2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its assertive stance was highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front featured a bold grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, with tasteful badging and chrome accents enhancing its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a well-organized dash and authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, giving a floating appearance that was both intentional and stylish.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design" that had remained largely unchanged since its 2014 facelift. Its straightforward profile was reminiscent of a bygone era, offering a timeless appeal without the retrofuturist influence seen in other models. The 300's grille and headlights had evolved over the years, with the 2021 model featuring bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and LED driving lamps on lower trims. Higher trims offered adaptive HID lamps. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The interior quality was impressive, with Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats available on higher trims, providing a luxurious experience.

The 2021 Acura TLX was designed to excel in the premium sport sedan class, featuring a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel drive and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. The TLX's performance was enhanced by its drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems, along with electric power steering, allowing for distinct driving modes like Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The TLX boasted 50% greater global torsional stiffness and up to 100% greater rigidity at the suspension mounts compared to its predecessor, providing a solid and balanced driving experience. During a test drive in Michigan, the TLX demonstrated its nimble handling and sporty character, particularly in Sport mode, which minimized turbo lag and enhanced the exhaust note.

The 2021 Chrysler 300, while not built for speed, offered a solid performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L, and 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive as an option on certain trims. The 300 provided a comfortable and traditional luxury driving experience, with the V8 offering a fun, albeit not overly powerful, launch.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design choices, such as the shift-by-wire transmission, allowed for a reimagined center console with a control panel inspired by the NSX. This setup freed up space for a mini touchpad, cupholders, and a storage cubby. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with the center position suitable for short trips. The front sport bucket seats offered 12-way power adjustability and were available with perforated Milano leather. The trunk provided 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in interior space, offering 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Lexus ES350. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, the 300 felt spacious compared to other midsize sedans. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating several large suitcases.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including performance features like drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for optimized performance. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available in the Advance Package.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the 300's tech offerings.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite, offering adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a comprehensive airbag system. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While not yet tested by IIHS or NHTSA, Acura aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but scored "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with a five-star rating for side crash tests. The 300 offered active head restraints, airbags, and traction control, with advanced safety features available in higher trims and packages.