Compare the2023 Chrysler 300VS 2023 Tesla Model S

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Chrysler 300 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Tesla Model S doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

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 Model S doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 300 S/Touring L’s standard Rear Cross Path Detection uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Model S doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The 300 has standard SiriusXM Guardian, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Model S doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the 300 and the Model S have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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 and rear parking sensors.

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 Tesla Model S:

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

There are almost 16 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Tesla dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 300’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 300’s reliability 45 points higher than the Model S.

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 Model S; 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 3.5 inches longer than on the Model S (120 inches vs. 116.5 inches).

For better maneuverability, the 300’s turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the Model S’ (37.4 feet vs. 40.3 feet).

The Chrysler 300 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 550 pounds less than the Tesla Model S.

The 300 has 12.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Model S (106.3 vs. 94).

The 300 has 1.4 inches more front hip room, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, 4.6 inches more rear legroom, 5.8 inches more rear hip room and 2.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Model S.

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

The 300’s entire steering wheel hub sounds the horn, facilitating hitting the horn in an emergency. The Model S has a small, single button on the steering wheel spoke that can be hard to find quickly in an emergency.

The 300’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The Model S doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the 300 has standard extendable sun visors. The Model S doesn’t offer extendable visors.

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

The 300 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The Model S 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 $8010 to $13140 less than the Model S over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 300 is less expensive to operate than the Model S because it costs $73 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the 300 than the Model S, including $686 less for a water pump, $5 less for front brake pads and $190 less for a power steering pump.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chrysler 300 will be $49415 to $77152 less than for the Tesla Model S.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chrysler 300, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Tesla Model S isn't recommended.