Chrysler
300
Lexus
IS
Chrysler 300 vs Lexus IS: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
The Chrysler 300 offers power, while the Lexus IS excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Chrysler 300 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Lexus IS if fuel economy matters more for your needs. 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.
IS
Overall
Mixed sentiment heavily dependent on generation and powertrain. The IS is widely recognized for its strong long-term reliability, comfortable ride, and luxury feel, particularly when compared to German competitors. However, significant and recurring criticisms are directed at specific mechanical flaws, outdated powertrains, and poor fuel economy.
Best version to buy
IS 350 with the 2GR-FSE V6 engine is the most frequently recommended version for its superior power and reliability over the IS 250. For the third generation (3IS, 2014+), the 2015-2016 model years with the V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission are specifically highlighted to avoid the later UA80 transmission used in 2017+ models.
Known issues
- ⚠Carbon buildup on intake valves (IS 250 with 4GR-FSE engine): causes loss of power, rough idle, poor fuel economy, requires periodic cleaning. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Water pump and front cover oil leaks (2GR-FSE V6 engine): common failure requiring expensive repair (engine removal for front cover, ~20-25 hours labor). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Severe diesel engine issues (IS220d with 2AD-FHV engine): chronic DPF filter and EGR valve clogging leading to very high fuel consumption, potential for catastrophic engine failure (head gasket, seals) especially with poor maintenance.
The verdict
The Lexus IS 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 IS 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 IS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Lexus IS 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 IS?
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 IS?
The Lexus IS is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.8 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 IS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Lexus IS than the Chrysler 300. See the known issues comparison above.