2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued the brand's tradition of sporty design, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative styling. The sixth-generation model featured a distinctive V-Motion grille, a low and wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, in particular, enhanced the Altima's sporty appeal with gloss black accents, LED fog lights, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the Altima offered a premium feel with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though lower trims lacked the same level of refinement.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic, Bentley-adjacent design, which had aged well over the years. The 300C trim, in particular, featured a blacked-out appearance with large 20-inch wheels and gloss black accents. Despite its elegant exterior, the interior quality did not match the luxury promise, with carbon-fibre trim and premium Laguna leather upholstery in the 300C. The rear seats were less accommodating, and storage space was limited, reflecting the car's age.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. While all-wheel drive was standard, acceleration was mediocre, and the engine noise was noticeable. The Xtronic CVT struggled to deliver strong performance, but the Altima's suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with impressive cabin quietness.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C, on the other hand, boasted a powerful 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enabled a 4.5-second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of 257 km/h. The 300C featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, offering a thrilling driving experience. However, the cabin noise from the exhaust and the car's fuel economy were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered comfortable seating for four, with a decent-sized trunk of 437 litres. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, neither excelling nor falling short in any particular area. However, rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not packed carefully.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, while technically a full-size car, felt spacious only in the front seats. The rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage space was lacking, and the trunk offered 461 litres of cargo capacity. The 300's age showed in its lack of modern smartphone storage and charging solutions.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. It offered Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system on the Platinum trim. ProPilot Assist provided driver assistance features, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system. While it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, the graphics were dated, and the touchscreen was small. The SRT Dashboard allowed for performance tracking, but the lack of a surround-view camera system was a notable omission.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was well-equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered fewer standard safety features, with most available only as part of an optional package. The adaptive cruise control system was less sophisticated, and the car's crash-test ratings were less impressive, reflecting its age.