Compare the2022 Chrysler 300VS 2021 Mercedes CLS

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 CLS doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the 300 and the CLS 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.

Chrysler’s powertrain warranty covers the 300 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the CLS. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the CLS ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 6 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 300’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 300 second among large cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The CLS 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 Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chrysler 1 place higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The 300’s optional 5.7 V8 produces 1 more horsepower (363 vs. 362) and 25 lbs.-ft. more torque (394 vs. 369) than the CLS’ 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the 300 V8’s fuel efficiency. The CLS doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

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 CLS requires premium, which can cost 5 to 40 cents more per gallon.

The 300 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CLS doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The 300 stops shorter than the CLS:

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 CLS; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The 300 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CLS’ suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 300’s wheelbase is 4.3 inches longer than on the CLS (120 inches vs. 115.7 inches).

For better maneuverability, the 300’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the CLS’ (37.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

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

The 300 has 13.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CLS (106.3 vs. 93).

The 300 has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, 2 inches more rear headroom, 5.1 inches more rear legroom and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the CLS.

The 300 has a much larger trunk than the CLS (16.3 vs. 11.9 cubic feet).

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 CLS doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

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 CLS doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Both the 300 and the CLS offer available heated front seats. The 300 Touring L/S also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CLS.

Insurance will cost less for the 300 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 300 will cost $4930 to $6875 less than the CLS over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chrysler 300 will be $27737 to $39495 less than for the Mercedes CLS.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chrysler 300, based on reliability, safety and performance.