Compare the2023 Chrysler 300VS 2022 Audi A5 Sportback

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 A5 Sportback doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the 300 and the A5 Sportback 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, plastic fuel tanks, 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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chrysler 300 is safer than the Audi A5 Sportback:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chrysler 300 is safer than the Audi A5 Sportback:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Chrysler’s powertrain warranty covers the 300 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A5 Sportback. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the A5 Sportback ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 8 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 300’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 300 has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - 300 S). The A5 Sportback’s standard 110-amp alternator and largest (optional) 150-amp alternator aren’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the 300 has a standard 730-amp battery. The A5 Sportback’s 420-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The 300 has more powerful engines than the A5 Sportback:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the 300 V8’s fuel efficiency. The A5 Sportback doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The 300 has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the A5 Sportback (18.5 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 A5 Sportback doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Chrysler 300, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A5 Sportback.

For better stopping power the 300’s brake rotors are larger than those on the A5 Sportback:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 300 offers optional 20-inch wheels. The A5 Sportback’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The 300 offers an optional 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 A5 Sportback; 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 8.8 inches longer than on the A5 Sportback (120 inches vs. 111.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 300 is .9 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than on the A5 Sportback.

The 300’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the A5 Sportback’s (54.8% to 45.2%). This gives the 300 more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the 300’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the A5 Sportback’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the 300 a Large car, while the A5 Sportback is rated a Mid-size.

The 300 has 15.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A5 Sportback (106.3 vs. 91).

The 300 has .9 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom, 3.8 inches more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom, 5 inches more rear legroom and 3.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the A5 Sportback.

The 300 has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The A5 Sportback 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 A5 Sportback doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The 300 offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A5 Sportback doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The 300 (except Base)’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The A5 Sportback doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

On a hot day the 300’s driver can lower the front windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the A5 Sportback can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 300 S/Touring L offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The A5 Sportback doesn’t offer cornering lights.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the 300 S/Touring L to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The A5 Sportback doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The 300 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The A5 Sportback doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the 300 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 300 will cost $1455 less than the A5 Sportback over a five-year period.

The 300 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 300 will retain 45.05% to 46.14% of its original price after five years, while the A5 Sportback only retains 44.35% to 44.55%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chrysler 300 will be $8048 to $9961 less than for the Audi A5 Sportback.

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

The Chrysler 300 outsold the Audi A5/S5 by 455 units during the 2021 model year.