2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained much of its classic design, reminiscent of its 2014 facelift. Its "three-box design" gave it a straightforward, traditional car profile. The 300's appearance was timeless, avoiding the retrofuturist trends seen in other models like the Audi TT or Volkswagen Beetle. From the base trim to the high-end 300S, the Chrysler 300 maintained a dignified presence suitable for any occasion.

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 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 trim to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. Inside, the Chrysler 300 boasted high-quality materials, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on higher trims and heated seats available on the top two trims.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased Nissan's bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, depending on the trim. Its sleek, aerodynamic profile featured a "coupe-like" roofline and taut body lines, giving it a modern yet slightly old-fashioned look. The Altima's stance was somewhat ungainly due to its extended front and rear overhangs, but modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept its appearance contemporary.

The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep, lustrous paint and rich chrome details. It offered nine exterior colors, some with premium pricing. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display and a cowl-shrouded instrument panel for easy readability. Higher trims featured improved interior materials, adding stitching to the dash and seats for a more premium feel.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed, but its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine provided 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 delivering 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 on the 300S.

The base 300 Touring with RWD and the V6 engine felt like a rental upgrade, offering a quiet, comfortable ride. The AWD Touring L provided a traditional luxury driving experience, while the V8-powered 300S delivered a fun, rear-wheel-drive launch. Despite its power, the 300S's V8 did not match the higher-displacement engines of its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered two distinct powertrains. Most trims featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all but the base S trim. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined, while the AWD model achieved 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.

The Altima SR VC-Turbo trim featured a unique 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable compression, producing 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a lively performance, with fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The Altima's suspension and steering provided a decent driving experience, with the VC-Turbo's sport-tuned suspension adding a bit of fun to the mix.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear. Its 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume surpassed competitors like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating about four large suitcases.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. Upper trims offered power adjustment, memory settings, leather upholstery, and heated seats. The front cabin included ample storage options, while the second row provided enough space for two adults or three for short trips. The rear seats folded flat in a 60/40 split, expanding the 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space.

The 2021 Chrysler 300's instrument panel and center stack remained user-friendly, with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system and an 8.4-inch touchscreen standard across all trims. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The $3,495 Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, surround sound, a trunk-mounted subwoofer, and a dual-pane sunroof.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key, pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the base S model. The base touchscreen was 7 inches, while other trims featured an 8-inch NissanConnect display. Higher trims included additional USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose audio system, and Active Noise Cancellation with the VC-Turbo engine. Nissan Door to Door Navigation and NissanConnect Services were available on upper trims.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but scored "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with five stars 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 on higher trims and packages.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on SV and above trims, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. ProPilot Assist, available on upper trims, offered highway driving assistance. The Intelligent Around View Monitor provided a 360-degree view for easier parking. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from IIHS.