2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design," reminiscent of an era gone by, yet still managed to exude a sense of pride and elegance. Its appearance, unchanged since the 2014 facelift, was straightforward and iconic, with a grille and headlights that evolved over the years. The 2021 model featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims like the Touring L and 300S boasted adaptive HID lamps. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, adding to its robust and no-nonsense look. Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a luxurious experience with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims, ensuring comfort and style.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic, known for its segment-defining models, continued to impress with its 10th-generation design. Available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, the Civic sedan came in various trims, from the base LX to the top-tier Touring. The Civic's design was polarizing, with some loving its bold look while others were less enthusiastic. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, added a touch of elegance. Inside, the Civic's cabin, though showing its age, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design. The infotainment system, however, was limited to a 7-inch screen, reflecting its need for an update.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not built for speed but offered respectable performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims. The 300S trim upped the ante with 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine provided 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was an option for an additional $2,750, though not available on the 300S. The driving experience was comfortable and traditional, with the V8 offering a fun, albeit not overwhelming, power boost.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque or a more desirable turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, provided a spirited driving experience, complemented by a sophisticated suspension system. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning nature and lack of responsiveness. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a 140-mile loop, surpassing the EPA estimate of 33 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Lexus ES350. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, it was classified as a midsize car by the EPA, providing ample room for passengers. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating four large suitcases with ease.

The 2021 Honda Civic, though low to the ground, provided a comfortable interior once inside. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was standard on EX-L trim and above. The Civic's rear seats were spacious, with excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. The center console was highly practical, offering ample storage space. The trunk, measuring 15.1 cubic feet, was sizable for the class, though the Touring trim's premium sound system reduced it to 14.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface and functionality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, navigation, and other desirable features for $3,495.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated, with the base LX trim offering a 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system. Higher trims added features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included navigation and voice recognition, though the latter was unsophisticated.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. Safety features included active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, and optional advanced safety features on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Civic came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. LaneWatch, available on EX trim and above, provided a right-side blind-spot view but had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS for Touring trim and five-star ratings from NHTSA in all assessments.