The large-car segment is much smaller than you think. As SUVs have gained popularity, large cars have dwindled, and only a few models still roll off production lines. Still, that doesn’t mean large cars have nothing to recommend them. For instance, the 2022 Chrysler 300 has two distinct advantages over the Volkswagen Arteon.

1. The 2022 Chrysler 300 has a much lower starting price than the Volkswagen Arteon

Starting at only $33,740, the 2022 Chrysler 300 is the most affordable new large car. That price gets you the touring trim with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6 works pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. However, all-wheel drive is an available option for the two lower trims.

The same V6 is available in two other trims: the Touring L and 300S V6. Only the 300S V8 trim comes with a different engine. Notably, the Chrysler 300 Touring L is available from $37,240, the 300S V6 from $42,350, and the 300S V8 from $45,350, according to Chrysler.

On the other hand, the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon starts at $7,000 more than the Chrysler 300. The $40,750 SE R-Line base model packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The same engine is available in the higher SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line, with prices starting at $45,550 and $49,550, according to Volkswagen.

All three trims have a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all but the base model have AWD.

2. The 2022 Chrysler 300 boasts an available V8 engine with more power than the Arteon

As mentioned above, the only engine option available in the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon is a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four. To its credit, it’s more powerful than three of the Chrysler 300’s trims. The Arteon also has a torque advantage.

Nevertheless, the Chrysler 300S is available with a potent V8. The 5.7-liter engine produces 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque — significantly more than any of the VW Arteon trims.  

Other competitors in the large-car segment

Other major competitors in the large-car segment include the Kia Stinger, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. The 2023 Kia Stinger is already on the market and is available starting at $36,590. It offers a 2.5-liter turbo-four or a 3.3-liter V6.

The smaller engine produces 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the V6 harneesses 368 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. Nevertheless, each of the two engines mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also, the drivetrain is RWD, although buyers can opt for AWD.

The 2022 Nissan Maxima is in the same price range as the Chrysler 300, with a $37,840 starting price. That buys a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing similar output figures to the Volkswagen Arteon at 300 hp. However, the Maxima’s torque is only 261 lb-ft. Also, buyers get only the option of front-wheel drive, and the Maxima uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The 2022 Toyota Avalon starts at a $36,825 and offers several trims. Engine options include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder for the hybrid models, while the non-hybrids get a 3.5-liter V6. The former puts out 176 hp. However, the electric motor increases the total output to 215 hp.

The V6 engine options produce 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Also, the hybrids get an electronic CVT, while their counterparts get eight-speed automatics. Last, all Avalon models have only FWD.