2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design" that had been a staple since its major facelift in 2014. This design gave the car a straightforward, almost nostalgic profile that was easy to recognize. The car's appearance was reminiscent of an earlier era, free from the retrofuturist influences seen in models like the Audi TT or Volkswagen Beetle. From the base 300 trim to the high-end 300S, the Chrysler 300 maintained a dignified look that could turn heads at any valet stand.

The 2021 model featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on the lower trims, while the higher trims like the Touring L and 300S came with adaptive HID lamps. The grille options varied between black and chrome, depending on the package and trim. 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 offered a luxurious experience with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on the higher trims, including heated front and rear seats on the top two trims.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to be available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with no significant changes from the previous year. The lineup included the affordable Mazda3 2.0, the popular Mazda3 2.5 S, and the sporty Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S model offered the most variety, with five trim levels and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured a sleek Polymetal Gray Metallic paint and carried an MSRP of $35,810.

The Mazda3's design was polarizing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback that some might call a "hunchback." However, the car's artistry was undeniable, offering a mature and serious appearance. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, creating an upscale environment. The car was particularly appealing to those looking for a high-quality vehicle without the high price tag of an entry-level luxury car.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed but offered solid performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine produced 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, delivering 363 hp 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 (RWD) was standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) was a $2,750 option, though not available on the 300S.

The driving experience varied by trim. The base model felt like a rental upgrade but was quiet and comfortable. The AWD Touring L offered a traditional luxury feel, while the V8-powered 300S provided a fun, albeit less powerful, experience compared to its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the base model, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. This model excelled in fuel economy, returning 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, the most popular choice, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This model offered both FWD and AWD options and a six-speed manual transmission in the hatchback version. Fuel economy for the 2.5 S ranged from 27 to 30 mpg, depending on the trim and drivetrain.

The 2.5 Turbo model was the most powerful, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. This model came with AWD and a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the turbocharged Mazda3 averaged only 23.1 mpg in real-world driving. The car's performance was smooth and enjoyable, with excellent handling and balance, although the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving conditions.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear. This made it competitive with luxury sedans like the Lexus ES350 and Toyota Avalon. The car provided 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for four large suitcases.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a more compact interior. The low seating position and small door openings made entry and exit challenging. However, once inside, the front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. This system was praised for its intuitive interface, functionality, and steering wheel-mounted controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The $3,495 Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, surround sound, a trunk-mounted subwoofer, and a dual-pane sunroof.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch static display integrated into the dashboard. The system was controlled via a center console knob, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Mazda's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction but lacked a physical tuning function and had a cumbersome voice recognition system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available to mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app, and higher trims featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and an Active Driving Display.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings. It earned top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small overlap tests and for headlights, respectively. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with five stars for side barrier and side pole crash tests. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available only on higher trims and packages, making them less accessible compared to competitors.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The driver-assist features performed reliably, enhancing trust in the technology.