2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

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, easily recognizable and timeless. The car's appearance, from the base 300 trim to the high-end 300S, exuded a sense of pride and elegance, making it a standout at any valet. The 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 like the Touring L and 300S boasted adaptive HID lamps. The wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, adding to its robust and no-nonsense look.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat, particularly the Limited Edition, marked the end of an era with a special commemorative model. Priced at $31,570, only 1,973 units were produced, featuring exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. The Limited Edition was available in unique Racing Green paint, among other colors. Inside, the Passat showcased Mauro Brown leather upholstery, fake wood trim, and special seat tags, creating an upscale ambiance. Despite its decade-old design, the Passat's interior remained elegant, though it mixed high-quality materials with some outdated technologies, like the 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L trims. The 300S trim upped the ante with 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the 300S also offered a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, the only V8 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, while all-wheel drive was a $2,750 option, though not available on the 300S. The driving experience ranged from a quiet and comfortable ride in the base trim to a more traditional luxury feel in the AWD Touring L, with the V8 providing a fun, albeit less powerful, experience compared to its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, powered the front wheels. While the Passat's engine provided adequate power for daily driving, it lacked the immediate power needed for quick passing or rapid acceleration. The transmission's Sport mode offered a slight improvement in responsiveness without significantly impacting fuel efficiency, as evidenced by the observed 30.7 mpg during testing. The Passat's ride quality prioritized comfort, though it could feel jittery on city streets and transmitted impacts through its older vehicle architecture. Despite these drawbacks, the Passat exhibited traditional German handling traits on twisty roads, providing a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in providing generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Lexus ES350 and Toyota Avalon. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, the 300 offered a spacious cabin, though it remained classified as a midsize car by the EPA. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for four large suitcases, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was known for its spacious cabin, comfortably accommodating five adults. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, though the inability to adjust the bottom cushion angle separately was a drawback. The rear seats, however, provided exceptional comfort with ample legroom, air conditioning vents, USB ports, and coat hooks. The Passat's 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space was competitive, though it lacked underfloor trays or side bins for additional storage. The remote keyless entry fob allowed for easy trunk access, enhancing its practicality.

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 the Popular Equipment Group for $3,495, adding 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 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system, while not as advanced as other VW models, included standard App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth support for two devices. The R-Line and Limited Edition trims added HD Radio, a navigation system with voice recognition, and a Fender premium audio system, known for its clarity and range. Despite its smaller 6.3-inch screen, the Passat's infotainment system provided essential connectivity and entertainment features.

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 rating, with five stars for the combined side barrier and side pole crash test. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, brake assist, rain brake support, ready alert braking, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available through higher trims and packages, such as the $2,395 SafetyTec Plus Group, which added forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, while lacking the latest IQ Drive technology, offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line trim added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition included adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and a park-assist system. The IIHS awarded the Passat "Good" ratings in all crash tests and for its top-trim headlights, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with a three-star rating for frontal-impact collision protection.