Full-size sedans such as the 2021 Nissan Maxima and 2021 Chrysler 300 are part of an underrated segment in the automotive industry. They are arguably the most versatile vehicles in terms of style and build. Sedans provide the spaciousness of an SUV while providing the agile handling of a more compact car. 

Despite this, sedans have seen a decline in sales over the last several years. Some automakers have even discontinued making large sedans, such as Chevy Impala and Ford Taurus. Nevertheless, the Maxima and 300 stand tall as giants in a dwindling sector.  

Every segment has its darlings. In the case of full-size sedans, it’s the Dodge Charger, which has built a distinct brand based on freakishly powerful engines. However, the 2021 Chrysler 300 and 2021 Nissan Maxima offer a more refined approach to driving. 

If you’re looking for a stylish and elegant sedan, look no further than the 2021 Chrysler 300 and the 2021 Nissan Maxima. While some could say they could share the spotlight, no one likes when a contest ends in a tie. So when it comes down to it, which of these popular sedans takes home the prize? 

Let’s take a closer look at what the Nissan Maxima and the Chrysler 300 have to offer and which car comes out on top.

What we love about the 2021 Nissan Maxima

While the 2021 Chrysler 300 displays a timeless design, the Maxima toes the line between sporty and sophisticated. Nissan’s full-size sedan has sharp angles and muscular lines, emphasizing its athletic demeanor. Meanwhile, its higher trim levels offer an interior decorated with quality materials, such as available quilted leather seat inserts.

You’ll especially notice the Maxima’s penchant for premium materials in its 40^th-anniversary special edition trim. It has blacked-out wheels and exhaust tips that look gorgeous, and its cabin is graced with eye-catching red semi-aniline leather seats.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima holds a distinct advantage over the 2021 Chrysler 300 in terms of standard safety systems. It comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and much more. The 300 only comes standard with a rearview camera.

What we love about the 2021 Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 has such a beautiful design that it could be considered a classic car in any era. That being said, its platform is a bit dated, which isn’t exactly a bad thing. If you’re someone who likes old-school cars, then the 2021 Chrysler 300 might just be for you.

Instead of milking the most out of every gallon, the 300 has a lineup of engines that emphasize power. Its standard 3.6-liter V6 engine generates 292 hp, making it slightly weaker than the 2021 Nissan Maxima’s 300-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. 

However, the 2021 Chrysler 300 offers the advantage of engine upgrades. Moving up to the 300S trim level affords you a souped-up version of the standard engine, which now produces 300 hp. Alternatively, you could equip the available 363-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine, which we highly recommend.

Which full-size sedan is right for you?

If you’re looking for understated luxury on a budget, then the 2021 Chrysler 300 might be right for you. Its starting MSRP of $30,445 vastly undercut the 2021 Nissan Maxima’s entry price of $36,990. Plus, it offers superior performance heights. However, you’ll be missing out on many of the Maxima’s modern technologies, which is why Nissan’s full-size sedan has better mainstream appeal.