2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and forward-thinking aesthetics of the hatchback were among the most innovative in the market, though the design did present some practical challenges. Inside, the cabin continued the theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant layout. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The climate controls were straightforward, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 retained its classic and bold styling, reminiscent of a Bentley, with its round headlights, bold grille, and stately proportions. Despite its age, the 300's design aged well, maintaining a strong presence on the road. The 300C trim, in particular, featured a blacked-out appearance with large 20-inch wheels and gloss black accents. Inside, the 300C offered premium Laguna leather upholstery and carbon-fibre trim, though the interior quality did not fully match the luxury promised by its exterior. The rear seats were less accommodating, and storage space was limited, reflecting the car's age.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four, available on the GS and standard on the GT, delivered 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The highlight was the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the GT Turbo trim, producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The turbo engine provided moderate acceleration, shining in second gear and Sport mode, where the transmission held gears longer for optimal turbocharger performance. The Mazda3's handling was precise and refined, offering a balanced and agile ride.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the spirit of the 300 SRT with its 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode and paddle shifters. The 300C could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 257 km/h. The adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires enhanced the driving experience. However, the 300C's power required careful handling, as the rear tires could easily lose grip. The driving modes allowed for customization, but the car's age showed in its ride and handling, reminiscent of older German sedans. The 300C's performance came at the cost of cabin noise and fuel economy, with a combined rating of 13.1 L/100 km.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, which was small compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback provided 569 litres, offering more usable space. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decently sized centre console and ergonomic design.

The Chrysler 300, while technically a full-size car, felt spacious only in the front seats. The 300C's front seats featured premium Laguna leather, heating, and ventilation, providing comfort despite their stiff appearance. The rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and a slouch-inducing backrest angle. Storage space was limited, lacking modern conveniences like a smartphone slot or wireless charging. The trunk offered a generous 461-litre cargo area, though it lacked power assistance for opening.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a centre console dial, which was a weak point due to its clumsy menu navigation. The system's learning curve was steep, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control, with available upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.

The Chrysler 300 featured the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. While easy to use, the system showed its age with dated graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Guardian connected services. The 300C's Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound, and the car offered practical controls for climate and audio. However, the lack of a surround-view camera or high-resolution reversing camera was a drawback.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT grade included adaptive headlights and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The Chrysler 300's safety features were mostly optional, with the SafetyTec Plus Group offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The lane-keeping assist system was useful, but the adaptive cruise control was less sophisticated. The 300's crash-test ratings were outdated, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS's moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and Poor headlight performance.