2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer its four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles without significant changes. It was available in the affordable Mazda3 2.0 (sedan only), the popular Mazda3 2.5 S, and the speedy Mazda3 2.5 Turbo model series. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, with five trim levels and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2.5 S Premium hatchback was the only model offering a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding the $1,015 destination charge. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with extra-cost Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810, including the destination charge.

The Mazda3's appearance was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design, but it had a certain artistry. The 2.5 Turbo model emphasized stealth with a mature, serious look, devoid of flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale, elegant environment. The Mazda3 was a smart choice for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, introduced in 2005, was often compared to a Bentley due to its round headlights, bold grille, and stately proportions. The 300 replaced the 300M, gaining instant credibility. Substantially reworked in 2011, the 300 received new powertrains, technologies, and enhancements over the years. Despite its age, the 300's styling remained attractive, with blacked-out appearances and large 20-inch wheels available on all trim levels.

For its final production year, the 2023 300 was available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trims. The Touring and Touring L featured a V6 engine with RWD or AWD options, while the 300S offered a V6 or V8 engine with RWD. The limited-edition 300C, with only 2,000 units, boasted a powerful V8 and RWD. Prices ranged from $35,515 to $44,025, excluding the $1,595 destination charge. The 300C, priced at $56,595, came fully loaded with performance enhancements, making it a bargain. However, the interior quality did not match the exterior's luxury promise, with carbon-fiber trim, premium Laguna leather, and cowhide-covered dashboard parts.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines. The base 2.0 sedan had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel economy of 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, the most popular choice, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. Fuel economy for the 2.5 S ranged from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, with a combined fuel economy of 26-27 mpg.

Despite its impressive performance, the turbocharged Mazda3 did not achieve the advertised fuel economy, averaging 23.1 mpg. The car's smooth ride, nimble handling, and outstanding balance made it a joy to drive, but the brakes struggled on demanding roads like Deer Creek Canyon Road. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was a brilliant automobile, needing only a brake upgrade for perfection.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the 300 SRT's spirit with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 300C could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 mph. The car featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires on lightweight forged aluminum wheels. Driving modes allowed customization of drivetrain response, steering effort, suspension firmness, and exhaust sound.

The 300C's powerful engine and active exhaust system made it a thrilling drive, but the rear tires struggled for grip under heavy acceleration. The car's Germanic ride and handling, reminiscent of mid-1990s Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, added to its charm. However, the 300C's cabin noise and fuel economy, averaging 17.5 mpg, were drawbacks.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's 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 interior featured refined materials, user-friendly controls, and padded armrests. The back seat, though, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air conditioning vents or 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.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, a full-size car, felt spacious in the front seats, which featured premium Laguna leather, heating, and ventilation. The back seat, however, was less hospitable, with hard plastic front seatbacks and a slouch-inducing backrest angle. Rear passengers had air conditioning vents, heated outboard cushions, and charging ports. Storage space was limited, with small armrest trays, modest door bins, and a covered area for coins. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with enclosed lid hinges to prevent crushing belongings.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a center console knob, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Mazda's non-touchscreen approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a finicky voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, provided remote access to vehicle functions and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 used the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB connection, and the 300C included SiriusXM, Guardian connected services, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's dated graphics and small screen were drawbacks, but it offered essential features and an SRT Dashboard for performance settings. The 300C's 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and separate climate controls were highlights, though accessing seat heating and ventilation required navigating the touchscreen.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard 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 Mazda3 received top crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars.

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, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist system was useful, but the adaptive cruise control was less sophisticated. The 300's crash-test ratings were mixed, with good NHTSA scores but a Marginal rating in the IIHS moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and Poor headlight performance.