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- Highs Spacious cabin, available Hemi V-8 power, abundant luxury features.
- Lows Out-of-date interior, S model's suspension too stiff for some drivers, limited storage space.
- Verdict The Chrysler 300 is an aging land-yacht, but it will suit buyers looking for a traditional rear-drive American sedan.
Overview
Chrysler long ago posited that a full-size near-luxury car needn’t blend into the background, so it designed its flagship sedan, the 300, to stand out in a crowd. The 300 is particularly handsome in its sporty S trim, with meaty 20-inch wheels, smoke-tinted headlamps, and a menacing black-mesh grille, but even the luxury-oriented C trim carries itself with swagger unique to this class. The 300 has been modernized over the years with the latest in infotainment and active safety technology, but the design and materials in its spacious interior are beginning to reveal this beauty’s true age. For some, the 300’s shortcomings will be all too obvious, but for buyers seeking a return of the good old days, it might be just the ticket.
What's New for 2017?
Chrysler’s flagship sedan rolls into 2017 with a number of improvements and new appearance packages. The S Model Appearance package includes a unique front bumper and side sills, LED fog lights, and a rear spoiler, and an interior package adds sport seats with perforated leather. There's also an Alloy Edition package for the 300S, with dark-bronze exterior trim, black leather seats with caramel-colored contrasting stitching, and Liquid Titanium interior accent trim. The rest of the lineup benefits from an upgraded infotainment system that now provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Limited: $33,435
- S: $36,770
- C: $39,730
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Chrysler 300 is unique in the large-car segment for its rear-wheel-drive layout and available Hemi V-8 engine. All-wheel drive is optional, but only with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 292 horsepower in 300 Limited and 300C models but makes eight more ponies in the 300S. The available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 cranks out a healthy 363 horsepower and 396 lb-ft of torque. Both engines mate to a buttery smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hemi V-8 plus rear-wheel-drive architecture give the 300 performance street cred that its class rivals can’t match. Handling is surprisingly confident considering the Chrysler’s size and weight, but sport-tuned 300S models might take the sportiness too far for some tastes. Body roll is well-controlled, and the chassis is willing to play—as long as you don’t get overly aggressive.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Abundant standard luxury features create a value proposition for the 300, with even more pampering available as you climb through the trims levels. However, dated interior design and the questionable quality of some interior materials are clues to the 300’s age. Even base 300 Limited models come with such luxury items as power front seats with heat and adjustable lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, and illuminated cupholders. Higher trims add heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable steering column. Trunk capacity is average, but the 300’s large back seat provides much more space for hauling. In-cabin storage space for small items is a bit limited.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An intuitive infotainment system with quick responses and a comprehensive list of connectivity features make the 300 an easy car to live with, even though onboard Wi-Fi is notably missing from the options list. We appreciate Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system for its ease of use, intuitive menu layout, and snappy performance. The standard 8.4-inch touchscreen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation is optional on the 300S and standard on the 300C, and the top trim can also be equipped with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chrysler 300’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
