2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and forward-thinking aesthetics of the hatchback were among the most innovative in the market, though the design had its drawbacks. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its clean and futuristic theme with a simple yet elegant cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The cabin featured easy-to-use climate controls and a stylish steering wheel, albeit cluttered with controls. The Mazda3 offered various trim levels, each adding more features, with the top trim, the 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus hatchback, including advanced driver assistance features.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, introduced in 2005, was often compared to a Bentley due to its round headlights, bold grille, and stately proportions. Over the years, the 300 underwent updates, but it retained its classic styling, which aged well. The 300 was available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trims, with the 300C being a limited edition. The 300C featured a powerful V8 engine and performance enhancements, making it a bargain for its price. However, the interior quality did not match the luxury promised by its exterior. The 300C included premium materials like carbon-fiber trim and Laguna leather upholstery, but the overall interior felt dated and matched its price point.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available, and a manual transmission was offered on front-wheel drive Premium models. The test model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided an engaging driving experience with a fantastic sound, well-weighted steering, and impressive handling. The Mazda3 excelled in precision and refinement, offering a balanced and agile ride while maintaining comfort.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the spirit of the 300 SRT with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and paddle shifters. 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. Driving modes allowed customization of the drivetrain response, steering effort, suspension firmness, and exhaust sound. The 300C offered a fun driving experience, reminiscent of a 1990s AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz, but with cabin noise and fuel economy as trade-offs.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. However, rear seating was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decent center console compartment and ergonomic design.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, though technically a full-size car, felt spacious only in the front seats. The 300C featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with premium Laguna leather. The rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage space was limited, lacking modern conveniences like a smartphone slot or wireless charging. The trunk offered a generous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a center console dial, which was a weak point due to its clumsy menu navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control. The test model featured navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 featured the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Guardian connected services. The system was easy to use but showed its age with dated graphics. The 300C included an SRT Dashboard for performance tracking and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The car lacked a surround-view camera system, but front and rear parking sensors were standard on the 300C.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with numerous safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction risk.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered optional safety features, such as forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, through the Safety Tec Plus Group. The adaptive cruise control system was basic, and the car's crash-test ratings were outdated. The 300 scored well in NHTSA tests but received a Marginal rating in the IIHS moderate-overlap frontal-impact test.