2023 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a sleek and modern exterior reminiscent of a smaller Altima. Its low-slung, coupe-like design marked a significant improvement over its predecessors, which had a more traditional sedan appearance. The Sentra was available in a variety of bold colours, including blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlett Ember," with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, featuring a modern yet straightforward layout that balanced form and function. The dashboard's centrepiece was a touchscreen that rose prominently, surrounded by easy-to-use controls and a trio of vents that added an upscale touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic, Bentley-adjacent design that had aged well over the years. Despite its lineage dating back to 2005, the 300's bold grille, round headlights, and stately proportions continued to impress. The 300C trim, in particular, offered a blacked-out appearance with large 20-inch wheels and gloss black accents. However, the interior quality did not quite match the exterior's luxury promise. While the 300C featured premium materials like carbon-fibre trim and Laguna leather upholstery, the overall cabin felt dated, lacking modern conveniences such as a slot for a smartphone or wireless charging capabilities.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the engine was not particularly outstanding, the CVT managed power effectively, providing consistent performance in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance-focused car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making it a reliable choice for commuting and road trips.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C, on the other hand, was all about power and performance. It featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the 300C to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 257 km/h. The 300C also boasted an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, the powerful engine came at the cost of increased cabin noise and lower fuel efficiency, with an average consumption of 13.4 L/100 km.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, which was competitive among small sedans. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items challenging. The Sentra's interior provided spacious seating for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console offered plenty of storage options.

In comparison, the 2023 Chrysler 300, despite being a full-size car, felt spacious only in the front seats. The 300C's front seats offered power adjustments, premium leather, and heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage space was also lacking, with no dedicated slot for a smartphone or wireless charging. The trunk, accessible via remote keyless entry, provided a generous 461 litres of cargo space with enclosed lid hinges.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an upgrade to an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume and tuning dials. However, the graphics were somewhat dated, and the lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 featured the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system, shared with other brands like Dodge and Jeep. The 8.4-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via USB, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Guardian connected services. Despite its dated graphics, the system delivered on basic functionality, with stereo volume and tuning controls conveniently located on the steering wheel. However, the lack of a surround-view camera system and the small screen size were notable limitations.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. It earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, receiving a "Top Safety Pick" award. The adaptive cruise control, while effective, had a tendency to brake abruptly when reaching its set distance from the car ahead.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 offered fewer standard safety features, with most advanced systems available only as part of an optional package. The adaptive cruise control system was less sophisticated, unable to resume speed after stopping. The 300's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a "Marginal" rating in the IIHS's moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and "Poor" headlight performance.