Chrysler
300
Lexus
GS
Chrysler 300 vs Lexus GS: 2018 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Lexus GS comes out ahead of the Chrysler 300 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
300
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is consistently praised for its distinctive, muscular styling, spacious and comfortable interior, smooth highway ride quality, and strong value proposition, particularly for V8 models offering significant power at a lower price than premium German competitors. However, owner feedback reveals a pervasive and very frequent criticism regarding long-term reliability and build quality, with the brand's reputation being a dominant theme.
Best version to buy
2015 and later models equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination is specifically highlighted as offering a significant improvement in reliability over earlier models with the Chrysler-designed transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠General long-term reliability and build quality concerns: pervasive criticism of the brand and model's propensity for costly repairs, electrical gremlins, and interior rattles/squeaks as the vehicle ages. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Powertrain-specific failures (V6): oil cooler leaks and valvetrain issues (e.g., lifter/camshaft problems, often manifesting as a ticking sound), particularly noted on higher-mileage examples and pre-2014 models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Powertrain-specific failures (V8 HEMI): lifter failure, a known issue that can lead to significant engine damage. Frequency: recurrent.
GS
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, build quality, and overall ownership experience. The GS is consistently praised as a durable, comfortable, and well-built luxury sedan that delivers trouble-free service for many years and high mileage, with specific examples cited up to 350,000 miles. It is described as a perfect sports sedan for a broad number of use cases, offering a good balance of power, roomy comfort, and sportiness.
Best version to buy
The 2010-2011 model years for the third-generation (GS 350) are specifically highlighted as the best years. For the fourth generation, the AWD models equipped with the older 6-speed automatic transmission (over the later 8-speed) are preferred by some owners for their better drivetrain pairing.
Known issues
- ⚠Outdated technology/infotainment: Lack of Apple CarPlay, slow and unresponsive screen, missing features like birds-eye view camera and massaging seats compared to rivals. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Higher running costs: Requires premium fuel, expensive tires (especially F-Sport run-flats), and generally higher costs for parts and maintenance compared to non-luxury brands. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Underwhelming performance for segment: Naturally aspirated V6 (2GR-FKS) perceived as not fast, especially compared to turbocharged German competitors; 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) times around 5.9 seconds noted. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Lexus GS is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Chrysler 300, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Lexus GS are a dealbreaker, the Chrysler 300 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chrysler 300 or the Lexus GS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Lexus GS than the Chrysler 300. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Chrysler 300 or the Lexus GS?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chrysler 300 or the Lexus GS?
The Lexus GS is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.2 L/100km combined versus 13 L/100km for the Chrysler 300, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chrysler 300 or the Lexus GS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.