2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic design, reminiscent of an era gone by, with its three-box silhouette that was both simple and iconic. Despite its unchanged appearance since the 2014 facelift, the 300 exuded a timeless charm that appealed to those who appreciated a straightforward, no-nonsense look. The car's grille and headlights had evolved over the years, with the 2021 model featuring bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims boasted adaptive HID lamps. The wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, adding to its robust and dignified presence.

In contrast, the 2022 Audi A4 presented a clean and conservative aesthetic, serving as a perfect canvas for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Optic package detailing. The A4's design was simple yet elegant, with classic five-arm rotor-design wheels that epitomized automotive design excellence. Inside, the A4 maintained a restrained aesthetic with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient lighting. The dashboard seamlessly integrated air vents, and controls were clearly labeled, though the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed somewhat out of place.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed enthusiasts, yet its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivered a respectable 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, while the 300S offered 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. For those seeking more power, the 300S provided an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, a unique offering 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 an option, except on the 300S. The driving experience was comfortable and quiet, with the V8 offering a thrilling launch despite not matching the higher-displacement powertrains of its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options: the 40 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and the 45 TFSI with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. Both engines featured a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system. The A4 45 TFSI accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg in combined driving. The A4's driving modes included Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual, with the test car averaging 24.8 mpg. The A4's handling was precise, with excellent tire grip and a refined engine, making it a joy to drive.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury competitors. Its 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume placed it in the midsize class, yet it felt spacious compared to rivals like the Lexus ES350. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating four large suitcases comfortably.

The 2022 Audi A4, while comfortable, had a snug cabin with limited rear legroom. The front seats offered power adjustment, thigh support, and a perfect driving position, while the rear seats were best suited for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the center console housing the wireless charging pad, leaving little room for other items. The A4's trunk, at 13 cubic feet, was well-finished with enclosed hinges and storage nets, providing ample space for luggage.

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

The 2022 Audi A4 boasted the next-generation MIB3 Audi Multi-Media Interface with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system supported smartphone-like functions and offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was user-friendly, with separate climate controls and intuitive voice recognition, though the screen's placement on the dashboard was less than ideal.

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, and optional advanced safety tech like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, available through higher trims and packages.

The 2022 Audi A4, particularly in the Prestige trim, was equipped with comprehensive safety features under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella, including collision preparation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured a surround-view camera system and Matrix-design LED headlights. The A4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, showcasing its strong safety credentials.