2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design," reminiscent of a bygone era, with a profile so straightforward that even a child could sketch it. Despite its old-school appearance, the 300 exuded a timeless charm that appealed to those who appreciated a no-nonsense aesthetic. The vehicle'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, while higher trims boasted adaptive HID lamps. The wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, adding a touch of sophistication to its robust design. Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a luxurious experience with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims, ensuring a comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX presented a bold and modern design, with a wide and long stance that gave it the presence of a larger luxury sedan. Its exterior featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, creating a sleek and athletic look. The TLX Type S added unique elements like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, and four fat exhaust pipes, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX was snug but well-appointed, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The seats offered comfort and support, while the touchpad interface for the infotainment system required some acclimation. Despite its compact interior, the TLX's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and dynamic sedan.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed enthusiasts, but it offered respectable 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 trims, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, making it the only V8 available in its class. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was an option for an additional cost, except on the 300S. The driving experience was comfortable and traditional, with the V8 providing a fun, albeit not overly aggressive, ride.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, offered a more dynamic performance with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the TLX delivered smooth and responsive shifts. The Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available for an extra cost, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque distribution. The TLX Type S featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, providing an exhilarating driving experience. The double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to the TLX's balanced and predictable handling, making it a joy to drive on both the track and the road. However, the subdued exhaust note and tire noise on the highway were minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury competitors. With 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, it provided a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating several large suitcases, making it practical for everyday use.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tighter interior space. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable features. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required some getting used to, but the climate control was straightforward. The trunk space was limited to 13.5 cubic feet, which was less than some compact cars, but the TLX's design prioritized performance features like the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, known for its intuitive interface and functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, navigation, and a sunroof for an additional cost. The system's simplicity and ease of use were highlights for the 300.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. The head-up display, available with the Advance Package, allowed for easy interaction with various functions. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers provided excellent sound quality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features. The Technology Package added advanced climate control linked to navigation and other convenience features.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" score in small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included active head restraints, airbags, and stability control, with advanced features available in higher trims and packages.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and excellent headlight performance. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were available in higher trims.