2021 Avalon vs. Chrysler 300 Comparison
Moving into the 2021 model year, the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300 didn't slack on improvements made to these stylish sedans. While Chrysler chose to put its focus and effort on paring down the 300 lineup, Toyota kept the Avalon models as they were and continued to improve upon performance and interior specs.
When you step into your Avalon, you'll be surrounded by a suite of active safety features that work to help keep you out of harm's way. Similar features aren’t available on the 300 Touring base model.
Another feature that the 300 doesn't offer is a hybrid engine. As we get into the details of this head-to-head comparison, you'll notice that the Avalon gas model has better fuel economy estimates than the 300, and it also has an available hybrid engine.
See what else these sedans have to offer and how they stack up in safety, performance, and interior.
Published Date: 08/24/2021
Safety
- All Avalons come loaded with many standard active safety features such as Automatic High Beams (AHB).
- The Chrysler 300's comparable Automatic High-Beam Headlamp-Control feature does not come standard.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the Avalon higher than the Chrysler 300.
While it's nice to have a car that looks flashy, one of the most important features of any vehicle is safety.
Standard Active Safety Features
The Avalon has a suite of standard active safety features called Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). Surrounded by advanced safety technology like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), you'll feel confident in your ride.
If you want Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Advanced Brake-Assist, Automatic High-Beam Headlamp-Control, Full-Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus, and Lane-Departure Warning Plus in your Chrysler 300, you'll need the SafetyTec Plus Group package. Unfortunately, this isn’t available on the base model 300 Touring. Even on the Touring L and 300S models, you'll need to purchase the additional package, which costs $2,395 more for the Touring L and $1,795 extra for the 300S.
It should come as no surprise that when tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Avalon outranked the Chrysler 300. The Avalon FWD received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, while the Chrysler 300 RWD received a 4-Star Overall Safety Rating.
Performance
- The Chrysler 300 has less horsepower than the Avalon.
- The Avalon has a TRD trim with enhanced handling features like Active Cornering Assist (ACA).
- The Avalon has better EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings than the 300 and an available hybrid engine.
In addition to safety and reliability, the Avalon has a lot of performance features that add life to your drive.
Horsepower
Take, for instance, the Avalon's standard 301 horsepower engine. While the Chrysler 300 tries to compete with its standard 3.6L V6 engine, its 292 horsepower can't match up. Even the 300S V6 engine with a 180-Amp Alternator only has 300 horsepower which is still one horsepower shy of the Avalon's standard.
When you have a need for speed but also want to have better gas mileage ratings, the Avalon XLE FWD has an EPA-estimated 22/32/26 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. In comparison, the Chrysler 300 Touring RWD has an EPA-estimated 19/30/23 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. The Avalon gas savings don't stop there, however. The Avalon XLE Hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated 43/44/44 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating, while the Chrysler 300 doesn't offer a hybrid engine.
The Avalon was built to please daily commuters and car buffs alike. Whether you want to hit the road or the track, the Avalon TRD is a unique model option that's specifically designed with Toyota Racing Development technology. You'll enjoy a smooth and precise ride with standard Active Cornering Assist (ACA), Independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension. Plus, for added comfort, the Avalon TRD has TRD track-tuned front and rear coil springs, as well as shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. Comparatively, the Chrysler 300S V6 is a close contender with 4-Wheel Independent Performance suspension, but doesn't have a comparable Active Cornering Assist feature for tight turning at high speeds.
Interior
- The 300 has fewer standard speakers than the Avalon.
- It also has a smaller touch screen than the Avalon.
- The base model Avalon has an available power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, while the 300 does not offer this feature on the base model.
A premium vehicle should come with more than what you were expecting. When you step into the Avalon or 300, it should be a cause for jealousy. But, which sedan leaves the other green with envy?
Multimedia
The Avalon brings some heat to the competition with standard heated front seats and a tilt/telescopic leather steering wheel. The 300 Touring does have a Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, but Heated Front Seats are not available unless you get the Touring L or 300S.
The Avalon prioritizes comfort, and it also puts multimedia features at the forefront of your driving experience. The Avalon has an eight speaker sound system, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa compatibility — all of which are standard. Plus, to display all these apps, the Avalon has a 9.0-inch touchscreen. Similarly, the Chrysler 300 Touring has standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility, but lacks Amazon Alexa integration. The 300 also lacks in the number of standard speakers and touchscreen size. It only comes with six speakers and has a smaller 8.4-inch touchscreen display.
You also won't find a built-in navigation option on the base model 300 Touring. The Chrysler Uconnect® 4C NAV package is only available on the Touring L and 300S V6. Comparatively, the Avalon XLE is here to help keep you on the right path with its available Premium Audio package which includes Dynamic Navigation for a 3-year trial period.
Another feature that's available, even on the base model Avalon XLE, is a power tilt/slide moonroof with a sliding sunshade. To get the available Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof you'd need the 300 Touring L or above.
Conclusion: Avalon vs. Chrysler 300
- The base model Avalon has more standard active safety features than the 300.
- The base model Avalon also has higher standard horsepower.
- When it comes to getting the most for your money, the Avalon has it all.
This matchup revealed that the difference between a good car and a great one is standard offerings.
From the start, the Avalon gave drivers a whole suite of standard active safety features. On the other hand, the Chrysler 300 requires the costly SafetyTec Plus Group package for similar features.
The Avalon advantage doesn't stop there. Get a powerful 301 horsepower engine standard with the Avalon. Comparatively, the Chrysler 300 has 292 horsepower.
For a blend of safety, smooth handling, and a smart interior, the 2021 Avalon is the way to go.