2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while not a standout in dramatic styling, presented a more refined and streamlined appearance compared to its predecessor. The front end maintained a subtle look, highlighted by its signature hood scoop and a small hexagonal grille flanked by sharp LED headlights. The side profile was less cluttered, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes, reminiscent of the car's rally heritage. The rear featured dramatically flared fenders and a large plastic bumper, with taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The overall design was smoother, though the cladding could be distracting on brighter colors like Solar Orange. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with sporty elements like a D-shaped steering wheel and carbon-fiber-pattern trim, setting it apart from other Subaru models.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 retained its classic, stately design that harkened back to its Bentley-inspired roots. Despite its age, the 300's styling aged well, with a bold grille and large 20-inch wheels available in blacked-out appearances. For its final production year, the 300 offered various trims, including the exclusive 300C with a powerful V8 engine. The interior, while featuring premium materials like Laguna leather and carbon-fiber trim, did not fully match the luxury promised by its exterior. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage was also lacking, with few modern conveniences for smartphone storage or charging.

The 2022 Subaru WRX distinguished itself from the standard Impreza with a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Despite the slight power increase, some drivers found it lacking compared to competitors like the Volkswagen GTI. The WRX came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission was praised for its precision and ease of use, while the CVT featured faster shift points and variable torque distribution. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride quality, even on rough roads, making it a capable performer in various driving conditions.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the spirit of the 300 SRT with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enabled a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph. The 300C featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, with driving modes to tailor the car's response. However, the rear-wheel-drive setup required careful throttle management to maintain grip. The 300C's driving experience was reminiscent of older AMG-tuned Mercedes models, offering a unique blend of power and handling. However, the performance came at the cost of cabin noise and fuel economy, with an average of 17.5 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with a 12.5 cubic-foot cargo capacity, expandable via a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium materials across trims. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and comfortable interior made it a viable option for daily commuting, especially for those seeking a performance-focused sedan in the $30,000 range.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, while technically a full-size car, felt spacious only in the front seats, which featured power adjustments, premium leather, and heating and ventilation. The rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouch-inducing backrest angle. Storage options were minimal, lacking modern conveniences for smartphone storage or charging. The trunk offered a generous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accessible via remote keyless entry.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in premium trims, offering a visually impressive interface with physical controls for essential functions. However, the integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was less seamless, with Android Auto displaying only on the top half of the screen. The WRX also offered an optional 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen featuring the Uconnect infotainment system. While easy to use, the system showed its age with dated graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Guardian connected services, with an optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The 300C also featured an SRT Dashboard for performance tracking and driving mode settings. The audio system included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon setup, with separate climate controls for convenience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered the EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems on CVT-equipped models, including features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. However, these features were unavailable on manual transmission models. The WRX also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform enhanced crash safety, with seven airbags as standard equipment.

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, and other common features. The adaptive cruise control system was less sophisticated, and the car's crash-test ratings were outdated, with a Marginal rating in some IIHS tests.