2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation from its previous iterations, shedding its unremarkable appearance for a bold and striking design. The seventh-generation model featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette that set it apart from its predecessors. The Elantra's exterior styling, with its unique creases and folds forming a "Z" shape on the doors, gave it a distinct personality, differentiating it from both the midsize Sonata and rival compact sedans. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality and design, offering a slightly above-average experience for the compact car class, despite some hard plastics. The 2022 Elantra was available in four trim levels, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements and a more engaging driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic and stately design, reminiscent of its Bentley-adjacent debut in 2005. Despite its age, the 300's styling aged gracefully, with every trim level offering a blacked-out appearance and large 20-inch wheels. For its final production year, the 300 was available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trims, with the 300C being a limited edition. The 300C featured premium Laguna leather upholstery and carbon-fiber trim, but the interior quality did not fully match the luxury promise of its exterior. The 300's design lineage traced back to its original platform, giving it a Germanic sensation in ride and handling, albeit with a touch of nostalgia.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While adequate for most buyers, the engine lacked power during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque, offering impressive fuel economy. The N Line trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C, on the other hand, focused on power and performance with its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 160 mph. The 300C featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, with driving modes to adjust drivetrain response, steering effort, suspension firmness, and exhaust sound. While the 300C offered a thrilling driving experience, it came with trade-offs in cabin noise and fuel economy, averaging 17.5 mpg.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior offered clear instrumentation and controls, along with ample storage options. Despite its compact dimensions, the Elantra provided good visibility and comfortable seating, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roof. The Elantra's trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a narrow opening that required strategic packing. However, the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a minor inconvenience.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 felt spacious only in the front seats, with premium Laguna leather and power adjustments. The rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage space was lacking, with no dedicated smartphone slot or wireless charging. The trunk offered a generous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with enclosed lid hinges to prevent crushing belongings. While the 300C featured heated and cooled front cupholders, rear passengers had to settle for unheated and uncooled options.

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, while higher trims added features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. The N Line and Limited trims offered Hyundai Digital Key for Android users. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration, though the six-speaker audio system was only adequate.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 featured the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen that was easy to use but showed its age. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB connection, and the 300C included SiriusXM satellite radio and Guardian connected services. The 300C's Harman Kardon audio system delivered bass-heavy sound, and the car offered a speed warning feature. However, the lack of a surround-view camera system and the dated graphics were drawbacks.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra prioritized safety with its SmartSense suite of driver-assist technologies, including 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 top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the Limited trim's LED headlights earning a "Good" rating.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300's safety features were mostly optional, except on the fully loaded 300C. The Safety Tec Plus Group included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The 300's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS's moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and Poor headlight performance.