2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic, old-school "three-box design," reminiscent of a bygone era. Its straightforward profile and timeless appeal made it a car that could easily be recognized and appreciated. The vehicle's exterior 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, maintaining a tough, no-nonsense appearance. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S, providing a range of aesthetic choices. Inside, the Chrysler 300 boasted an interior quality that rivaled more expensive cars, with options for Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX was often seen as having an adolescent aesthetic, with a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid that gave it a sporty appearance. The WRX's interior was functional but lacked the refinement of competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si, featuring hard plastics and a focus on practicality over luxury. The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the base model offering 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels and a larger 7-inch screen, while the Limited trim included leather upholstery and additional features like LED fog lights and adaptive headlights.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed enthusiasts but offered respectable performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, while the 300S trim offered 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 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, with all-wheel drive as an option on certain trims. The driving experience was characterized by comfort and quietness, with the V8 providing a more exhilarating ride.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful in its class, the WRX required skillful rev management to fully utilize its power. The CVT, while not ideal for driving enthusiasts, offered paddle shifters to keep the engine in the powerband. The WRX also included Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering capabilities. However, the ride was stiffer compared to rivals like the Civic Si and GTI, which offered a better balance of sport and comfort.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 provided generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury competitors. It offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, placing it in the midsize class but providing ample space compared to rivals like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating several large suitcases.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, offered a trunk with up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging was somewhat outdated, lacking features like accommodating in-door bottle holders. However, it provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility and decent rear seat space for a compact sedan.

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 options for a premium audio system, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof through the Popular Equipment Group package.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout despite dated graphics. The Limited trim offered an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality.

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

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features, but the EyeSight system was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. This system included adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. Other safety options, like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking, were available on the Limited trim.