Honda Accord vs Chrysler 300

When Chrysler introduced the 300 sedan in 2005, critics and consumers likened it to a Bentley. Although this required some imagination, the Chrysler’s round headlights, bold grille, blunt nose, and stately proportions echoed the elegance of the Bentley Arnage. Replacing the less appealing 300M, the 300 instantly gained credibility with its Bentley-adjacent design.

Over the years, the 300 underwent significant updates, particularly in 2011, but it maintained its original platform and design ethos, aging gracefully while retaining visual appeal. By 2023, the 300 came in several trim levels: Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C. Particularly striking was the 300C, limited to 2,000 units, featuring a powerful V8 engine and a price tag reflecting its premium status. The 300, starting at $35,515 and reaching up to $44,025, presented an affordable yet stylish option in a market of rising car prices.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign, offering a more modern yet conservative appearance compared to its predecessor. Previous iterations were perhaps more visually appealing, but the new design brought a technical, subdued style. The EX trim, tested extensively, featured attractive Canyon River Blue paint and a pewter wheel finish that struck a pleasing balance. While the Accord's aesthetic choices leaned toward subtlety, its modernity was evident, even though it didn't excite as much as previous versions.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C stood out primarily for its power and performance. This model resurrected the spirit of the 300 SRT with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain enabled a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 160 mph. Brembo brakes, an adaptive damping suspension, and performance tires on exclusive lightweight forged aluminum wheels enhanced its driving dynamics. Optional driving modes—Auto, Sport, Track, and Custom—allowed tailored driving experiences.

However, this performance came at a cost. Cabin noise from the active exhaust system and suboptimal fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, underscored the vehicle's muscle car nature. The heavy exhaust boom and lower fuel efficiency reflected the powerful engine's demands.

In comparison, the 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offering 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided adequate performance for daily driving but lacked the thrilling acceleration of the discontinued 2.0T variant. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the front wheels, with EPA estimates suggesting 32 mpg in combined driving. However, real-world conditions during testing yielded 28.7 mpg.

The Accord’s smooth handling was supported by a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, offering good response and road feel. The dual-pinion, variable-ratio steering system and ventilated front disc brakes also contributed to a refined driving experience, though the CVT sometimes produced a characteristic drone under hard acceleration.

In the Chrysler 300, front-seat passengers enjoyed the benefits of premium Laguna leather upholstery, heating, and ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by hard plastic front seatbacks and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Despite air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and charging ports, the rear seat was less hospitable. Storage space was limited, with small trays and bins, though the front section offered more utility, including heated and cooled cupholders. The 300’s trunk provided a generous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a convenient handle for effortless closing.

Meanwhile, the Honda Accord EX added several enhancements over the base LX, including a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and a power sunroof. However, it lacked a height-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports—amenities found in more premium trims. The back seat offered excellent leg support and ample legroom, ensuring passenger comfort. Honda also boasted a spacious 16.7 cubic-foot trunk, easy-to-load with its swing-up lid and convenient handle.

The Chrysler 300 featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system. While user-friendly, the system showed its age, particularly in its graphics and touchscreen size. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required wired connections, and the system included SiriusXM, Guardian connected services, and optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi. The 300C added an SRT Dashboard for performance settings. Separate climate controls and steering wheel-mounted audio controls enhanced usability, but the absence of a surround-view camera system was notable given the car’s visibility limitations.

In the Honda Accord EX, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system provided adequate technological functionality. The system offered Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and basic HondaLink services. However, it lacked SiriusXM satellite radio by default. Physical controls for stereo volume and function buttons simplified operation, although the misleading appearance of a tuning knob caused some confusion. The eight-speaker audio system in the EX trim delivered decent sound quality, rounding out a competent but not exceptional tech suite.

Safety features in the Chrysler 300 were less advanced, with most driver assistance systems available only as optional extras. The fully loaded 300C included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise lacked sophisticated stop-and-go functionality. The 300’s crash test ratings reflected its age, with respectable but not impressive scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS, especially in the newer, more demanding tests.

Conversely, every 2023 Honda Accord came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included a reversing camera with multiple views, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system. The EX offered an affordable safety package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord’s sophisticated system behaviors contributed to its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.