2023 Chrysler 300 vs. 2023 Nissan Maxima: U.S. and Japan Battle for Best Large Sedan
Comparison points between the 2023 Chrysler 300 and the 2023 Nissan Maxima abound. Both are decent full-size cars retiring after this model year. But which sedan is better? This article will compare the final Chrysler 300 and Nissan Maxima to explain how each appeals to prospective drivers.
| 2023 Chrysler 300 | 2023 Nissan Maxima | |
| Starting Price | $34,995 | $38,340 |
| Base Engine | 3.6-liter DOHC V6 | 3.5-liter DOHC V6 |
| Horsepower + Torque | 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque | 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission + Drivetrain | 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive | Continuously variable transmission (CVT), front-wheel drive |
| Acceleration + Top Speed | 0–60 mph in 6.3 seconds, 131 mph | 0–60 mph in 5.8 seconds, 133 mph |
| Fuel Efficiency (City/Highway/Combined) | 19/30/23 mpg | 20/30/24 mpg |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 4/5 | 5/5 |
2023 Chrysler 300 vs. 2023 Nissan Maxima: Driving and performance
The 2023 Chrysler 300 base model gets solid fuel economy for its class, with impressive power and torque to match. A long wheelbase, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a comfort-enhancing suspension system make longer drives easier. The V6 engine can be optioned with all-wheel drive, but that pushes the price of the Touring base model to $37,745. Buyers can also upgrade to the 300S or 300C for more potent powertrains.
The final Nissan Maxima has a CVT with only front-wheel drive that isn’t as responsive as a conventional automatic. However, the car is still easy to drive. It boasts an impressive 300 hp and Intelligent Trace Control, which applies light braking to the inside rear wheel to help the Maxima gain traction around tight curves.
2023 Chrysler 300 vs. 2023 Nissan Maxima: Interior and tech
The 2023 Chrysler 300 base model has a spacious cabin (106 cubic feet), cloth seating for five riders, and plenty of trunk space (16.3 cubic feet).
Chrysler hasn’t updated the interior since 2015, but the Uconnect 4C infotainment system is still useful. The 8.4-inch touchscreen is the largest in its class. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment and offers optional navigation tools and an Alpine premium audio system. Surprisingly, the 300 also has an MP3 player.
Other features, such as dual-zone front air conditioning, heated outboard mirrors, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, enhance the Chrysler 300’s comfort. Safety features include stability and traction control, antilock brakes, and a rearview camera.
The 2023 Nissan Maxima also has seating for five but less passenger space (98.5 cubic feet) and trunk volume (14.3 cubic feet) than the 300. Leather upholstery covers the seats, and satin chrome trim lines the interior.
Where Nissan’s large sedan significantly bests Chrysler’s car is with an excellent suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. The Maxima includes the following:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Rear parking sensors
- Driver-attention monitors
It also has an 8.0-inch touchscreen that controls an eight-speaker sound system. Other features are Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and a CD player for anyone feeling nostalgic for the ’90s. In addition, the Maxima has power-adjustable front seats, illuminated USB ports, and push-button ignition.
2023 Chrysler 300 vs. 2023 Nissan Maxima: Trim levels and features
The 2023 Chrysler 300 offers four trims: Touring ($34,995), Touring L ($38,690), 300S V6 (43,700), and 300S V8 ($46,700).
The Touring L adds fog lights, an auto-dimming driver’s side outboard mirror, and outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. In addition, its interior has Nappa leather, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and heated front seats. Advanced safety tools like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic, and park assists are also standard equipment on this trim.
As the range-topping trim, the 300S includes a sport suspension, paddle shifters, and LED fog lights. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine harnessing 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque is available only with the 300S.
The 2023 Maxima has three trims. Nissan prices them at $38,340 for the SV base model, $43,500 for the SR, and $44,450 for the Platinum.
The mid-level SR adds a sport suspension and paddle shifters and an 11-speaker premium Bose sound system.
And the Platinum trim boasts upscale interior materials such as semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-quilted leather inserts and Satin Birdseye Maple Wood trim. This top-tier trim also features a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with memory, heated rear seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Which large sedan is the right fit for you?
Despite their different exterior styling, the 2023 Chrysler 300 and the 2023 Nissan Maxima don’t have many massive dissimilarities. Each sedan has its pros and cons.
The 300’s lack of significant updates over the past decade is apparent. Still, this car offers a smoother ride, good infotainment options, and more interior space at a lower price than the Nissan sedan.
Conversely, the Maxima provides slightly more standard power and safety features, but it also has more rigid handling, and the upper trims’ benefits are more aesthetic than functional.
So, which sedan is better? It depends on your budget, wants, and needs.
