2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained much of its classic design, reminiscent of its major facelift in 2014. Its old-school "three-box design" gave it a straightforward profile that was easy to recognize. The car's appearance, from the base 300 trim to the high-end 300S, was something to be proud of, with a tough, no-nonsense look. The 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 like the Touring L and 300S offered adaptive HID lamps. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels, depending on the trim and package.

Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a level of quality that rivaled more expensive cars. The base 300 Touring featured cloth upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat, while the 300 Touring L and 300S came standard with Nappa leather upholstery. The 300S also included perforated inserts and accent stitching. Heated front seats were standard on the top two trims, with heated rear seats available as well. The interior space was generous, making it a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car's design was subtly aggressive, with a raised hood to accommodate the V8 engine and quad exhaust outlets under the back bumper. It rode on exclusive 19-inch lighter-weight wheels and featured minor trim modifications for a more stealthy look.

Inside, the IS 500 F Sport Performance was nearly identical to the IS 350 F Sport, with a comfortable interior for four people and quality materials throughout. The car featured a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system, making controls easy to find and use. The driving experience was a blend of emotional thrill and daily comfort, with the car delivering fun when driven hard and comfort during regular commutes. The IS 500 was a more expensive option compared to its siblings, but it offered a unique blend of performance and luxury.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for high-speed races, but its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine provided a solid 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L trims. The 300S trim offered 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 363 hp 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, while all-wheel drive was a $2,750 option, though not available on the 300S.

The driving experience varied by trim, with the base model feeling like a rental upgrade but still quiet and comfortable. The AWD Touring L offered a traditional luxury feel, while the V8-powered 300S provided a fun experience with its Hemi engine, though it didn't match the higher-displacement powertrains of its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The car's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Lexus claimed the IS 500 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride at lower speeds and greater stability at higher speeds. The car's brakes were upgraded for better performance and cooling, withstanding abuse in triple-digit heat. The driving experience was thrilling, with the car feeling capable on public roads and delivering an intoxicating engine note. However, the IS 500 was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 17.7 mpg during evaluation, below the EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous front and rear legroom, with 41.8 inches in the front seats and 40.1 inches in the back seats. This made it competitive with cars like the Toyota Avalon and Volvo S90. The 300 provided 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. Trunk volume was also strong, with 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to fit about four large suitcases.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with an effective climate control system and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent thigh support and a driving position that fostered intimacy with the controls. The rear seats were adequate for adults of average height, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was limited, with the center console touchpad taking up space and a small trunk measuring just 10.8 cubic feet. The control layout was excellent, with buttons, knobs, and clear lettering, making the infotainment system easy to use.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, which was standard across the lineup. The system was intuitive, with prominent knobs and excellent steering wheel-mounted controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The $3,495 Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, surround sound, a trunk-mounted subwoofer, and a dual-pane sunroof.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance switched to a touchscreen infotainment display, solving previous ergonomic issues. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling voice queries and commands accurately.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but scored "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash test rating, with five stars for the combined side barrier and side pole crash test. Standard safety features included active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, brake assist, rain brake support, ready alert braking, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available on higher trims and packages.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS earned the highest overall rating of "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star frontal-impact collision rating for the driver and front passenger.