2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a notably wider track width both at the front and rear. The design featured thin headlights, a distinctive five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The interior offered a mix of faux-suede inserts, red stitching, and daring colour combinations, setting it apart from competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 maintained a classic and elegant design, reminiscent of its Bentley-inspired origins. Despite its age, the 300's styling remained appealing, with blacked-out appearances and large 20-inch wheels available across trims. The final production year offered various trims, including the exclusive 300C with a powerful V8 engine. While the exterior exuded luxury, the interior quality did not fully match this promise. The 300C featured premium materials like carbon-fibre trim and Laguna leather upholstery, but the overall interior felt dated. The rear seats were less accommodating, and storage space was limited, reflecting the car's age and design priorities.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it a formidable performer on the track. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the spirit of the 300 SRT with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enabled a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 257 km/h. The 300C featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, the rear-wheel-drive setup required careful throttle management to maintain grip. The 300C's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.1 litres per 100 kilometres, reflecting its performance-oriented nature.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was tight despite its large exterior dimensions. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats provided all-day comfort with adjustable features. The true touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it differed from traditional touchscreens. Trunk space was modest at 382 litres, and the double-wishbone suspension contributed to the limited cargo capacity.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, though technically a full-size car, felt spacious only in the front seats. The 300C's front seats offered power adjustments, premium leather, and heating and ventilation. The rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouched seating position. Storage space was lacking, and the car showed its age with limited smartphone integration options. The trunk, however, provided a generous 461 litres of cargo space, with enclosed lid hinges to protect belongings.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. The head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim, while other features like heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera were offered on higher trims. The ELS Studio premium audio system with 17 speakers provided excellent sound quality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance technologies under AcuraWatch.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 used the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system, which showed its age with dated graphics and a small 8.4-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB connection, and the 300C included SiriusXM and Guardian connected services. The Harman Kardon premium audio system delivered bass-heavy sound, and the dual-zone climate controls were separate from the touchscreen. The 300C lacked a surround-view camera system, and the reversing camera resolution was low.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered limited advanced safety features, with most being optional except on the 300C. The SafetyTec Plus Group included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control system was basic, and the car's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS moderate-overlap frontal-impact test.