2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Apex Edition further amplified these peculiar design aspects. For those seeking a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid, available in LE trim, provided an economical path to achieving over 50 mpg. The Corolla SE and XSE, priced at $22,375 and $25,825 respectively, featured a more powerful engine and sportier styling. The XSE trim, with its upgraded interior materials and minimalist design, offered a significant improvement over previous models, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic "three-box design" since its 2014 facelift, exuding a timeless appeal. Its design was reminiscent of a bygone era, free from the retrofuturist influences seen in other models. The 300's appearance, from the base trim to the high-end 300S, was consistently impressive, making it a proud choice for any valet. The grille and headlights evolved over the years, with the 2021 model featuring bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and LED driving lamps on lower trims. The Comfort Group on the Touring L and 300S trims added adaptive HID lamps. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base trim to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The Chrysler 300's interior quality rivaled more expensive cars, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard on the top trims, with heated rear seats available as well.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. The CVT, featuring a mechanical first gear, provided a smooth driving experience, with ten programmed ratios effectively masking typical CVT drawbacks. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Corolla offered a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and 225/40 all-season tires, enhancing their sporty appeal. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE delivered predictable handling and engaging driving dynamics, similar to competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda3. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 34 mpg, though real-world testing yielded 31.1 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a choice between a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and a 5.7-liter V8. The V6 produced 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L, while the 300S variant delivered 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. The V8 option in the 300S provided 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, making it 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, with all-wheel drive as an option, except on the 300S. The 300 offered a traditional luxury driving experience, with the V8 providing a thrilling launch. Despite its power, the 300 maintained a quiet and comfortable ride, distinguishing itself from European competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE trim offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. This feature enhanced comfort and provided a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan's trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback variant offered 17.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in interior space, offering 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Lexus ES350. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, the 300 was classified as a midsize sedan, offering more space than the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating four large suitcases.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Corolla SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE added Service Connect and Remote Connect. The XSE trim also offered a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, dynamic voice recognition, and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. However, the radio knobs could be more accessible, and the JBL sound system lacked clarity.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its intuitive Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The $3,495 Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and more. The system was praised for its functionality and ease of use, with prominent knobs and steering wheel controls.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Corolla added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the 2021 model required re-testing due to new airbags.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with a five-star rating for side crash tests. The 300 offered active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, and more. Advanced safety features were available on higher trims and packages, making them less accessible compared to competitors.