Compare the2023 Acura TLXVS 2023 Chrysler 300

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

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Acura TLX 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 Acura TLX 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 TLX’s 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 TLX Advance has a standard Surround View Camera System 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 TLX’s 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 TLX 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, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems 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 Acura TLX is safer than the Chrysler 300:

	TLX	300
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	20%	31%
Neck Stress	175 lbs.	280 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	258/267 lbs.	617/568 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.9 inches
Neck Injury Risk	32%	33%
Neck Compression	66 lbs.	113 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	416/473 lbs.	504/415 lbs.

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

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Acura TLX is safer than the 300:

	TLX	300
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Head injury index	98	222
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	0 cm	9 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	0 cm	28 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Femur Force R/L	.9/.6 kN	3.7/3 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	MARGINAL	POOR
Tibia index R/L	.67/1.18	1.21/.58

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 Acura TLX is safer than the Chrysler 300:

	TLX	300
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	128	236
Chest Movement	.8 inches	1.4 inches
Abdominal Force	188 lbs.	315 lbs.
Hip Force	279 lbs.	433 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	33 G’s	47 G’s
Hip Force	484 lbs.	910 lbs.

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the TLX, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 2.3% less likely to roll over than the 300, which received a four-star rating.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the TLX its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 112 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The 300 is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick.”

Warranty

The TLX 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.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the TLX 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.

Acura pays for scheduled maintenance on the TLX for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Acura will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Chrysler doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the 300.

Reliability

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the engines in the TLX 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 Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Chrysler vehicles. With 73 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Acura higher than Chrysler.

Engine

As tested in Consumer Reports the Acura TLX turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Chrysler 300 V6:

	TLX	300
Zero to 30 MPH	2.9 sec	3.2 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.5 sec	7.4 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.2 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98 MPH	94.8 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the TLX Type S 3.0 turbo V6 is faster than the 300S 3.6 DOHC V6:

	TLX	300
Zero to 30 MPH	1.8 sec	2.5 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.1 sec	6.4 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	8.4 sec	10.6 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	2.7 sec	3 sec
Quarter Mile	13.7 sec	14.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	101.8 MPH	97.1 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
TLX
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/31 hwy
		A-Spec 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/30 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/29 hwy
300
	RWD	3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/30 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	16 city/25 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/27 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the TLX’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. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The 300 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Acura TLX uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 300 Scat Pack requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

Environmental Friendliness

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

Transmission

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

Brakes and Stopping

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

	TLX	TLX Type S	300	300C
Front Rotors	13 inches	14.3 inches	12.6 inches	14.2 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13 inches	12.6 inches	13.8 inches

The TLX stops much shorter than the 300:

	TLX	300
70 to 0 MPH	165 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	121 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the TLX has larger standard tires than the 300 (235/50R18 vs. 215/65R17). The TLX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 300 (255/35R20 vs. 245/45R20).

The TLX’s 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 TLX Type S’ tires have a lower 35 series profile than the 300’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TLX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 300 Touring.

The TLX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The 300 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

The TLX Type S handles at .96 G’s, while the 300 pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The TLX Type S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.2 seconds quicker than the 300 (25 seconds vs. 27.2 seconds).

Chassis

The Acura TLX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 300 pounds less than the Chrysler 300.

The TLX is 4 inches shorter than the 300, making the TLX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The TLX 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.

Cargo Capacity

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

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Chrysler. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 63% lower rating, Chrysler is ranked 31st.

Ergonomics

The TLX’s standard easy entry system 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 TLX Advance has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning 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 TLX’s 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 TLX’s 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 TLX 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. The driver of the 300 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The TLX’s 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 TLX’s 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.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The TLX’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the 300’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

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