Compare the2023 Chrysler 300VS 2022 Toyota Avalon

The 300 offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Avalon doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the 300 and the Avalon 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 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 Toyota Avalon:

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, results indicate that the Chrysler 300 is safer than the Toyota Avalon:

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

There are almost 2 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Toyota dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 300’s warranty.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the 300 has a standard 730-amp battery. The Avalon’s 582-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the 300 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the 300’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Avalon’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The 300’s optional 5.7 V8 produces 62 more horsepower (363 vs. 301) and 127 lbs.-ft. more torque (394 vs. 267) than the Avalon’s 3.5 DOHC V6. The 300C’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 184 more horsepower (485 vs. 301) and 208 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 267) than the Avalon’s 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Chrysler 300 V8 is faster than the Toyota Avalon:

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

The 300 has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Avalon XLE’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The 300 has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Avalon Limited/Touring’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 15.8 gallons).

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 Avalon doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

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

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 Avalon are solid, not vented.

The 300 stops shorter than the Avalon:

For better traction, the 300’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Avalon (245/45R20 vs. 235/45R18).

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

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

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

The 300S handles at .85 G’s, while the Avalon Touring pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the 300’s turning circle is .3 feet tighter than the Avalon XLE’s (37.4 feet vs. 37.7 feet). The 300’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the Avalon Limited/Touring’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

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

The 300 has 1.2 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front hip room, 1.2 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom, 1.3 inches more rear hip room and .6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Avalon.

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the 300. The Avalon doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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

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

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 Avalon doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The 300’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Avalon’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

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 Avalon doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Avalon Limited/Touring’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The 300 S/Touring L’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

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

Insurance will cost less for the 300 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the 300 with a number “1” insurance rate while the Avalon is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

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 Avalon only retains 43.2% to 43.69%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 300 is less expensive to operate than the Avalon because it costs $237 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the 300 than the Avalon, including $44 less for a water pump, $315 less for a starter, $212 less for fuel injection, $43 less for a fuel pump and $806 less for a timing belt/chain.

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

The Chrysler 300 outsold the Toyota Avalon by 15% during 2022.