300's grille options varied between black and chrome, maintaining a tough and no-nonsense appearance. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch alloys on the base trim to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The Chrysler 300 exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, making it a standout choice for those who appreciated a classic design.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, it offered the advantage of not requiring premium gasoline. The Passat featured a 6-speed automatic transmission that powered the front wheels, providing a straightforward driving experience. The car's simplicity extended to its powertrain, with minimal driving modes and a focus on ease of use. The Passat's steering was light and precise, and its brakes were reliable, though the suspension tuning left something to be desired, resulting in a somewhat stiff ride over rough surfaces.

The 2021 Chrysler 300, on the other hand, offered a more robust performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims. The 300S trim boasted 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. The 300 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The V6 provided a comfortable and capable driving experience, while the V8 added an extra layer of excitement. The Chrysler 300 excelled in delivering a traditional luxury feel, especially in higher trims.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five passengers. The car featured generous storage options, including sizable cupholders and storage bins. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, accommodating full-size suitcases and compact folding strollers with ease. The car's practicality and utility made it a compelling choice for those seeking a spacious sedan without the need for an SUV.

In comparison, the 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a luxurious interior with generous front and rear legroom, measuring 41.8 inches in the front and 40.1 inches in the back. The 300's passenger volume of 106.3 cubic feet surpassed many competitors, providing a comfortable and spacious environment. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, making it suitable for carrying large suitcases. The Chrysler 300's interior quality rivaled that of higher-priced luxury sedans, making it an attractive option for those seeking a premium experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and digital cockpit technologies, but it still offered essential features such as App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The Passat's infotainment system was straightforward and user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. The SEL trim added navigation and a premium Fender sound system, enhancing the overall experience. The Passat also offered optional remote engine start and parking steering-assist systems.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, known for its intuitive interface and functionality. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The 300's infotainment system was praised for its ease of use, with prominent knobs and steering wheel-mounted controls. The Popular Equipment Group package added advanced features such as a 506-watt amplifier, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the car's technology offerings.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat prioritized safety with standard features such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The car also included an automatic post-collision braking system to reduce the risk of secondary collisions. The Passat SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim offered parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top "Good" rating from the IIHS in crash tests.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" score in small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 300 a four-star overall crash test rating. The car came equipped with active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available through optional packages, but they were not standard across all trims, which was a disadvantage compared to some competitors.