2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially considered attractive, resembling a modern Toyota with a somewhat alien-like appearance. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color, the Corolla transformed into a compact sedan with a more appealing look, especially when compared to other Toyota sedans. Inside, the Corolla XSE showed significant improvements in perceived quality, replacing the previous model's cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces. Despite these enhancements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with the XSE trim reaching around $28,800.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic "three-box design," reminiscent of an era gone by, yet still managed to exude a sense of pride and presence. The car's exterior featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and adaptive HID lamps on higher trims, with grilles varying between black and chrome. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a level of interior quality that rivaled more expensive vehicles, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on higher trims. The 300S trim added perforated inserts and accent stitching, with heated front seats standard on the top trims.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT and 16-inch wheels. The SE and XSE trims provided a more spirited experience with a 169-hp, 2.0-liter engine, a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, offering a smooth ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of power, especially when accelerating or passing, was a notable drawback. The Corolla XSE was EPA-rated at 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, with real-world testing averaging 29.8 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 came with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 292 horsepower in the 300 Touring and Touring L, and 300 hp in the 300S. The 300S also offered a 5.7-liter V8 with 363 hp. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD optional. The 300 provided a traditional luxury driving experience, with the V8 offering a fun, albeit not overly powerful, experience. The Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed but offered a comfortable and capable ride.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being classified as a compact car, offered a surprisingly roomy interior, officially rated as midsize by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and privacy-tinted glass made it less comfortable for passengers, especially during hot weather. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and the low seating position made entry and exit challenging. The Corolla's trunk space measured 13.1 cubic feet, accommodating several bags and a compact stroller.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 provided generous legroom, with 41.8 inches in the front and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury sedans. The 300 offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it feel spacious compared to competitors. The trunk provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for several large suitcases.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay compatibility but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. The Corolla offered various trial services, including Safety Connect and WiFi Connect. Higher trims added advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, and a JBL premium sound system.

The 2021 Chrysler 300's Uconnect 4C infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, was praised for its intuitive design and functionality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the car's tech offerings.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, featuring advanced driver-assistance systems like low-light pedestrian detection and Lane Tracing Assist. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but scored "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. The 300 offered a range of safety features, but advanced systems were only available on higher trims and packages.