2023 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, a status it had maintained since the mid-1990s. Despite minimal changes from the previous year, the Camry Hybrid surprised with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end featured a bold, sneering face with muscular features, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim level. Inside, the Camry Hybrid offered a similarly modern aesthetic, with a sweeping dashboard design and a large infotainment touchscreen. The interior was spacious, particularly in the second row, which provided comfort even for the middle seat. Toyota's attention to detail was evident in the high-quality materials and precise fit and finish throughout the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 retained its classic, Bentley-adjacent styling that had aged gracefully 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 trim levels, including the exclusive 300C, which featured a powerful V8 engine. The exterior design was enhanced by a blacked-out appearance package with large 20-inch wheels. However, the interior quality did not quite match the exterior's promise of luxury, with some materials feeling dated. The 300C did offer premium features like carbon-fibre trim and Laguna leather upholstery, but overall, the interior reflected the car's age and price point.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed with fuel efficiency in mind, making it an ideal choice for those looking to minimize trips to the gas station. The entry-level LE model achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.8 on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via an electronically controlled CVT, with paddle shifters available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, aided by a lower centre of gravity due to the lithium-ion battery pack's placement. However, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and the focus on fuel efficiency slightly compromised responsiveness.

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 car's performance was further enhanced by an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires. Driving modes allowed for customization of the drivetrain response, steering effort, and exhaust sound. However, the 300C's performance came at the cost of fuel economy, with a combined rating of 13.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The car's handling was reminiscent of a mid-1990s AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz, offering a unique driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and versatile driving experience. The seating position was adjustable to suit a wide range of driver preferences, with ample headroom and storage options in the front seats. The second row was spacious and easy to access, with generous bottle holders and map pockets. The Camry Hybrid's trunk offered 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for longer items and fold-down rear seats for additional cargo capacity. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty for the hybrid battery.

In comparison, the 2023 Chrysler 300 offered a full-size car experience primarily in the front seats, which featured premium Laguna leather and a range of power adjustments. The rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage space was lacking, with no dedicated smartphone slot or wireless charging. The trunk provided a generous 461 litres of cargo space, with enclosed lid hinges to protect belongings. However, the 300's interior showed its age, lacking some modern conveniences.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system with nine speakers on the XLE model. Standard features across all models included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE and a 9-inch touchscreen on other trims. The Camry Hybrid also offered a smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path rearview camera. Upper trims featured a 10-inch head-up display and additional luxury options.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, meanwhile, used an older Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. While functional, the system's graphics and interface felt dated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB connection, and the 300C included SiriusXM satellite radio and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The car also featured an SRT Dashboard for performance tracking and driving mode selection. However, the lack of a surround-view camera system and the small reversing camera were notable omissions.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Camry Hybrid also featured 10 airbags and a blind-spot monitor on all but the base LE trim. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning a Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating, respectively.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 offered limited standard safety features, with most advanced systems available only as options. The SafetyTec Plus Group included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more, but was not available on the base Touring trim in Canada. The 300's adaptive cruise control was less sophisticated, and its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS's moderate-overlap frontal-impact test.