2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic design, reminiscent of an era gone by, with its three-box silhouette that had remained largely unchanged since its 2014 facelift. This timeless design, free from the retrofuturist influences seen in other models, allowed the 300 to maintain a dignified presence across all trims, from the base 300 to the upscale 300S. The 2021 model featured updated 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, available in black or chrome, complemented the car's robust appearance. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S, enhancing its bold stance.

Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a luxurious experience with interior quality rivaling more expensive vehicles. The base 300 Touring featured cloth upholstery, while the 300 Touring L and 300S boasted standard Nappa leather upholstery, with the 300S adding perforated inserts and accent stitching. Heated front seats were standard on the top trims, with heated rear seats available, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, set a bold styling precedent with its distinctive "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, which influenced other Nissan models. The Maxima's design was striking, with a steeply-angled front end and massive grille, giving it an Art Deco locomotive-like appearance. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, and a black roof, along with model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. Inside, the Maxima's interior was dressed up with red semi-aniline leather upholstery and white gauge faces, adding a stylish touch.

The Maxima's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a spacious view of the road and excellent side visibility. However, rear-seat passengers experienced limited space, with rear headroom and legroom among the lowest in its class. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed for optimal support, provided comfort with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. Despite its stylish design, the Maxima's interior space was more cramped compared to its competitors.

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, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, making it the only V8 in its class. 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 a $2,750 option, though not available on the 300S. The 300 provided a quiet and comfortable ride, with the V8 offering a fun driving experience despite not matching the power of its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with the V6 engine providing a pleasing sound. The CVT was responsive, delivering power efficiently, and the Maxima handled corners well, though its steering lacked precision and feel. The Maxima's front-wheel-drive setup led to some torque steer, affecting confidence during spirited driving. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing entry-luxury competitors like the Lexus ES350. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, the 300 was classified as a midsize sedan but felt spacious compared to rivals like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating about four large suitcases.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering ample headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat passengers experienced cramped conditions, with rear headroom and legroom among the lowest in its class. The Maxima's seats were positioned inboard, affecting the sense of spaciousness, and some controls were awkwardly placed. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats provided comfort and support, with power adjustments for both the driver and passenger. The Maxima's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the smallest in its competitive set.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface and functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the option to upgrade to the Popular Equipment Group, adding a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and more. The 300's infotainment system was user-friendly, with prominent knobs and steering wheel controls.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's infotainment system, while covering basic features, fell short in functionality. It came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. However, the system's graphics appeared dated, and small icons made navigation challenging. The Maxima included analog controls for climate and audio, but the notification sounds were jarring. An 11-speaker Bose audio system was available, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" score in small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash test rating, with a five-star rating for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. Standard safety features included active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, and more. Advanced safety features were available on higher trims and packages, adding options like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Maxima did not include the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.