2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design," a style that had remained largely unchanged since its major facelift in 2014. This design gave the 300 a timeless and straightforward profile, reminiscent of an era before the influence of retro-futuristic designs. The car's appearance, from the base 300 trim to the high-end 300S, was one that owners could proudly showcase at any venue. 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, maintaining a tough, no-nonsense look. 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 boasted a luxurious feel with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims, offering heated front seats as standard on the top two trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's exterior styling remained unchanged from its 2020 facelift, which had been the first major update in nearly a decade. The Passat shared a familial resemblance with the smaller Jetta, presenting a more understated look compared to its rivals. Its aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, aimed to enhance fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17-inch alloys on base models to 19-inch wheels on the R-Line trim. The R-Line also added sportier styling elements. Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with analog controls and a low dashboard for enhanced visibility. However, the interior was considered plain, with materials like plastic and cloth upholstery on lower trims, and V-Tex leatherette on higher trims. Despite the simplicity, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's positioning as a value option.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a choice between two engines. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 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 a $2,750 option, though not available on the 300S. The driving experience varied from a comfortable and quiet ride in the base trim to a more traditional luxury feel in the AWD Touring L. The V8 in the 300S provided a fun driving experience, though not as powerful as its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, simplified its powertrain options to a single setup. It featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the horsepower was below average compared to rivals, the torque was impressive, allowing for wheel spin when pulling away from a stop. Power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved the response. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord or Mazda 6. While ride quality and cabin noise levels were acceptable on the highway, the Passat didn't offer much excitement on twisty roads.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 provided generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing entry-luxury models like the Lexus ES350. It offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, placing it in the EPA's "midsize" class but outperforming competitors like the Genesis G70. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating about four large suitcases.

In comparison, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat emphasized its roomy back seats, offering 39.1 inches of rear legroom, though slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. Front legroom was below average, and the driving position was uncomfortable for many, with limited thigh support in the front seats and flat rear seats. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than the Accord and Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with door bottle holders poorly shaped for large bottles. However, the layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with steering wheel-mounted controls for ease of use. The Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and more, though at a significant cost.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port was standard, with two additional rear charge-only ports on SE models. The touchscreen was small but functional, with pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 system, focusing on simplicity over a tech-heavy experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, except for a "Marginal" score in small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash test rating. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, and stability control. Advanced safety features were available on higher trims, with packages adding features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, though its headlights received a "Marginal" rating. NHTSA ratings were not available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System, enhancing safety after a collision.