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There’s nothing better than a little friendly competition, especially within a more niche market. Buyers looking for a premium, the spacious ride may find themselves debating between the 2021 Toyota Avalon and 2021 Chrysler 300.

Sedans have been declining in sales, but the segment isn’t dead yet. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) breathed life back into the sedan class. The American automaker signed an agreement to continue producing the Chrysler 300 for at least three more years. 

FCA is leading the charge to save the full-size sedan, and some would consider the Chrysler 300 the poster child of the class. With its upscale and refined look, the 2021 Chrysler 300 is a leader in offering a luxurious ride at an affordable price. But while the 300 has a lot to offer, the Toyota Avalon may just provide more bang for your buck. 

Sedans appeal to a wide range of consumers, so picking the right one for you is paramount. Let’s take a closer look at what the 2021 Toyota Avalon and 2021 Chrysler 300 have to offer and see which model pulls ahead. 

What we like about the 2021 Chrysler 300

A white 2021 Chrysler 300S parked on display in front of a building
The 2021 Chrysler 300S on display | Photo via Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

You might have some preconceived ideas when you imagine a full-sized sedan. Do you picture a large, bold grille and muscular lines? Is the interior appointed with luxurious materials? If so, you might be depicting the 2021 Chrysler 300, which has a timeless design that is alluring to a wide range of buyers.

It’s easy to confuse the Chrysler 300 for a luxury car. This large sedan comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. Plus, its infotainment system is one of the best and easiest to use in the industry, and it’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

These reasons alone are enough to be stunned because the 2021 Chrysler 300 is significantly more affordable than the 2021 Toyota Avalon. The 300 has a starting MSRP of just $30,445, while the Avalon starts at $35,875.

However, you’re going to need to spend much more money to get the ultimate Chrysler 300 experience. Upgrading to the mid-level Touring L trim affords you Nappa leather upholstery, heated seats, and more. Meanwhile, the 300S has a tuned V6 engine that cranks up the power from 292 hp to 300 hp. Plus, this top-of-the-line trim is the only one to offer the 2021 Chrysler 300’s available 363-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine.

What we like about the 2021 Toyota Avalon 

A black 2021 Toyota Avalon driving in the snow
The 2021 Toyota Avalon in action | Photo via Toyota

The Avalon simply can’t match the 300 in power or price. However, it does provide a better overall value in terms of standard features, making it well worth the extra $5,000. Among the additional amenities, you will find safety features are incredibly prominent in the 2021 Toyota Avalon.

How safe is the Toyota Avalon compared to the Chrysler 300? The proof is in the features. The 2021 Toyota Avalon comes standard with a host of driver-assistance features. These include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and much more. Meanwhile, the 2021 Chrysler 300 only comes standard with a rear-view camera.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon also provides shoppers with more choices, as it has more trim levels than the 2021 Chrysler 300. You can equip the Avalon’s base trim with a 205-hp four-cylinder engine with an all-wheel-drive system or a 301-hp V6 with a front-wheel-drive system. Best of all, choosing the V6 won’t increase the price of the vehicle. 

Notably, the four-cylinder does get an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city/highway combined, which is two MPG more than the V6-equipped models. Plus, the 2021 Avalon has an available hybrid model for eco-conscious drivers.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 Toyota Avalon has a higher resale value than the 2021 Chrysler 300. This may be because of its wealth of safety features or Toyota’s reputation for reliability. 

The verdict is in: The 2021 Toyota Avalon edges out the competition 

Sedans give you a little bit of everything. With a spacious interior and agile handling, there isn’t much not to love about this dwindling sector of vehicles. The Chrysler 300 is the epitome of style and grace, and it certainly exudes staying power. 

However, if you’re looking for a full-size sedan with more driver-assist features, look no further than the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Furthermore, with more trim options to choose from paired with a higher resale value, you really can’t beat the value the Avalon provides.

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