Compare the2023 Lexus LSVS 2023 Chrysler 300

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus LS have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Chrysler 300 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The LS’ pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The 300 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Lexus LS has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The 300 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The LS has standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 300 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The LS has a standard Auto-Stop that use rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The 300 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The LS’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the 300.

The LS offers an optional Panoramic View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The 300 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The LS has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the 300 S/Touring L offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the LS has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the 300 S/Touring L has a rear cross-path warning system.

The LS’ driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 300 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the LS and the 300 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

Warranty

The LS comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 300’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LS 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Chrysler covers the 300. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the 300 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The LS’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the 300’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the engines in the LS have an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of some of the engines in the 300.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 108 more problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Chrysler is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Chrysler is ranked 19th.

Engine

The LS has more powerful engines than the 300:

	Horsepower	Torque
LS 500h 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid	354 HP	350 lbs.-ft.
LS 500 3.4 turbo V6	416 HP	442 lbs.-ft.
300 3.6 DOHC V6	292 HP	260 lbs.-ft.
300S 3.6 DOHC V6	300 HP	264 lbs.-ft.
300 5.7 V8	363 HP	394 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the Lexus LS is faster than the Chrysler 300:

	LS 500h	LS 500	300S	300 V8
Zero to 60 MPH	5.5 sec	5.3 sec	6.4 sec	5.8 sec
Quarter Mile	14.1 sec	13.7 sec	14.9 sec	14.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98 MPH	103 MPH	97.1 MPH	n/a

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
LS
	RWD	500 3.4 turbo V6	18 city/29 hwy
	AWD	500h 3.5 V6 Hybrid	22 city/29 hwy
300
	RWD	5.7 OHV V8	16 city/25 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/27 hwy

The LS can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for .6 miles. The 300 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the LS 500h’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The 300 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the LS Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The 300 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The LS’ standard fuel tank has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the 300 (21.7 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LS Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the 300 (22.2 vs. 18.5 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus LS higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Chrysler 300 (3). This means the LS produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 300 every 15,000 miles.

The EPA certifies the Lexus LS as a “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Chrysler 300 is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LS, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 300.

The LS 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The 300 doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	LS	LS 500 F Sport	300	300C
Front Rotors	14 inches	15.7 inches	12.6 inches	14.2 inches
Rear Rotors	13.1 inches	14.1 inches	12.6 inches	13.8 inches

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

The LS stops shorter than the 300:

	LS	300
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	121 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	139 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the LS has larger standard tires than the 300 (245/50R19 vs. 215/65R17).

The LS’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 300 Touring’s standard 65 series tires. The LS 500 F Sport’s 275/40R20 rear tires have a lower 40 series profile than the 300’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LS has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 300 Touring.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the LS can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The 300 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The LS F-Sport offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The 300 doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The LS has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The LS’ height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The 300 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the LS’ wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the 300 (123 inches vs. 120 inches).

The LS 500 handles at .88 G’s, while the 300 pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The LS 500 AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.5 seconds quicker than the 300 (25.7 seconds vs. 27.2 seconds).

For better maneuverability, the LS’ turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the 300’s (36.8 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

Chassis

The LS uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The 300 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the LS 500 AWD is quieter than the 300S:

	LS	300
At idle	38 dB	39 dB
Full-Throttle	74 dB	80 dB
70 MPH Cruising	65 dB	69 dB

Passenger Space

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the LS’ available rear seats recline. The 300’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The LS has a larger trunk than the 300 (17 vs. 16.3 cubic feet).

With its sedan body style, valet key and remote trunk release lockout, the LS offers cargo security. The 300’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the LS’ power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The 300 doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Chrysler. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With an 89% lower rating, Chrysler is ranked 31st.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the 300 S/Touring L, the LS has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and climate settings and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The LS’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the 300, and is not available on all models.

The LS offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The 300 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The LS’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The 300’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The LS’ front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The 300’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the LS the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the 300 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The LS’ power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 300’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The LS’ rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The 300’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The LS’ LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the 300’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen. The LS’ LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the 300’s optional xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. HID headlights can be slow to reach full brightness or power cycle, causing issues when flashing them to signal other vehicles; LED headlights light instantly. LED lights also last about three to four times as long.

Consumer Reports rated the LS’ headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the 300’s headlights, which were rated “Poor” to “Good” (depending on model and options).

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The LS offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The 300 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

A power rear sunshade is standard in the LS and power rear side window sunshades are optional to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The 300 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The LS has standard front air conditioned seats and offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The 300 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

The LS has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the 300.

The LS offers optional massaging front and rear seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the 300.

The LS offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The 300 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

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