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- Highs 300C model goes out with a shouty V-8, spacious interior, base model’s comfy ride.
- Lows Aging tech, AWD not available with a Hemi, underwhelming interior appointments.
- Verdict After a long and successful run the Chrysler 300 is headed for retirement—and none too soon.
Overview
The 2023 model year is the last for the well-worn Chrysler 300 full-size sedan. This latest version, introduced in its current form in 2011, is well into its golden years but still spry. Its familiar shape still gives off a bad-ass vibe and its interior is quite roomy. While it’s not as fuel-efficient nor as well-equipped as its competitors it’s still a reasonable option for those in the market for a full-size sedan—a segment that gets smaller and smaller each year. The tried and true Pentastar V6 remains the standard engine, and models equipped with it can be configured with rear- or all-wheel drive while the two available V-8 engines can only be had with rear-drive. But there is one last bit of good news for the geriatric Chrysler sedan in its final tour: it gets a shot of adrenaline in the form of a powerful 300C performance model.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2023?
For its last model year, the big Chrysler four-door sees the re-introduction of the 300C, which features the same muscular 6.4-liter V-8 that’s long been available in Dodge Challengers and Chargers. It’s rated at 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of twist. Chrysler says the bigger powerplant will enable the most muscular 300 to sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. We’ll know if that’s a solid claim when we take one to our test track. Other enhancements to the 300C include a refined interior with carbon fiber accents, Brembo brakes, and adaptive suspension – similar to the hardware found on Dodge Charger and Challenger Scat Pack models – and a new tri-color badge exclusive to the 300C. Otherwise, the Chrysler 300 will remain mostly unchanged.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We'd recommend the midrange Touring L model, which bundles plenty of luxury and convenience features at a reasonable price. It comes with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 and can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive. We'd also spring for the aforementioned Comfort Group package because we think large sedans should provide a certain level of plushness. If you want the V-8, you'll have to upgrade to the more expensive 300S, which adds a firmer suspension. Shoppers should also take note of the V-8's thirst for fuel. We’ve yet to sample the range-topping 300C, which is $21,000 more than a base touring model, so we can’t say whether we’d splurge for it or not—but given our penchant for performance we suspect that we will find it compelling.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
In the large-car segment, the Chrysler 300 is unusual for its rear-wheel-drive layout and its available Hemi V-8 engines. All-wheel drive is optional but only with the standard 292-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine. In our testing, a rear-wheel-drive V-6-powered 300S hustled to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds; that's slow for this class but still reasonably sprightly. A 5.7-liter V-8-powered rear-driver netted a snappy 5.3-second result in the same test way back in 2015. The 300 is not a bad-handling car for its size. The helm isn't the most talkative, but body roll is well controlled, and the chassis is willing to play—as long as you don't get overly aggressive. The stiffer suspension and 20-inch wheels on the 300S make that particular model ride a bit rough, which seems out of step with the 300's near-luxury mission. If you're in the market for something comfy, stick with the Touring or Touring L.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA rates Chrysler 300 sedans equipped with the base V-6 at 19 in the city and 30 on the highway for rear-wheel drive units, which drops to 18 city and 27 highway for ones with all-wheel drive. Sedans with the 5.7-liter Hemi see ratings fall further to 16 city and 25 highway, and 300C models with the 392-cubic-inch 6.4-liter V-8 see an even lower 15 city and 24 highway. We’ve yet to evaluate the its real-world mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. In previous testing, we found that the 300 falls a bit short of its rivals when it comes to fuel economy. Other competitors—such as the Nissan Maxima and the Volkswagen Arteon—are more efficient. Beyond that, the 5.7-liter and newly available 6.4-liter Hemi V8 are far more hungry for gas. For more information about the 300's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 300's entry-level offering is the Touring. It comes with cloth seats and few amenities. The fancier Touring L and 300S models boast more features, including power-adjustable front seats with heat and adjustable lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, and illuminated front and rear cupholders. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable steering wheel are optional on all but the base model. The new 300C model offers further refinement courtesy of Black Laguna leather seats, a standard 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, and interior carbon fiber accenting.
Chrysler utilizes soft-touch rubberized plastic with a leather-grain pattern to cover the dashboard and upper door panels of every 300. The texture feels nice but looks artificial. The interior design is aging, and not gracefully. The 300, like just about every car in this segment, manages to fit six carry-on boxes in the trunk. With the rear seats folded, it swallowed another 10. Those seats can be split in a 60/40 arrangement, but they don't fold completely flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
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 will also show the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces. SiriusXM satellite radio is also offered with a one-year trial period, and in-dash navigation is optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Chrysler's driver-assistance gear, bundled in the SafetyTec Plus package, is available for all but the base model. For more information about the 300's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chrysler's warranty coverage for the 300 is nothing special. Some rivals offer similar packages, but the standout winner here is the Kia Cadenza, with up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
