2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained much of its classic design, reminiscent of its major facelift in 2014. Its old-school "three-box design" gave it a straightforward profile that was easy to recognize. The car's appearance was timeless, avoiding 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 suitable for any occasion.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, offered a more subtle front-end design despite being two inches wider than its predecessor. The signature hood scoop and small hexagonal grille were familiar, but the side profile was cleaner, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The rear featured dramatic fender flares and a large plastic bumper, with taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The overall look was smoother and more streamlined, though the cladding could be distracting on brightly colored models.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not built for speed but offered respectable power. Its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L trims, while the 300S trim upped the ante to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 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 was standard, with all-wheel drive as a $2,750 option, though not available on the 300S.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, replacing the previous 2.0-liter turbo. This engine produced 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, slightly more than its predecessor. The WRX came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT, dubbed the Subaru Performance Transmission, featured eight shift points and faster shift times compared to the previous generation. The new GT trim, available only with the CVT, included Recaro seats, electronically controlled dampers, and a Drive Mode Select system.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in interior space, offering 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, it outclassed competitors like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for four large suitcases.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while not offering a hatchback option, increased its cargo capacity to 12.5 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat for additional space. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in premium cloth or Ultrasuede, depending on the trim. The standard all-wheel drive and comfortable seating made it a viable option for daily commuting.

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. The Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof for $3,495.

The 2022 Subaru WRX introduced an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in premium trims and above, offering a modern and visually impressive interface. Physical controls for essential functions complemented the touchscreen. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration was less seamless, with Android Auto only occupying the top half of the screen. The base trim featured a less elegant dual 7-inch display setup. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available in higher trims.

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. NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, and stability control. Advanced safety features were available in higher trims and packages, such as the $2,395 SafetyTec Plus Group.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety depended on the transmission. CVT models came with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Manual models lacked EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during panic stops. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The new Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and seven airbags were standard.