Chrysler 300 Model Review
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size 4-door rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive sedan. The current 300 debuted as a 2011 model, with recent models costing between $17,996 and $28,876.
Chrysler 300 Pros
- Roomy, comfortable sedan with retro unique styling
- All-wheel drive available
- Broad range of engines available, including high-performance V8s
Chrysler 300 Cons
- Aging styling
- All-wheel drive only available with the V6 engine
- The only surviving sedan from a fading brand
Is the Chrysler 300 a Luxury Car?
The Chrysler 300 has a lot of luxury features, but it is not a luxury car because Chrysler is not a luxury brand. Still, the 300’s options list includes Nappa leather, ventilated and heated power front seats, heated rear seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and other luxury features, and it can deliver a luxurious experience.
How Much Horsepower Does a Chrysler 300 Have?
The current Chrysler 300 is available with a choice of a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine tuned to produce 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque or 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque in the 300S trim, or a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that puts out 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque.
Is a Chrysler 300 a Sports Car?
The Chrysler 300 is not a sports car. It is a full-size 4-door sedan designed and engineered as a premium car or a family car, thanks to its roomy interior. Comfort and serenity are the 300’s goal, rather than pure performance, like a sports car. The HEMI engine option in the 300S allows the sedan to deliver better than expected speed and acceleration, but a curb weight of 4,013 – 4,380 lbs limits the car’s overall performance.
Which Chrysler 300 Trim Level is Rear-Wheel Drive?
The current Chrysler 300 comes in Touring, Touring L, 300S V6, and 300S V8 trim levels, all of which are rear-wheel drive. The Touring and Touring L trim levels have the option of upgrading to all-wheel drive.
Current Chrysler 300, 2011 – Present:
The Chrysler 300 received a major refresh for the 2011 model year, which simplified the lineup and modernized some components while keeping the chassis and most primary dimensions the same as the outgoing 300. Styling was toned down a bit, with a sleeker overall look and a lower coefficient of drag. The 2.7-liter V6 was dropped, leaving the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (292 hp/260 lb-ft of torque in 300 or 300 hp/264 lb-ft of torque in 300S) and 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (363 hp/394 lb-ft of torque) as engine choices, each with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on all models. All-wheel drive (AWD) is an option on Touring and Touring L models only.
Fuel economy for V6 RWD models is estimated at 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway or 23 mpg combined. The V6 AWD models can be expected to achieve 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway or 21 mpg combined, and V8 RWD models are rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Trim levels have changed and shifted over the course of production, but have settled in to a straightforward, four-trim model list. The base model 300 is 300 Touring, which comes with the 292-hp V6 and RWD (AWD is optional). Chrome badging on the exterior, a black grille with a chrome surround, and 17-inch Fine Silver wheels distinguish the exterior, and cloth bucket front seats and chrome bezels around the instrument panel are characteristics of the interior. The Touring L comes with the same 292-hp V6 and RWD (AWD is optional), but upgrades to 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and Nappa leather-trimmed bucket seats. The 300S V6 model gets a higher performance 300-hp version of the V6, and the 300S V8 model gets the HEMI. Both are RWD only. Exterior badges are black with a red accent over a black grille with black chrome surround and 20-inch Black Noise wheels. Inside, Piano Black trim and bezels abound, and heated leather-trimmed sport bucket seats provide a comfortable a premium experience.
Uconnect 4C is standard on all models and includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, auxiliary audio-in jack, and two USB ports. Upgrading to a navigation system is available on Touring L and 300S models. Shop for the 2011-current Chrysler 300
2011–Current Chrysler 300 Trim Levels:
- Touring: 292-hp V6 and RWD (AWD optional) and an eight-speed automatic, cloth bucket seats, 17-inch wheels, 6-speaker audio with Uconnect 4C, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen transmission, 192 hp, 33 mpg
- Touring L: adds Nappa leather bucket seats, 18-inch wheels, ParkSense front and rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and remote start
- 300S V6: adds the 300-hp V6 with eight-speed automatic transmission and RWD only, Nappa leather sport bucket seats, 20-inch wheels
- 300S V8: adds the 363-hp HEMI V8
Running Changes to the 2011 – Present Chrysler 300:
- 2011: Comprehensive refresh of the 300 brings more refined exterior styling, an updated interior design, larger available Uconnect touchscreen interface, and expanded active safety features; four trim levels are available at launch: 300, 300 Limited, 300C, and 300C AWD
- 2012: All models upgraded to an eight-speed automatic transmission (from an eight-speed), beats by Dr. Dre audio technology available for the first time in a car, new trim levels added: 300S and 300C Luxury Series
- 2013: Trim levels streamlined to 300, 300S, 300C, and 300C Luxury Series, base 300 models now include leather seating with heated front seats
- 2014: Minor updates to the styling of 300S with “blacked out” look and new Ambassador Blue sport interior
- 2015: New front grille, signature LED lighting, new wheel designs, 7.0-inch color driver information display, electronic rotary transmission shifter, die-cast paddle shifters for the interior, “Sport” button engages sport driving mode, trim levels: 300 Limited, 300S, 300C, 300C Platinum
- 2016: Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition, a limited model with extensive standard equipment and commemorative appointments
- 2017: New Uconnect System includes standard smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 2018: Trim levels change to Touring, Touring L, 300S, Limited, and 300C, base Touring model comes with a cloth interior and 17-inch aluminum wheels, Limited model comes with 20-inch wheels
- 2019: Carryover year, with the addition of 20-inch Black Noise wheels on 300S models
- 2020: Carryover year, the one small change is to badging on the 300S models, where the “S” is now red, as is the insert on the Chrysler wing
- 2021: Limited and 300C trim levels eliminated, Touring L and 300S models get standard ParkSense front and rear
Chrysler 300 2005–2010:
The Chrysler 300 made quite a splash when it debuted as a 2005 model. Its bold, brash exterior design had a hint of the 1930s filtered through a hip-hop sensibility of the early 2000s, and its big grille, gaping wheel arches, and flat back trunk gave it swagger and character. Pair that with a lush interior with chrome accents, and you’ve got a hit on your hands.
The 300 featured standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), and available all-wheel drive (AWD). Three engine choices were available at launch: a 2.7-liter V6 with 190 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque (standard on base 300); a 3.5-liter V6 with 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque (standard on 300 Touring and 300 Limited); and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque (standard on 300C). The 2.7-liter is rated at 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway; the 3.5-liter is rated at 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway, and the V8 is rated at 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
The 300 was offered in base 300, 300 Touring, 300 Limited, and 300C trim levels when it was first produced. The 300 came with the 2.7-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission and RWD, 17-inch steel wheels with bolt-on wheel covers, cloth seats with 8-way driver’s power adjustment, and a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player. The Touring came with the 3.5-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission and RWD or five-speed automatic and AWD, 17-inch aluminum wheels (RWD) or 18-inch polished aluminum wheels (AWD), leather seats with 8-way driver’s power adjustment, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. The Limited included the same engine/drive options, 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels (RWD) or 18-inch polished aluminum wheels (AWD), heated leather front seats with 8-way driver’s/6-way passenger’s power adjustment, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. The 300C was equipped with the HEMI V8 and a five-speed automatic with AWD, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, luxury leather heated front seats with 8-way driver’s power and 6-way passenger power adjustment, and a Boston Acoustics 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with 276-watt digital amplifier. Shop for the 2005-2010 Chrysler 300
2005–2010 Chrysler 300 Trim Levels:
- 300: 2.7-liter V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission and RWD, 17-inch steel wheels with bolt-on wheel covers, cloth seats with 8-way driver’s power adjustment, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo
- 300 Touring: 3.5-liter V6 with a four-speed automatic, RWD, and 17-inch aluminum wheels, or optional five-speed automatic transmission with AWD and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, leather seats
- 300 Limited: Adds 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels on RWD models while AWD models came with 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, heated leather front seats with 6-way power added to the front passenger’s side, stereo upgraded to six speakers
- 300 Touring: introduced in 2017 with heated front seats, leather upholstery and unique badging
- 300C: Adds 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a five-speed automatic and AWD, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, luxury leather materials, and a Boston Acoustics 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with a 276-watt digital amplifier
- 300C SRT8: Adds 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine with 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque
Running Changes to 2005 – 2010 Chrysler 300:
- 2005: All-new model offered in four trim levels (300, 300 Touring, 300 Limited, and 300C)
- 2006: Adds the 300C SRT8 trim level with a high-performance 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine and RWD. RWD is now standard on 300C with AWD available
- 2007: New optional Video Entertainment System now available for all trim levels except base 300, includes a DVD player with a 7.0-inch screen in center console armrest and two wireless headsets
- 2008: Base model is re-named “300 LX.” Sirius Backseat TV added to optional Video Entertainment System, now available in Limited, 300C, and 300C SRT8. MyGIG multimedia infotainment system available in Touring, Limited, and 300C, DVD navigation available in Limited, 300C, and 300C SRT8
- 2009: Touring with the 2.7-liter V6 and RWD is new base model, Specialty Series models introduced: Executive Series (6-inches wheelbase stretch, based on 300C); Heritage Series (based on 300C, adding exclusive interior appearance and materials upgrades); and W.P. Signature Series (based on Touring with 3.5-liter V6, adds exterior trim and interior enhancements)
- 2010: The final year of the original 300 introduces available Uconnect Web 3G Wi-FI hotspot, iPod control, hands-free Bluetooth, and voice-controlled Address Sync, while Executive Series canceled
Chrysler 300 versus the Competition
Chrysler 300 versus Dodge Charger
The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are mechanical cousins, very close in size and price. Both 4-door sedans ride on the same platform. The Charger has a sportier exterior design and stance, while the 300 is more businesslike. The two models each use the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as a base engine, and offer the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 as an upgrade. But the Charger improves HEMI power to 370 hp in RT trim (versus the 300’s 363-hp version in 300S V8). Further, Charger is offered with a 485-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the RT Scat Pack, and a supercharged 707-hp 6.2-liter V8 in the Hellcat.
Chrysler 300 versus 300C
In the current Chrysler 300, 300 is the base trim level. 300C has been offered as an upper trim level during many years of the Chrysler 300’s past production. At times, that has meant a 300 came with cloth seats, while a 300C came with leather seating as standard equipment. It has also indicated upgrades in interior trim and wheel size. 300 and 300C have been identical mechanically, with the same powertrains in each vehicle.
Honda Accord versus Mazda 6
If there’s a midsize sedan that consistently outguns even the Accord’s excellent driving dynamics, it’s the Mazda 6. The Mazda 6 also features consistently attractive exterior styling and intuitive interior controls, along with fuel efficiency on par or better than the Accord. But resale value and refinement aren’t quite at Honda’s levels.
Chrysler 300 versus Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 is a compact 4-door sedan produced from model years 2012 – 2017. It is smaller in nearly every significant measurement than the Chrysler 300, including wheelbase (108.0 inches vs. 120.0 inches), overall length (192.3 inches vs. 198.6 inches), interior passenger volume (101.4 cubic feet vs. 106.3 cubic feet), and trunk space (16.0 cubic feet vs. 16.3 cubic feet). The 200 comes with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine (184 hp/173 lb-ft of torque) or 3.6-liter V6 (295 hp/262 lb-ft), nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The 300 uses the 3.6-liter V6 as its base engine, with an available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 as an upgrade. The 300 gets an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on the V6 only.
Chrysler 300 versus Cadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS was produced by General Motors from the 2003 – 2019 model years. Primarily known as a mid-size rear-wheel-drive 4-door sedan, it was also offered as a 2-door coupe and 4-door wagon at times during its run. A high-performance variant, the CTS-V, was offered for most of the CTS’ production, fitted with a high-output V8 engine or twin-turbo V6 and performance upgrades. As a Cadillac, the CTS is a recognized luxury vehicle, while the Chrysler 300 is a sedan that can be equipped with some luxury features. The CTS rides on a shorter wheelbase than the 300, and is a few inches shorter in overall length. The 300 has a roomier second row and a larger trunk.
