2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Chrysler 300

Back in 2005, Chrysler's introduction of the 300 sedan was a head-turner, drawing comparisons to the illustrious Bentley. While perhaps requiring a bit of imaginative license, its round headlights, bold grille, and blunt nose echoed the aesthetic of the Bentley Arnage. It replaced the less-loved Chrysler 300M, marking a significant design departure that bolstered its credibility among consumers.

The 300 underwent significant reworking in 2011, receiving updates in powertrains, technology, and other enhancements. Despite these changes, the core design preserved its lineage to that Bentley-resembling original. Surprisingly, it aged gracefully, maintaining a stylish appearance, especially in its final production year in 2023. Available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trims, the Chrysler 300 was accessible with a range of engines, from V6 to V8, and offered both RWD and AWD options. Prices ranged from $35,515 to $56,595, with the 300C presenting a particularly high-value proposition despite its premium features and performance enhancements.

Inside, the 300's exterior promise of luxury wasn't fully realized. The 300C featured premium Laguna leather and carbon-fiber trim, yet the interior did betray its age. It wasn't quite up to the standards of more contemporary luxury vehicles, even though it had adequate amenities and a visually appealing design.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced its own challenges. Arriving during the pandemic, it grappled with supply chain constraints and fluctuating car prices, which hampered Acura's traditional low-payment leases. Acura didn’t flood rental fleets, making the TLX a somewhat rare sight even in automobile-heavy areas like Southern California.

Based on a concept vehicle, the TLX debuted a new design language for Acura. Though a FWD platform, it had a RWD-like look that's long, low, and lean, culminating in a sleek tail. However, the aggressive design impacted rear-seat space and cargo room. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized width but prioritized style over practicality, leading to a somewhat convoluted control layout.

The Type S model, with its vibrant Tiger Eye Pearl paint, performance wheel and tire package, and carbon-fiber trim, stood out. Although front seat comfort was excellent, rear seat accommodation was lacking, primarily due to the design priorities which preserved the car's aesthetic appeal but compromised practicality. The base TLX started at $41,045, escalating to $59,100 for the fully loaded Type S variant.

Power and performance set the 2023 Chrysler 300C apart. The 300C revived the spirit of the old 300 SRT with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered driving enthusiasts a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 160 mph. Accompanied by an active exhaust system and adaptive damping suspension, the 300C delivered a visceral driving experience, especially evident when driven on twisty mountain roads in Sport mode.

However, the trade-offs for such performance included considerable cabin noise and poor fuel economy, averaging 17.5 mpg. The car also reflected its roots in a mid-1990s Mercedes-Benz platform, offering a Germanic ride and handling feel that delighted those nostalgic for that era.

The 2023 Acura TLX, especially the Type S model, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it the sportiest of the TLX lineup. The Type S variant boasted a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts, an adaptive suspension, and Brembo brakes, among other performance enhancements.

Interestingly, the TLX Type S's performance tweaks worked well for its 4,200-pound frame, and the car could sprint to 60 mph in five seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. However, the brake-by-wire system sometimes detracted from the driving experience, as it could produce a mismatch between the driver's input and the car's response. Despite this, the TLX Type S was enjoyable to drive, offering a compliant ride in its Normal setting and a spirited feel when pushed to its limits. The adaptive suspension sometimes felt artificial, and the car's fuel efficiency wasn’t stellar, averaging 20 mpg in combined driving.

The Chrysler 300's interior space was a mixed bag. The front seats were comfortable, providing enough power adjustments and luxuries like heating and ventilation. However, the back seats were less inviting, marred by hard plastic front seatbacks and limited legroom. In terms of storage, the 300 wasn't particularly accommodating, lacking options for modern conveniences like wireless charging. However, it did provide a sizable 16.3 cubic-foot trunk which was a strong point for carrying larger cargo.

In contrast, the Acura TLX’s interior design preferences impacted practicality. The front seats in the Type S were exceedingly comfortable and adorned with premium materials like Milano leather and synthetic suede. Yet, the rear seats suffered from a lack of legroom due to stylistic design choices that favored a long hood and short deck. In terms of cargo space, the TLX fell short with only 13.5 cubic feet, which was more in line with compact cars than midsize sedans. This difference in cargo capacity was evident, as the TLX prioritized design over sheer utility.

Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system in the 300, while feature-rich, felt dated. The 8.4-inch touchscreen was easy to use but required USB for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Despite dated graphics, the system was intuitive, although accessing some functions required navigating virtual menus. The Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, and basic controls were easy to operate thanks to Chrysler's hallmark audio controls on the steering wheel.

On the other hand, Acura's True Touchpad Interface proved less user-friendly. The 10.2-inch display required operating through a unique touchpad system, which, while innovative, often proved distracting and counterintuitive. However, the TLX did support essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a robust ELS Studio 3D audio system in higher trims. Unfortunately, the absence of wireless smartphone integration and the complexity of the infotainment system left room for improvement.

Safety features in the Chrysler 300 left much to be desired. While advanced safety tech was available, it was optional in all but the 300C trim. Even then, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were not particularly sophisticated. Moreover, the car's crash-test ratings reflected its age, performing decently in older NHTSA tests but poorly in newer IIHS assessments.

In contrast, the Acura TLX was well-equipped with AcuraWatch, which includes a suite of advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims also offered additional systems like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The TLX shined in crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, underscoring its robust safety credentials.