2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Chrysler 300

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 retrofuturist influences, allowed the 300 to stand out with a dignified presence, whether at a valet or on the road. The vehicle's exterior featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims offered adaptive HID lamps. The grille options varied between black and chrome, maintaining a tough, no-nonsense appearance. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, depending on the trim. Inside, the Chrysler 300 boasted an interior quality that rivaled more expensive cars, with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims, offering a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous rental-car looks for a striking new appearance. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata, had its own unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds creating a "Z" shape on the doors. The interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average feel for the compact car class. Despite some hard plastics, the Elantra's cabin was loaded with advanced tech, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. The 2022 Elantra was available in four trims, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements and a black interior, enhancing its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed enthusiasts, but it 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 300 Touring L trims, 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 available in its class. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was an option for an additional cost, except on the 300S. The driving experience varied by trim, with the V8 providing a fun launch experience, while the V6 offered a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with an electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The N Line trim provided a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's DCT offered Drive Mode Select, enhancing the driving experience with Normal, Sport, and Smart modes. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension improved handling, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

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, it was classified as a midsize car by the EPA, providing ample space for passengers. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating about four large suitcases, making it practical for long trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra, despite its compact size, was designed for ease of use and practicality. It offered excellent outward visibility and comfortable seating, although the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The Elantra's rear seat could accommodate three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. Cargo space was 14.2 cubic feet, adequate for a compact sedan, though the trunk's narrow opening posed a challenge for larger items. The Elantra's trunk could fit a surprising amount of gear with careful arrangement, despite the trunk lid support arms potentially crushing items.

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 and additional tech features through the Popular Equipment Group. This package added a 506-watt amp, nine Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. The Hyundai Digital Key allowed keyless entry and start via an Android smartphone. The Elantra's infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless Apple CarPlay integration, though the audio system's performance was only adequate.

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 side crash tests. Standard safety features included active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available through optional packages, but only on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive SmartSense suite of driver-assist technologies as standard. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, with the Limited trim's LED headlights receiving a "Good" rating.