2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Subaru WRX presented a subtle yet refined exterior, with a wider stance than its predecessor. Its front end was understated, featuring a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights, complemented by a signature hood scoop. The side profile was cleaner, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes, reminiscent of the car's rally heritage. The rear was marked by flared fenders, a large plastic bumper, and taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The interior saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a sporty steering wheel, and distinctive trim accents, making it feel more modern and upscale.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic, Bentley-adjacent styling, which had aged well over the years. The car's bold grille, round headlights, and stately proportions continued to evoke a sense of luxury. For its final production year, the 300 was available in several trims, with the 300C offering a powerful V8 engine. Despite its elegant exterior, the interior quality did not match the luxury promise, with carbon-fibre trim and premium leather upholstery in the 300C. However, the overall cabin felt dated, reflecting the car's age and price point.

The 2022 Subaru WRX was equipped with a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the power increase was modest, the WRX's all-wheel-drive system and choice between a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission offered versatility. The manual transmission was particularly praised for its precision and ease of use. The WRX's suspension, built on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride, even on rough roads, thanks to its creative tuning and stabilizer bar placement.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the spirit of the 300 SRT with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This power was channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the car to reach 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The 300C featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, the car's rear-wheel-drive setup required careful throttle management to maintain grip, especially in Sport or Track mode. The 300C's performance was exhilarating, but it came at the cost of increased cabin noise and fuel consumption.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with a 354-litre cargo capacity, expandable via a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in various upholstery options depending on the trim. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and competitive pricing made it an attractive option for those seeking a performance-focused sedan.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, while technically a full-size car, felt spacious only in the front seats, which featured premium leather and power adjustments. The rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouched seating position. Storage options were minimal, and the car lacked modern conveniences like wireless charging. The trunk offered a generous 461-litre capacity, but the overall interior felt dated.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in higher trims, offering a visually impressive interface. While the system had some quirks, it was generally user-friendly, with physical controls for essential functions. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration was not seamless, with the latter occupying most of the screen. The WRX also offered an optional Harman Kardon stereo system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 used an older Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. While easy to navigate, the system showed its age, with dated graphics and limited connectivity options. The 300C included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and an SRT Dashboard for performance tracking. However, the lack of a surround-view camera and the small screen size detracted from the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual models lacked EyeSight but included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in higher trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash safety, with seven airbags as standard.

The 2023 Chrysler 300's safety features were mostly optional, except in the 300C trim. The SafetyTec Plus Group offered features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control, but the system's performance was not as sophisticated as newer models. The 300's crash-test ratings were adequate but reflected its older design, with less impressive results in IIHS tests.