Compare the2022 Chrysler 300VS 2021 Acura TLX

The 300 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The TLX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the 300 and the TLX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

There are almost 9 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Acura dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 300’s warranty.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the 300’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the TLX’s camshafts. If the TLX’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 300’s reliability 43 points higher than the TLX.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 300 second among large cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The TLX isn’t in the top three in its category.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Chrysler vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chrysler 9 places higher in reliability than Acura.

The 300 has more powerful engines than the TLX:

As tested in Motor Trend the 300S 3.6 DOHC V6 is faster than the Acura TLX turbo 4 cyl.:

On the EPA test cycle the 300 gets better mileage than the TLX:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chrysler 300 uses regular unleaded gasoline (mid-grade octane recommended with the 5.7 V8 engine for maximum performance). The TLX requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 5 to 40 cents more per gallon.

The 300 has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the TLX (18.5 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The 300 V8/AWD’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the TLX are solid, not vented.

The 300 stops much shorter than the TLX:

The 300 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the TLX; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 300’s wheelbase is 7 inches longer than on the TLX (120 inches vs. 113 inches).

The 300’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the TLX’s (57% to 43%). This gives the 300 more stable handling and braking.

The 300S handles at .85 G’s, while the TLX A-Spec SH-AWD pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the 300’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the TLX’s (37.4 feet vs. 40.1 feet). The 300’s turning circle is 2.8 feet tighter than the TLX 19/20-inch wheels’ (37.4 feet vs. 40.2 feet).

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the 300S is quieter than the TLX Type S (69 vs. 71 dB).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the 300 a Large car, while the TLX is rated a Compact.

The 300 has 12.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the TLX (106.3 vs. 93.4).

The 300 has 1.4 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front hip room, 1.3 inches more front shoulder room, 1.6 inches more rear headroom, 5.2 inches more rear legroom, 1.5 inches more rear hip room and 2.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the TLX.

The 300 has a much larger trunk than the TLX (16.3 vs. 13.5 cubic feet).

The 300 has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The TLX has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Mitigation on the 300 uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The TLX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The engine in the 300 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the TLX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

The power windows standard on both the 300 and the TLX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the 300 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The TLX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the 300 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The TLX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The 300’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The TLX has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chrysler 300, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Acura TLX isn't recommended.