2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to captivate with its award-winning design. Its bodywork exuded a blend of drama and sophistication, making it a standout in its class. The sedan version, while more conservative than the hatchback, still offered an engaging visual experience. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and a choice of standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, featured luxurious touches like Nappa leather, with the sedan offering a choice between black or white leather. Despite some use of hard plastics, the cabin's design and attention to detail aimed to elevate the Mazda3 into the entry-luxury segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic "three-box design" since its 2014 facelift, offering a timeless and straightforward profile. The car's appearance, from the base trim to the high-end 300S, was one of understated elegance, suitable for any occasion. The 2021 model 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 on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The Chrysler 300's interior quality rivaled more expensive cars, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on higher trims and options for heated seats, providing a comfortable and luxurious experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 hp with 87-octane. It produced 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm with premium fuel, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system. The Turbo model featured stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, enhancing its sporty character. Despite the absence of a manual transmission option, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience, with precise handling and a smooth, predictable powertrain. The car averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available for an additional cost. The V6 provided a comfortable and capable driving experience, while the V8 in the 300S added a fun, powerful element. The Chrysler 300's driving experience was traditional luxury, with a focus on comfort and quietness.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats, offered a luxurious feel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The driver's seat had eight-way power adjustment, but the passenger seat did not. Trunk space was 13.2 cubic feet, with the hatchback offering more utility at 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded.

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 competitors. The car offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it spacious and comfortable. Trunk space was 16.3 cubic feet, accommodating several large suitcases. The Chrysler 300's interior space and comfort were strong points, appealing to those seeking a roomy luxury sedan.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, offering good audio quality. A head-up display was standard on the Turbo model, providing useful driving information.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 came with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system and an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with additional tech available through the Popular Equipment Group, including a premium sound system and navigation. The Chrysler 300's infotainment system was user-friendly and well-equipped, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, designed to support the driver. The Premium Plus trim included exclusive safety features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA, with five-star ratings in all assessments.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but had lower ratings in small overlap tests and for headlights. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with a five-star rating for side crash tests. The Chrysler 300 offered a range of safety features, but many were only available on higher trims or through additional packages.