Chrysler 300 vs Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry caught the eyes of many, especially the younger crowd. This reaction was unusual for a vehicle historically labeled as boring. The credit went to the striking Cavalry Blue paint, unique to the Camry TRD (Toyota Racing Development) model for that year. This paint, alongside the aerodynamic body kit, front splitter, side skirts, pedestal-style rear spoiler, and gloss black grille, made the Camry TRD visually arresting.

Additionally, the 2022 Camry made other updates, such as standard heated side mirrors for all trims, standard dual-zone climate control for all besides the TRD, and a new Ice Edge paint color. The SE Hybrid trim also received a new Nightshade Edition package that offered a blacked-out look. Notably, 13 different versions of the Camry provided flexible choices in design and performance, with pricing from just over $26,000 to almost $37,000.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 maintained its Bentley-adjacent, stately aesthetic, lauded since its 2005 release. Critics noted its aging design, yet it continued to look dignified. Available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trims, the 300 offered features like large 20-inch wheels and blacked-out appearances on various models.

While the base trims sported V6 engines, the limited 300C edition, capped at 2,000 units, included a more powerful V8. Pricing ranged from $35,515 to $44,025 before destination fees, with the 300C at a premium $56,595. Despite modern updates, the 300's interior failed to meet the luxury suggested by its exterior, with only selective premium materials like carbon-fiber trim and Laguna leather upholstery.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It featured a sport transmission mode and paddle shifters to quicken its response. Despite its sporty demeanor, it achieved a respectable 25 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined driving.

Handling was where the TRD stood out, thanks to its thicker underbody braces, stiffer sway bars, TRD shocks, bigger brakes, and performance tires. Its 19-inch matte-black wheels and sport-tuned exhaust made it enjoyable on winding roads. However, the front-wheel drive setup meant the front wheels could lose traction easily. Nonetheless, the TRD presented a balanced ride with excellent brake pedal feel and no noticeable fade, even in demanding conditions.

For the 2023 Chrysler 300C, the highlight was its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, pushing out 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 300C achieved 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds with launch control and a top speed of 160 mph. This platform, though aged and reminiscent of mid-90s Mercedes-Benz technology, provided a Germanic feel in its ride and handling characteristics.

Its adaptive damping suspension, performance Brembo brakes, and adjustable driving modes (Auto, Sport, Track, Custom) added to its dynamism. But, stepping on the accelerator often caused the rear tires to chirp, and the 300C's fuel economy was a low 18 mpg combined, with real-world averages near 17.5 mpg.

Inside, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured sporty, low-slung seats with decent power adjustments. Though they lacked additional bolstering, the seats were comfortable thanks to their fabric inserts and tall center console. Despite being less spacious than other midsize sedans, it accommodated two adults comfortably in the back. However, it lacked rear-seat air vents, and the fixed rear seat limited cargo flexibility. Its 15.1 cubic-foot trunk was on the smaller side, but generous in-cabin storage compensated.

In comparison, the 2023 Chrysler 300 felt spacious only in the front seats. The front seats offered power adjustments, premium leather, heating, and ventilation. The back seats proved less accommodating due to hard plastic front seatbacks and an awkward seating angle. Rear passengers, however, did get air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and charging ports.

Storage was not the 300's strong point, with scarce space for modern smartphones or wireless charging. The 16.3 cubic-foot trunk provided ample cargo capacity, and the trunk lid opened smoothly via remote keyless entry.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD’s 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt small but included valuable features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The optional 9-inch screen added Remote Connect, Service Connect, and a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system. The interface relied on physical knobs and buttons, simplifying use. However, it lacked advanced navigation and voice recognition found in competitors.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 utilized an older Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. While functional, it showed its age. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Guardian connected services via wired connections. The SRT Dashboard allowed customization of driving modes and performance tracking. Despite its dated graphics, the system remained intuitive. It included stereo volume and tuning knobs and unique controls on the steering wheel's back. Climate control adjustments were partially virtual, and a speed warning feature was a useful touch.

For 2022, the Toyota Camry stood out with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, covering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and more. Although the lane-keeping system could be overly cautious, the package added a semi-autonomous driving layer for highway travel. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring came standard on the TRD. Safety Connect provided automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator for added peace of mind. The Camry excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

Conversely, the 2023 Chrysler 300 lagged in advanced safety features. While the 300C included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, these were optional in other trims. The lane-keeping assist system was useful but the adaptive cruise control was basic. The Chrysler 300's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a marginal rating in older IIHS tests and only adequate scores from NHTSA.