2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Chrysler 300

2022 Volkswagen Jetta
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,365MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Chrysler 300
2023 Chrysler 300
$34,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,365MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Chrysler 300
$34,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is 6.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Chrysler 300 scores 5.8 out of 10. Given these scores, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is the recommended choice. It offers a more balanced package of fuel efficiency, modern technology, practical space, and comprehensive safety features that blend seamlessly for a better overall driving experience.

Overview

MSRP

$20,365

MSRP

$34,295

Average price

$19,914

Average price

$31,938

Listings

260

Listings

1318
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

5.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Unintuitive technology
  • All-wheel drive not available
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Good value for money
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Outdated technology
  • Unimpressive safety ratings

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews Summary

Volkswagen’s career sales leader, the Jetta receives a mild but value-minded refresh for the 2022 model year. Although the compact sedan’s lineup has been pared down (farewell, SEL Premium and R-Line), the Jetta’s standard features, technology, and power rating get a welcomed boost.

2023 Chrysler 300 Reviews Summary

That bellowing is courtesy of a 6.4-liter Hemi, returning to the Chrysler 300 for the first time since 2014. Available only in the limited-production 300C model, it puts enough power to the rear wheels to effortlessly repave the roads with rubber. Fortunately, Chrysler fortifies the 300C with wheel, tire, suspension, and braking upgrades to help drivers make the most of the muscle under the hood. Naturally, there is also an active exhaust system that makes plenty of noise.

Verdict: Even as it ages toward retirement, the Chrysler 300 remains a strikingly attractive, large sedan. With an available 6.4-liter V8 engine, it packs the firepower to support its muscle-car looks. However, the aging platform leaves much to be desired in terms of tech, comfort, and safety.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.5L 158 hp I4

Engine

3.6L 292 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

292 hp @ 6350 rpm

MPG City

29

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

43

MPG Highway

30
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,365MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Chrysler 300
2023 Chrysler 300
$34,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,365MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Chrysler 300
$34,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is 6.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Chrysler 300 scores 5.8 out of 10. Given these scores, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is the recommended choice. It offers a more balanced package of fuel efficiency, modern technology, practical space, and comprehensive safety features that blend seamlessly for a better overall driving experience.

Overview
MSRP
$20,365
$34,295
Average price
$19,914
$31,938
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
5.0
4.9
Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Read full review

5.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Unintuitive technology
  • All-wheel drive not available
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Good value for money
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Outdated technology
  • Unimpressive safety ratings
Summary
Volkswagen’s career sales leader, the Jetta receives a mild but value-minded refresh for the 2022 model year. Although the compact sedan’s lineup has been pared down (farewell, SEL Premium and R-Line), the Jetta’s standard features, technology, and power rating get a welcomed boost.

That bellowing is courtesy of a 6.4-liter Hemi, returning to the Chrysler 300 for the first time since 2014. Available only in the limited-production 300C model, it puts enough power to the rear wheels to effortlessly repave the roads with rubber. Fortunately, Chrysler fortifies the 300C with wheel, tire, suspension, and braking upgrades to help drivers make the most of the muscle under the hood. Naturally, there is also an active exhaust system that makes plenty of noise.

Verdict: Even as it ages toward retirement, the Chrysler 300 remains a strikingly attractive, large sedan. With an available 6.4-liter V8 engine, it packs the firepower to support its muscle-car looks. However, the aging platform leaves much to be desired in terms of tech, comfort, and safety.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.5L 158 hp I4
3.6L 292 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
292 hp @ 6350 rpm
MPG City
29
19
MPG Highway
43
30
Look and feel
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
6/10
2023 Chrysler 300
7/10

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta had continued its legacy as Volkswagen's best-selling vehicle for over three decades. In spite of overall dips in Volkswagen sales largely due to global crises, the Jetta remained a steadfast player. In the previous year, it impressively represented more than 61 percent of Volkswagen's car sales in the U.S., and that number surged to 70 percent in the first quarter of 2022. However, the Jetta’s success came as no surprise given its established reputation for blending practicality with subtle design upgrades.

For the 2022 model year, the Jetta received a mild makeover, featuring an updated engine, slight exterior styling tweaks, enhanced infotainment options, more features, and a new Sport trim. The SEL Premium trim was removed, streamlining the lineup to S, Sport, SE, and SEL trims. The external adjustments to the Jetta were modest, requiring attentive eyes to spot them—redesigned front fascia, bumper, grille with extra chrome highlights, and new taillight LED lighting. New wheel designs for each trim and additional metallic paint colors such as Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue were offered.

The Jetta's interior also received subtle improvements. Standard cloth seats now had a unique rhombus pattern and leather interiors featured a new two-tone option in Volcano Brown and black. The inclusion of an 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster enhanced the vehicle's digital interface, with the top-tier SEL version receiving a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 carried forward a bolder and more striking visual lineage. Introduced in 2005, the Chrysler 300 was often compared to Bentley for its round headlights, bold grille, and luxury sedan proportions. Although substantially reworked in 2011 and enhanced over the years, the Chrysler 300 retained its stately aesthetic appeal.

For 2023, the Chrysler 300 was available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trims. Its aging design was still appreciated for its elegance and availability of blacked-out appearances feature with 20-inch wheels. The interior quality, however, did not fully match the promises made by its exterior; despite having premium Laguna leather, carbon-fiber trim, and enhanced upholstery in the 300C. While the Chrysler 300C seats in the front were plush, the rear seats lagged in comfort due to hard plastic seatbacks and limited legroom.

Performance
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
6/10
2023 Chrysler 300
8/10

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with a single engine option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous model’s 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder. It offered a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. This slight bump in horsepower contributed to a sprightlier drive, especially nimble for urban commuting. The Jetta also impressed with its EPA fuel economy ratings—29 mpg city and 43 mpg highway with the stick shift, reaching up to 46.9 highway mpg on our extended drives.

However, the Jetta's powertrain had its drawbacks. While city driving often felt jumpy, the highway drive proved smoother. The vehicle featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but only Sport mode presented a hint of spirited driving, and the overall dynamics were relatively tepid.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the spirited V8 engine of the older 300 SRT, with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 churning out 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with Sport mode and paddle shifters. With a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph, the 300C didn't shy from showcasing its performance credentials.

The 300C came with an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, such power came with a trade-off in fuel efficiency, achieving just 17.5 mpg during our evaluation. The powerful V8 also introduced noticeable cabin noise.

Form and function
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
7/10
2023 Chrysler 300
5/10

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered a surprisingly spacious interior. Accommodating four adults comfortably, or five in a pinch, the Jetta’s seats were supportive though the front cushions might prove less ideal for shorter drivers. Ergonomics were thoughtfully designed, with easily accessible controls for climate and infotainment systems. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, a slot next to the cupholders, and a sunglasses holder. The center bin cover, however, was notably latch-free.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Jetta offered a reasonably sized trunk, though specific measurements were not detailed. The overall usability and ergonomics made it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, although technically a full-size sedan, felt spacious only in the front seats. The front seats featured power adjustments, premium Laguna leather, heating, and ventilation, which were quite comfortable despite looking unyielding. The backseat, however, was less accommodating with limited legroom and a rear backrest angle that encouraged slouching. The storage space was limited, lacking modern conveniences like a smartphone tray or wireless charging options. The trunk offered a generous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with enclosed lid hinges to prevent damage to contents.

Technology
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
7/10
2023 Chrysler 300
5/10

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta saw technological upgrades with its Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. The entry-level trims received an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, which allowed for enhanced customization and display of navigation information. Standard infotainment included a 6.5-inch Volkswagen MIB2 touchscreen, supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink. The SEL trim upgraded to an 8-inch MIB3 system with added features like wireless connectivity and enhanced voice recognition, though voice commands were sometimes frustratingly inaccurate.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 utilized an older generation Uconnect infotainment system. Mounted asymmetrically on the dashboard, the 8.4-inch touchscreen was functional yet outdated. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and an optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. User interfaces like stereo volume knobs remained tactile, but the graphic interface felt dated. While the Uconnect system was practical, it lacked advanced features like those in more modern systems.

Safety
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
8/10
2023 Chrysler 300
3/10

For safety, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection. Higher trims or additional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The 2022 Jetta maintained its solid safety ratings from previous years, with a commendable five-star rating from NHTSA, though it had room for improvement in IIHS headlight testing.

Conversely, the 2023 Chrysler 300, while offering a suite of safety features, did so largely as optional add-ons except in the fully-loaded 300C trim. Available features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were somewhat basic in operation. The Chrysler 300’s crash-test ratings were mixed, with a Marginal rating from IIHS for moderate-overlap frontal-impact and Poor headlight performance.

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