2021 Avalon AWD vs. 300 AWD Comparison
As we make our way through the exciting 2021 model year, manufacturers are releasing exciting new features for even the longest-standing brand staples. For Toyota, the luxury-styled 2021 Avalon now offers available All-Wheel Drive capability and comes packed with tons of standard safety and connectivity options. Chrysler has refined their 300 lineup by getting rid of the Limited and 300C trims for the expected 2021 model year.
For this head-to-head comparison we will be taking a look at the Avalon AWD and Chrysler 300 AWD. The Avalon XLE AWD starts at $36,125. The 2021 Chrysler 300 Touring AWD has a slightly lower starting MSRP of $33,195.
Although the Avalon XLE AWD is more expensive than the Chrysler 300 base model, you get more interior options with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa connectivity and a bigger 9-in. touchscreen display. The Chrysler 300 does not include Amazon Alexa compatibility and has a smaller 8.4-in. display.
Let's see what else sets these two full-size luxury-styled sedans have when we dive into categories like safety, performance, and interior.
Published Date: 03/22/2021
Safety
- The Avalon XLE has more standard safety features. The Chrysler 300 requires an available SafetyTec Plus package which isn't available on the base model Chrysler 300 Touring.
- You also get standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) on the base model Avalon.
- With a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA, the 2021 Avalon AWD beats the Chrysler 300 AWD's 4-Star Rating.
It's reassuring to know that you have a whole suite of active safety features working to help keep you safe with any 2021 Avalon and it's Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P).
Standard Safety Features
TSS-P comes standard on every Avalon and includes 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).
As for the Chrysler 300, safety features come bundled in the SafetyTec Plus Group package which includes available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Advanced Brake-Assist, Automatic High-Beam Headlamp-Control, Full-Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus, Lane-Departure Warning Plus. However, they are only available on the Touring L and 300S and not on the base model Chrysler 300 Touring. You can add the SafetyTec Plus package to the Touring L for an additional $2,395 and 300S for $1,795.
The Avalon XLE AWD (starting MSRP $36,125) also comes standard with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). The comparable Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection on the 300 is standard starting on the Touring L. The comparable Touring L AWD starts at $36,370. With the added SafetyTec Plus package, the grand total would be $38,765.
When put to the test, the 2021 Avalon AWD fared better with a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating by NHTSA. The 2021 Chrysler 300 AWD only received 4-Stars.
Performance
- The All-Wheel Drive version of the Avalon has better gas mileage estimates than the Chrysler 300 FWD and AWD models.
- Whether you want a more economical ride or want to spice it up with Sport mode, the Avalon can do either.
- Plus, you get 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, of factory-scheduled maintenance with the ToyotaCare plan, while you'd have to pay extra for things like oil changes in the Chrysler 300.
When it comes to performance, the Avalon comes out ahead. Not only does it have better EPA-estimated gas mileage ratings, it includes the ToyotaCare plan to help keep your luxury sedan in top shape.
Fun to Drive, Easy to Maintain
With an EPA-estimated 25/34/28 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating the Avalon XLE and Limited AWD have better estimated MPG ratings. All 2021 Chrysler 300 AWD models have an EPA-estimated 18/27/22 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. Even the Chrysler 300 FWD only has an EPA-estimated 19/30/23 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating.
The Avalon also gives you the ability to change driving modes based on your trip. Switch between ECO, Normal, and Sport drive modes with the push of a button. The current Chrysler 300 specs page makes no mention of different drive modes.
After miles of driving, your car may experience some regular wear-and-tear. With the ToyotaCare plan, you are guaranteed factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can also rely on 24/7 Roadside Assistance for 2 years and unlimited mileage. Chrysler's maintenance and Roadside Assistance are provided through Mopar®. Roadside Assistance is included for 5 years or 60,000 miles, but maintenance comes at an additional cost.
Interior
- Get more media options with the Avalon.
- For a more sophisticated look, the Avalon Limited has genuine wood interior trim.
- Avalon Limited has more USB ports.
Connectivity, convenience, and multimedia features can create the soundtrack to our day. So why not get the luxury sedan that can really turn it up?
Connectivity Options
Connect to your favorite music on any device with standard Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa connectivity in the Avalon XLE AWD. Plus, view these features through a standard 9-in. touchscreen. On the other hand, the Chrysler 300 has Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, but lacks Amazon Alexa. Not to mention, it has a smaller standard 8.4-in. touchscreen display.
If more connectivity options aren't enough, the Avalon has stylish interior options too. Add some luxury to your ride with the Avalon Limited AWD which has standard genuine wood interior trim and ambient lighting for cup holders, side of console, and door handles. The Chrysler 300 Touring L has Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats and Illuminated Front Cupholders and Rear Assist Handles.
The Limited also comes standard with the Qi-compatible wireless charging system, two USB-A charge ports, and two USB-C charge ports. The Qi-compatible wireless charging system is also available on the XLE AWD with the optional Moonroof and Wireless Charging Package for an additional $1,000 MSRP. A Media Hub is standard in the Chrysler 300 which includes just 2 USB ports, an audio jack, and a wireless charging pad.
Conclusion: Avalon AWD vs. 300 AWD
- The Avalon offers more standard safety features with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P).
- You also get Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) standard with the Avalon XLE AWD.
- The Avalon AWD models have better EPA-estimated mileage ratings than the Chrysler 300 FWD or AWD models.
Both of these vehicles have created a luxury sedan that has kept up with the latest trends in safety and technology. However, only the Avalon has more of these features standard.
Especially when it comes to safety, the Avalon has a whole suite of active safety features called Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). Plus, the Avalon XLE AWD has standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). For similar features, Chrysler drivers would need to get the Chrysler 300 Touring L and purchase the available SafetyTec Plus Group package which costs an extra $2,395.
You can also expect better gas mileage estimates in the Avalon XLE and Limited AWD with an EPA-estimated 25/34/28 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating.
Overall, the Avalon and Chrysler 300 give customers what they want, but the 2021 Avalon is the vehicle that gives customers more than they expected.