2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

In terms of look and feel, the 2021 Chrysler 300 had a design language rooted deep in its old-school "three-box design." This gave the car a timeless and formal profile that many folks found endearing. It was a car that carried a certain sense of nostalgia without dipping into retrofuturism. The exterior ranged from simple bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED accents in lower trims to adaptive HID lamps in higher trims. The grille designs, available in black or chrome, lent the car an authoritative look. Wheel options also varied significantly, from 17-inch silver alloys in the base trim to 20-inch Black Noise wheels in the 300S trim. Inside, it showcased an upscale interior with cloth upholstery and power seats in the base trim, stepping up to Nappa leather in the 300 Touring L and 300S. The 300S also included perforated inserts and accent stitching, elevating its luxury quotient. The car was generously appointed with heated front seats in higher trims and optional heated rear seats.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback, on the other hand, took a different approach to design. Its updated look was intended to capture a dwindling market for hatchbacks, proving itself against crossover SUVs. While its front shared design cues with the Civic sedan, its rear had a unique form, featuring a stubby rear end. The Civic offered various trims, moving from the basic LX to the feature-rich Sport Touring. The Sport Touring trim was particularly attractive, boasting sophisticated digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. The metal honeycomb dashboard detailing was a standout feature, lending the cabin a modern look. Despite some minor complaints—like a non-adjustable passenger seat height and no rear A/C vents—the interior of the Civic took a tech-forward approach. Particularly in the Sport Touring trim, it felt youthful and vibrant with a mix of practicality and flair.

Performance-wise, the 2021 Chrysler 300 offered solid power but didn't aim to be a speed demon. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the base trims, while the 300S variant bumped these numbers up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet. Additionally, the 300S could be equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine producing 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and while rear-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was a $2,750 option (not available for the 300S). The V6 engine provided a smooth and capable ride, and the V8 offered a thrilling launch, albeit not on par with higher-displacement engines in its sibling, the Dodge Charger. The Chrysler 300's ride remained quiet and composed, resonating with its luxury credentials.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback had two primary engine options. The entry-level LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard for the LX, and a choice of CVT or six-speed manual for the Sport. The higher EX-L and Sport Touring trims came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This turbo engine had peak torque available from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, providing an engaging driving experience. Front-wheel drive was the only configuration available for the Civic. Paddle shifters on the Sport and Sport Touring models, combined with the CVT, worked effectively to simulate traditional transmission shifts. The manual transmission in the Sport Touring was particularly engaging with fluid gear engagement and precise throws. The Civic's suspension and steering were also praised for their balance and responsiveness, making it an enjoyable daily driver.

The Chrysler 300 was true to its luxury sedan roots, offering generous legroom and interior space. The front seats provided 41.8 inches of legroom and the rear seats offered 40.1 inches—figures that surpassed many entry-luxury competitors. The car had 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, which classified it as a midsize car but made it feel spacious inside. Its trunk boasted 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to accommodate around four large suitcases, making it quite competitive in its class.

The Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in utility and versatility, offering 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space. Its 60/40-split folding rear seats increased the cargo capacity significantly, albeit without an official maximum measurement from Honda. Practical features, like a two-piece cargo shade, added to the Civic's functional appeal. The interior seating was generally comfortable, although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and rear A/C vents were missing. However, eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat and heated front seats contributed to a generally pleasant experience. The Civic's interior was thoughtfully designed, blending form with function.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 relied on its tried-and-true Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. This system was highly regarded for its user-friendly interface, intuitive controls, and additional functionalities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrading to the $3,495 Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amplifier, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, surround sound, and a trunk-mounted subwoofer. This package provided a comprehensive suite of advanced tech features that catered to tech-savvy consumers.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a new infotainment system across its trims. The LX, Sport, and EX-L came with a 7-inch touchscreen, physical buttons, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport Touring trim elevated the game with a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2 audio system. A significant improvement over its predecessor, the Civic's infotainment system included practical touches like a steady-hand shelf for easier touchscreen operation. Moreover, the voice recognition system was quick and accurate. The Civic Hatchback featured digital instrumentation, with the Sport Touring trim offering a comprehensive 10.2-inch display panel that enhanced the visual and functional appeal.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 performed well in safety tests but had some room for improvement. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it top "Good" scores in most crash tests except for a "Marginal" in small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a four-star overall rating. Safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, brake assist, and various optional advanced safety features available through the SafetyTec Plus Group package, though at a considerable cost.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features like Traffic Jam Assist and low-speed follow enhanced its safety credentials, although they were only available with the CVT. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard in the EX-L and Sport Touring but should have been available on lower trims too. The Civic Hatchback earned the coveted "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS, emphasizing its robust safety structure and advanced safety features.