2023 Chrysler 300 Review

Raise a glass: The 2023 Chrysler 300 is the end of the line for Chrysler's smartly dressed muscle car. Dwindling sales, general buyer disinterest in sedans, and the specter of a forthcoming electric crossover-sedan mashup mean the 300 has outlived its usefulness. The 300 owes its longevity, in part, to the Dodge Charger, which is produced on the same platform and has offered a two-for-one manufacturing benefit. But with the Charger also due for an imminent exit, the business case appears to have evaporated.

2023 caps a good 18-year run for the 300 sedan. Chrysler sold more than 400,000 units in the first few model years, and the 300's Bentley-like styling and affordable price made it a staple in music, fashion and lifestyle niches. Iconic menswear designer John Varvatos even had a one-off signature edition, which got a promo push from legendary rocker and Michigan native Iggy Pop.

But sales tapered off, rebounded slightly in the mid-2010s after a redesign, and have slowed to a trickle ever since. We've been fans of the 300's plush and spacious cabin, big trunk and comfortable ride quality. Its respectable V6 and burly V8 engines deliver satisfying acceleration, and you can get the 300 with all-wheel drive. It remains a smart pick that looks good in the valet line and can comfortably cover long distances. While rival full-size sedans, including the Volkswagen Arteon and Toyota Avalon, offer more modern tech and better fuel economy, the 300 still makes a bold statement.

That's especially true of the 2023 Chrysler 300C, which will end the 300 run with a roar. Limited to just 2,000 units in the U.S., the 300C essentially plugs the Charger/Challenger's 6.4-liter V8 under the hood of the stately 300. Output is bumped to a rocking 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. Chrysler says the 300C sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The 300C also features four-piston Brembo brakes for increased stopping performance and adaptive dampers that will allow the 300C to switch between laidback cruiser and corner-tackling sport sedan.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in Touring, Touring L, S and C trim levels. Each is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels. The V6 generates 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in the Touring and Touring L and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the S. All-wheel drive is an option with the Touring and Touring L trims. Chrysler also offers a 5.7-liter V8 (363 hp, 394 lb-ft) for the 300S. There's also the 2023-only 300C, which swaps in a 6.4-liter V8 (485 hp, 475 lb-ft).