2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained much of its classic design, which had remained largely unchanged since its major facelift in 2014. Its old-school "three-box design" gave it a straightforward profile that was easy to recognize. The car's appearance was reminiscent of a bygone era, yet it managed to avoid the overly retro look seen in some other models. From the base 300 trim to the high-end 300S, the Chrysler 300 maintained a dignified presence that could turn heads at any valet stand.

The 2021 model featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on the lower trims, while the higher trims offered adaptive HID lamps. The grille options varied between black and chrome, depending on the package and trim. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered high-quality materials, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on the 300 Touring L and 300S, and heated front seats available on the top trims.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and great stance. The design aimed to capture motion even when the car was stationary, achieving a sense of elegance through its long distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty and compact look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive appearance, while the flawless paint, chrome, and panel gaps showcased Lexus' attention to detail.

Inside, the Lexus IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior design matched the exterior's bold and modern aesthetic, although the analog clock felt outdated. The IS offered a driver-centered focus with easily adjustable seats and ample storage space. The second row was comfortable for two passengers but cramped for three, and the trunk provided 10.8 cubic feet of space, which was deep but not particularly spacious.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed, but its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivered a respectable 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L trims. The 300S trim offered 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 363 hp 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 a $2,750 option, except for the 300S.

The driving experience varied by trim, with the base model feeling like a rental upgrade, while the AWD Touring L offered a traditional luxury experience. The V8-powered 300S provided a fun driving experience, although it did not match the higher-displacement powertrains of its Dodge Charger sibling. The Chrysler 300 was quiet, capable, and comfortable on the road, without trying to emulate European luxury cars.

The 2021 Lexus IS aimed to compete in the luxury sports sedan category with its "Lexus Driving Signature" philosophy, developed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 models offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from the same V6 engine. RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic.

The IS 350 RWD, with a 54/46 front/rear balance and a weight of 3,748 pounds, provided a crisp, precise, and balanced driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the IS 350 AWD was rated at 19/26/22. The IS offered a top speed of 143 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous front and rear legroom, with 41.8 inches in the front seats and 40.1 inches in the back seats. This spaciousness surpassed entry-luxury competitors like the Lexus ES350 and was comparable to larger sedans like the Toyota Avalon and Volvo S90. The 300 provided 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, which was impressive for its class and exceeded the Genesis G70's 104.3 cubic feet and the Lexus ES350's 99.9 cubic feet. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to accommodate four large suitcases.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered design with easily adjustable seats and ample storage space. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that mimicked leather without the added cost and care. The second row was comfortable for two passengers but cramped for three, and legroom had to be negotiated with front-seat occupants. The trunk provided 10.8 cubic feet of space, which was deep but not particularly spacious.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, which was praised for its intuitive interface. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. 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 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The IS included various connected services with free trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package, starting at $1,670, included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system, starting at $1,080, was highly recommended for its superb sound quality.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, except for a "Marginal" score in the small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 300 a four-star overall crash test rating, with five stars for the combined side barrier and side pole crash test. The 300 offered 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, such as the $2,395 SafetyTec Plus Group, which added forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to receive good ratings based on its platform. The IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED headlamps, taillamps, and running lights, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.