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- Highs Distinctive styling, available Hemi V-8, lots of standard and optional luxury features.
- Lows Unremarkable standard engine, dated interior design, just average storage and cargo capacity.
- Verdict The 2018 Chrysler 300 will suit buyers looking for a well-equipped full-size sedan with a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout, but its interior design is beginning to show its age.
Overview
Chrysler’s full-size 300 has attitude to match its outsize exterior, and it continues to stand out in a stale segment that contains few other extroverted sedans. Its conspicuous styling is made even more distinctive by available appearance packages and a menacing 300S trim that comes with blacked-out wheels, smoked headlamps, and a performance-tuned suspension. More into the luxe look? The Limited and 300C models project a statelier image and a lot of chrome. Despite its multiple personalities, the 300 lineup includes no model with remarkable driving dynamics. Its interior is aging, too, even though Chrysler has layered on a thick coating of makeup in the form of modern infotainment and active safety features.
What's New for 2018?
Chrysler has reshuffled the 300 lineup for 2018 to make it align better with the brand’s only other offering, the Pacifica minivan. Consumers can now choose among Touring, Touring L, 300S, Limited, and 300C. The new entry-level Touring model comes with a cloth interior and 17-inch wheels. A Sport Appearance package and a Chrome Appearance package are optional on both Touring versions. Sporty 300S models can now be had with the Alloy package, which adds bronze-tinted 20-inch wheels and exterior trim. The Limited trim gets a slight upgrade to 20-inch wheels, and both it and the upscale 300C can be had with a new mocha-colored leather interior. Two metallic clear-coat colors are added: Green and Ocean Blue.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- 300 Touring: $30,390
- 300 Touring L: $34,035
- 300 300S: $37,690
- 300 Limited: $38,940
- 300C: $42,390
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Chrysler 300 features a standard rear-wheel-drive layout, with all-wheel drive as an option only with the standard V-6 engine. The 3.6-liter V-6 produces 292 hp in 300 Limited and 300C models but makes eight more ponies in the 300S. It's on the slower end of its class, but the V-6 pulls strongly enough for confident merging, and it emits a lovely, muted burble. The available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 churns out 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, lending the 300 a level of street cred that most rivals can't match. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts gears quickly and subtly in Normal mode, but the Sport mode sharpens it up, quickens the throttle response, and firms steering effort. The 300 is not a bad-handling car for its size. Body roll is well controlled, and the chassis is willing to play—as long as you don’t get overly aggressive. The suspension on the 300S model is stiffer than on the rest of the lineup, which makes for a rough ride that seems out of step with the 300’s near-luxury mission.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Abundant luxury features are standard in the 300, and even more pampering is available as you climb through the trim levels. But a dated interior design and the questionable quality of some materials are clues to the 300’s age. Even base models come with luxury items that buyers may not expect, such as power front seats with heat and adjustable lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats. Upgrade to the top-spec 300C or 300C Platinum, and the luxury quotient is even higher. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable steering column are all unique to those models. Front-seat occupants may wish for more legroom, but rear-seat passengers are treated to more than enough. The seemingly large trunk offers surprisingly average luggage space, but the 300’s large back seat provides much more room for hauling. Look around for cubbies to stash road-trip detritus, however, and you’ll find mixed results.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An intuitive infotainment setup with quick responses and a comprehensive list of connectivity features make the 300 an easy car to live with. The 300S can now be had with a 552-watt, 10-speaker Beats audio system. Limited and 300C trims offer an optional 19-speaker Harman/Kardon setup. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot powered by a 4G LTE data connection is optional. We appreciate Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system for its ease of use, intuitive menu layout, and snappy performance. The 300’s standard 8.4-inch touchscreen display features this easygoing interface and sweetens the deal with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is optional on the 300S and standard on the 300C.
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.
